I was then referred to a surgeon and decided to move forward with a bilateral mastectomy.
Surgery was no longer an option.
My head was spinning.
Courtesy of April Courtright
I had relatives who had breast cancer, but I tested negative for the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.
I never thoughtcancerwas the cause.
My son, Lincoln, will never remember who I was before cancer.
Courtesy of April Courtright
Ive cried over this more than Id like to admit.
I started my treatment plan in January 2020, just before my 34th birthday.
The clinical trial included two targeted therapies and a harsh chemo regimen.
Courtesy of April Courtright
I had to stop pursuing a career.
My bones and joints hurt more than I couldve imagined and my energy was low.
Not long after that,COVIDhit.
When I could leave the house for my weekly treatment, I could no longer bring anyone with me.
I had to undergo a new chemotherapy and whole brain radiation (WBR).
I would leave the treatment with my face indented with a cross-hatch pattern from the pressure.
Fast-forward to today, and I have two spots left in my brain.
New treatments continue to have aggressive side effects, which are a stark reminder of how important research is.
We keep moving on to the next treatment until there are no options left.
But it also comes with risks to my organs, which constantly need to be monitored.
(After a recent echocardiogram, my heart is closely being watched.)
A lot of MBC patients say that friends and family pulled away from them after their diagnosis.
While Ive lost some friends, MBC has brought my family closer together.
My husband has been my biggest advocate, and he and my brother and sister-in-law are my best friends.
Im truly grateful that Im still here with them by my side.
My family and my dark humor are how I get through my day to day.
Some days are justtoohard, but most days Im recovering or spending time on hobbies.
I regularly add items to my bucket list so I can keep experiencing new things.
Ill turn 38 in January.
I dont know whats next for me, but I know I wont go silently.
(Im an Illinois state captain and a state ambassadorfor#LightUpMBC2023; more on thathere.)
And Ill continue to venture to be the best person I can besomeone my son will look up to.
(After any heartbreak, I hope hell smile when he thinks of me.)
Kim Peifferis a journalist who writes about style, health, and wellness.
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