I found my lump in February of 2015, while I was still in high school.
It was protruding out of my right breast as if it wanted to be found.
(Yes, as an 18-year-old.)
Courtesy of Brittney Beadle
I had a double mastectomy a week later, the day of my senior prom.
(Since then, its spread to my brain and lungs, too.)
The oncologist explained that metastatic breast cancer isnt curable, but itistreatable.
Courtesy of Brittney Beadle
My soul crumbled when I heard the words isnt curable.
I ran out of the room, through the hallway, and wound up crying in a garden.
There are more and more treatments coming out all the time.
Courtesy of Brittney Beadle
I decided right then and there that I would be one of those people.
A few days later I had my first chemo treatment in the morning.
(Spoiler alert: I did.
And its more beautiful than I could have imagined!)
After six treatments, a scan showed I was NEADno evidence of active disease.
(Those are the words everymetastatic breast cancerpatient wants to hear.)
I continued living my life to the fullest while also learning this new way of life.
I spent the entire treatment meditating and envisioning beams shrinking the tumors and healing me.
(Ive done this during chemo, too.
I believe in the power of choosing love over fear!)
A few months later, I learned the cancer had progressed, and I started a new treatment.
Ive had Gamma Knife four times and Im on my fifth line of treatment.
Its keeping me alive, so I can experience more of what this beautiful life has to offer.
I choose to follow that feeling, that love, instead of the fear.
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Ive leaned into my spirituality.
Meditation is very important to me.
And when I need a little extra support, I lean on my friends and family.
You dont have to be strong all the time.
Patrick and I shared a break room while working Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios in 2018.
We were both too nervous to talk at first.
He wasnt put off by the cancer.
Our love story is proof that even with cancer, you might find your soul mate.
Its not always easy, because right now, theres no cure for metastatic breast cancer.
Still, I believe in miracles.
That doesnt mean Im happyallthe time.
Kim Peifferis a journalist who writes about style, health, and wellness.
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