Lifestyle
As I neared the end of my chemotherapy treatment, I felt a renewed sense of energy. Eager to embrace life, I grabbed our swimming gear and joined my kids and partner at the pool, ready to enjoy some sunshine and playtime. On a whim, I decided to film a video beside the pool, showcasing my mastectomy scars, chemotherapy port, and chest wall excision marks. The response was astonishing.
In just a week, my video garnered over two million views. The comments were overwhelmingly supportive. Many shared their own breast cancer experiences or those of loved ones, while others offered encouragement. I had no idea my video would resonate so deeply, but I’m grateful it did. My primary goal is to raise awareness about breast cancer.
When you watch the video, you might see a woman radiating confidence. Friends, family, and followers frequently tell me I’m brave and strong, expressing that they could never muster the courage to post such vulnerable content online. While it certainly takes bravery to share my story, it also requires a strong sense of purpose.
I refuse to keep my two breast cancer experiences to myself. There has been a great deal of pain and anxiety, and suppressing those feelings is just too exhausting. When women share their breast cancer journeys or any personal experiences, they foster awareness and might help someone in ways we can’t even imagine. Social media’s beauty lies in its accessibility; when someone shares their story publicly, it can touch and potentially benefit others.
My journey began in 2017 when I found a lump during a self-exam. I had previously removed two benign lumps, so I initially suspected this one was harmless too. However, I chose to consult my doctor, who ordered an ultrasound and my very first mammogram. The ultrasound confirmed the presence of a lump, but the radiologist deemed it benign and suggested a wait-and-see approach. I was told to return in six months for follow-up scans.
At first, I felt relieved, but as days passed, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was wrong. I sought a second opinion. The breast surgeon I consulted performed another ultrasound and agreed to biopsy the lump. After the biopsy, my family and I took a vacation. Upon our return, I confidently walked into the surgeon’s office, iced coffee in hand, to receive my results. It was then that my world shattered.
She entered with an iPad and delivered the words I will never forget: “I hate to tell you this, but you have breast cancer.” I was in shock, barely processing her subsequent words—chemotherapy, genetic testing, mastectomy. I left with pamphlets adorned with flowers and images of elderly women.
It was unbelievable. I walked into that appointment as one person, and in an instant, I became someone with breast cancer—someone who would have to make difficult medical choices while juggling work and raising four children, one of whom was still an infant. A breast cancer diagnosis was never part of my plans; I was only thirty-five.
The following months were a whirlwind of events and emotions. My genetic tests for BRCA1 and BRCA2 came back negative. I found a new breast surgeon who presented me with two treatment options. I underwent an MRI, blood tests, and consultations with a radiologist and oncologist. The most significant event was a bilateral, direct-to-implant mastectomy, followed by a two-month recovery period.
I spoke openly about my breast cancer journey, reassured by the low chance of recurrence. I began attending therapy to address the trauma of my medical experiences, wrote articles on breast cancer, and encouraged everyone to perform monthly self-breast exams.
Then, last year, I fell ill and experienced a myriad of symptoms with no clear explanation. I considered myself healthy, regularly exercising and eating well, so why was I plagued by anxiety, joint pain, brain fog, fatigue, and countless other symptoms? I sought answers in a Facebook group discussing breast implant issues and quickly identified my problem: breast implant illness.
I contacted my plastic surgeon to schedule my explant surgery—I was eager to rid my body of the silicone implants. What I thought would be a straightforward process became more complicated. While waiting for the explant surgery, I discovered a lump in my chest wall. After several ultrasounds and a biopsy, I received a second breast cancer diagnosis.
I’ve undergone two surgeries to remove the cancerous mass, my implants, and to install a chemotherapy port. I’ve completed twelve rounds of chemotherapy and immunotherapy and am soon to start thirty-three rounds of radiation, continuing immunotherapy until next spring. Just writing this makes me feel exhausted. The physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual toll of battling breast cancer—not just once, but twice—is immense.
This is why I filmed my video. I want to remind others of the importance of self-breast exams, which have been crucial for my early detection—twice. I am still too young for routine mammograms, and had I ignored my body’s signals, I can only imagine how dire the situation could have become.
One in eight women will face an invasive breast cancer diagnosis in her lifetime, and it’s important to understand that it’s not her fault. Cancer is a formidable foe, and 11% of those diagnosed will be under the age of forty-five, just like me. I share my story not only to raise awareness but also to combat the stigma associated with being a cancer patient. I urge women my age to advocate for their health and take charge of their breast examinations, as many do not qualify for yearly mammograms yet.
I’m grateful for the opportunities that social media provides. It can be a space for light-hearted content like pet videos and fashion tips, but it’s also a platform where I can share my journey and encourage other women to prioritize their health.
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In summary, I have faced breast cancer twice at a young age, reminding us all to prioritize our health through self-exams and awareness. My journey, shared through social media, aims to empower other women to advocate for themselves and take charge of their breast health.
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