Alli
Stage 3, Indiana
“At the age of 28, I was diagnosed with Stage 3 Invasive Ductal Carcinoma.”
Cancer. Its such a heavy word, even for an optimist like me. I was scared and overwhelmed. When I would share my news with loved ones, their faces would drop, and so would my spirit. Being alone with my 2 year old daughter, and 2 month old son would send me into a deep, dark place.
Luckily, I met with an amazing team who took me from my diagnosis to my first chemo treatment all within 3 weeks! My tumor itched like crazy during my first treatment, and I was told that this was a good sign!
By my second round of chemo, I could feel the tumor shrinking, and by round 4, I could not feel the tumor at all! I always looked forward to infusion days because even though they made me sick, they were bringing me closer to being better.
After I finished my hard-hitting chemos, I had a double mastectomy, and right now I am going through radiation. I will be getting targeted treatment until November of this year, and then I will be on hormone blockers for a decade after that.
When I type it all out, this does seem like an awful lot, but honestly, one of the lessons that cancer has taught me most is to take one day at a time! Life has a lot more beautiful, sparkly moments in it than sad ones. I am going to celebrate every life event that I can to the fullest!
My advice to anyone would be to trust your gut! If you’re scared about something new on your body, keep seeking further investigation until you get to the bottom of your concern. Trust me, waiting for answers is the worst!
Once you get an answer, things will get better: either the news will be that things are alright, or the news will be that you’re getting a plan set up to make things alright, again.