Beyond Survival: Stephanie’s Raw and Radiant Journey Through Breast Cancer and Self-Discovery

The Diagnosis No One Warned Me About

Brace yourself for full honesty! This has been quite the journey of self-discovery for me. I was told after my baseline mammogram at age 40 that I had dense breast tissue, but I was never informed that that meant I was at a higher risk of developing breast cancer. I was healthy, active, vegetarian, didn’t drink much, and had no family history. So, I thought I was in the clear.

After finding a grape-sized lump in my breast and a second one in my armpit, I was alone with my breast surgeon—my husband on speakerphone—when I heard the dreaded words: “You have breast cancer.” I was 44. Stage 2 Grade 3 Estrogen Positive Invasive Ductal Carcinoma with lymph node involvement. Later upgraded to Stage 3 with DCIS also found.

Facing Treatment During a Pandemic

It was August 2020, in the middle of the pandemic. My incredible husband drove me two hours every two weeks from Venice to Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa—waiting for hours in the parking lot because only patients were allowed inside. With no time to process or research, I started chemo almost immediately: 8 rounds of dose-dense AC and Taxol.

In January 2021, I had a modified radical double mastectomy with aesthetic flat closure and lymphovenous bypass. I was declared cancer free with a pathologic complete response and declined radiation. I believe fasting during chemo played a key role in my outcome.

Hormone Therapy and the Mental Toll

In April 2021, I began hormone therapy: Anastrozole and monthly Zoladex injections. The side effects were unbearable—hot flashes every 15-30 minutes around the clock, brain fog, joint pain, depression, rage, and crushing migraines. I became unrecognizable to myself—and honestly, a terror to be around. By December 2024, I was mentally spiraling and even planning how to end things in a way that wouldn’t traumatize my loved ones.

I tried everything—meds, Veozah, holistic remedies. Eventually, I chose to stop hormone therapy. Quality of life became my priority. With support, I began healing—physically and emotionally.

Choosing a New Path: Healing Mind and Body

Today, I embrace a holistic lifestyle: meditation, yoga, daily exercise, whole foods, and no alcohol. I’ve started antidepressants to help with mood, though I’m unsure if they help with hot flashes. Thankfully, black cohosh brought some much-needed relief.

I’m connecting with community, finding my tribe, and giving myself grace to feel all the feelings. I’ve returned to working, creating, and even gardening again. This process has reintroduced me to who I really am.

Flat Advocacy and Celebrating Strength

Not everything about cancer is bad. I’ve grown stronger and more resilient than I ever imagined. My 27-year marriage is even stronger. I’ve fulfilled a childhood dream—becoming a model—as a mastectomy model and flat advocate. I’m now 49 and approaching my 5-year cancer-free anniversary on August 19, 2025. On March 26, 2025, I officially entered the Survivorship Program at Moffitt.

I’m not living in fear. If recurrence happens, I’ll face it then—not now.

What I Wish I Knew Sooner

There’s a ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ culture in cancer treatment. Providers are focused on survival—but we need preparation for *living* through and after it. I had no one in my life who had been through it to guide me.

Everything moved so fast, I didn’t know what to ask. No one warned me about the sexual and mental impacts of treatment. Pelvic floor therapy helped immensely. And my advice to others? Always advocate for yourself.

Connect with Stephanie

Follow my journey and advocacy work:

Instagram: @morethantwobreasts
Facebook: Becoming by SSM Design
Website: SSMDesign.com

XO,
Stephanie

A Message from Learn Look Locate

At Learn Look Locate, Stephanie’s unfiltered, deeply honest journey through breast cancer is a powerful reminder that survivorship is about more than just being alive—it’s about reclaiming joy, identity, and strength. We are honored to share her story and provide a platform where survivors can find connection, validation, and support.

Through our medically vetted resources, we aim to empower individuals at every phase of the breast cancer journey—physically, mentally, and emotionally. We proudly stand by Stephanie and all those who turn adversity into advocacy. Her courage is lighting the way for others, and we’re honored to walk this path with her.