I was officially diagnosed in 2023 with breast cancer stage 3C triple negative. From December 21, 2023, until April 2025, I have been in cancer treatment. I had a complete hysterectomy and bowel obstruction surgery in April 2024 before my double mastectomy. I’ve done chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation, and oral chemotherapy because I have the most aggressive form of breast cancer with a higher recurrence rate.
I kept my cancer a secret from family for about two years until it became too hard to hide anymore. I was hospitalized for 18 days when my diagnosis was told to me.
Cancer wreaks havoc on the mental health as well as physical health. People will “ghost” you. My so-called good friends don’t check on me like they used to before I was sick. My financial situation is horrible. I think cancer can lead people into PTSD. I do have “triggers”.
I’m trying to enjoy life; I’ve come to terms that this may be my “new normal”. I haven’t worked in over two years. My lowest weight got all the way down to 100 lbs. I completed oral chemotherapy in April, and it was rough. I’m still dealing with some of the side effects from the medication.
When I got my diagnosis, I also received good news that I had two sisters and finally found out who my biological dad was. I finally have pictures of my dad. I look more like him than my sisters… lol. Unfortunately, he died in 2010, but I spend time with my new sisters as much as I can while still recovering from treatment and surgeries.
I want to live long; I joined church and got to see the Grand Canyon last week. I just want to live and be happy. I have a great family, great doctors, a cancer support team and GOD! Amen
At Learn Look Locate, Rachel’s courageous battle against breast cancer touches our hearts deeply. We are honored to share survivors‘ stories, offering a platform for survivors to come together, learn, and find solace in one another’s experiences. Through our diverse range of resources including Rachel’s survivor narrative, our mission is to empower individuals at every phase of their cancer journey. We proudly stand by Rachel and all those who demonstrate remarkable courage, celebrating their strength and reminding the world that hope shines brightest, even amidst life’s greatest trials.
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