MEET KATIE
My name is Katie and I was diagnosed with HER2-positive breast cancer in December 2020. This was a shock, because I was 35 weeks pregnant with my second child and only 34 years old. With minimal family history of breast cancer, this disease was not on my mind when I found a lump. At first, I brushed it off, but later decided to contact my doctor to be safe.
Unfortunately, on December 30, 2020, I heard the words that no one wants to hear — “You have breast cancer.” Since this was in the middle of the pandemic, I was alone as I heard the words that changed my life.
The next few weeks were busy to say the least! I delivered my daughter, scheduled many tests to determine the stage and type of my breast cancer, and was adjusting to life with two children.
After the diagnosis, I faced another hurdle. I received confirmation that I had stage 4 metastatic breast cancer that had spread to my breast bone. Over the next few months, I started chemotherapy and hormone therapy.
Feeling sick and oftentimes defeated, holding my newborn daughter and spending time with my five year old son got me through those tough moments. I learned to take it one day at a time and relied on my husband, family, and friends. Doing that made things so much easier! In the fall of 2021, I had a mastectomy and started radiation shortly after recovery.
Lessons Learned:
Breast cancer doesn’t discriminate and can impact anyone, regardless of your age.
Don’t put things off. I found a new lease on life and now do things that I enjoy, such as yoga and cooking classes.
Scans still drive me crazy. Relaxing and reminding myself that I can’t change the results but can only move forward helps!
I learned who my true friends are and who I can count on.
Breast cancer has been a true clarifying experience for me! Now, I live each day to the fullest with no regrets. I spend time with my family and children, who are now two and seven, and try not to worry about things that I can’t control. I still have my moments, but they are only moments, no longer days or weeks.
Advice for others recently diagnosed:
Take each day one day at a time. The beginning is overwhelming, but it does get better!
Try to stay positive and take each hurdle in stride.
Find things that give you joy and people you can count on.
Breast cancer is a journey. Even though I’m almost 2.5 years out from my diagnosis, I still need support! I’m thankful for my family and friends who continue to help me through this bump in the road.
