I never expected to hear the words, “You have breast cancer.” I went in for my yearly mammogram like I always had. But this time, they had me stay for a more detailed scan. Then came the biopsy. I wasn’t particularly worried—there was no history of cancer in my family. But I was wrong.

In September 2019, I was diagnosed with Stage 2 Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. My personal physician, Dr. Elizabeth Griffin, was incredibly reassuring. She told me my cancer was 100% curable, and that gave me hope. I met with Dr. Elizabeth DuPont, who confirmed the treatment plan: surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. I remember asking her, “Do I need all three?” She looked at me and said, “All three.” I knew the road ahead wouldn’t be easy, but I also knew I could get through it.

For a year, I had chemotherapy every three weeks—starting with Carboplatin, Taxotere, Herceptin, and Perjeta for the first 18 weeks. After that, I continued with Herceptin and Perjeta for the remainder of the year. Before my chemo began, Dr. DuPont placed my port and also removed three lymph nodes to see if the cancer had spread. Thankfully, it had not. In March 2020, I had a lumpectomy, and after nine months of recovery, I underwent seven weeks of radiation—five weeks of standard treatment and two weeks of targeted radiation.

Throughout it all, Dr. Vugman, my oncologist, was an incredible source of guidance and strength. She was there every step of the way, ensuring I received the best care possible. Even now, years later, I still see Dr. Vugman regularly, and I’m incredibly grateful for the role she continues to play in my journey.

The hardest part of the treatment wasn’t the chemo or the radiation—it was not being able to travel and see my children and grandchildren during the holidays. The chemo was tough, but it was doable. Even now, six years later, I still feel discomfort under my arm, a lingering tenderness that reminds me of everything I’ve been through. But I don’t let that stop me. If anything, cancer has only made me stronger.

Since my diagnosis, my husband and I have prioritized travel. We’ve explored Africa, Antarctica, Greenland, and Tahiti—places I never imagined I’d go. Every day is a gift, and I don’t take any of it for granted.

In a strange twist of fate, one week before my diagnosis, I was named co-chair of the Pink Ribbon Breast Cancer Golf Tournament. It felt like a sign. Now, I run the Lake Ashton Breast Cancer Golf Tournament, with our next event set for November 8, 2025. I also speak at survivor events, hoping to share my journey and encourage others to stay strong.

If I could go back and talk to myself on the day I was diagnosed, I would say: “I can do anything.” And to anyone just starting their breast cancer journey, my advice is simple: “Hang in there—you are stronger than you think.”

Breast cancer didn’t break me. It made me appreciate life more. It made me more determined. Cancer picked the wrong girl.