My Journey: Trusting My Body and Finding Strength

It started in the shower when I felt a large, movable lump. Worried, I went to Robinson Family Clinic, where Lindsay, a nurse practitioner and fellow breast cancer survivor, helped guide me through tests and scans. By late November 2023, I got the diagnosis: stage 2, nearly stage 3, triple-negative breast cancer. The tumor was big, but thankfully the cancer hadn’t spread, and all six lymph nodes they removed during surgery were clear.

Choosing My Own Path

From the beginning, I knew I wanted to take a different approach. Chemotherapy didn’t feel right for me. At Moffitt Cancer Center and later at Watson Clinic, doctors urged me to follow the standard aggressive treatment plan—chemo first, then surgery—but I stood my ground.

I chose to prioritize my quality of life and went with a holistic approach. I relied on monthly thermography scans to monitor my progress and combined vitamin C and B17 infusions, liver detoxes, acupuncture, and supplements like soursop and magnesium. I cut out sugar, alcohol, and processed foods, focusing on proteins and veggies. I called it my “throw everything at the wall and see what sticks” method—and it worked. Between March and July, my tumor barely grew.

Unfortunately, during a tough time, I had to pause my treatments for two months, and the tumor grew from 3 cm to 7 cm. That was a wake-up call that my regimen really was making a difference. I pushed forward and scheduled surgery.

The Surgery That Changed Everything

After hospitalization due to high liver counts, I opted for a lumpectomy instead of a mastectomy. They removed the tumor and part of the muscle it had attached to, and the margins were clear. Knowing the cancer was gone was a huge relief.

My mom’s experience with breast cancer shaped my decisions. Her aggressive treatments left her weak and struggling for years. Watching her journey taught me to listen to my body and fight for the life I wanted, not just the one the doctors thought I should have.

Finding Strength in Community

When I met Ashley at Jeepin’ for the Cure, I didn’t realize how important she’d become to me. After my diagnosis, she connected me with a community of people who truly understood. They made me feel less alone.

BCFCF stepped in when I needed help the most, covering my water bill, electric bill, and car payment so I could focus on healing. That support lifted a huge weight off my shoulders.

At the next Jeepin’ event, I gave back by offering massages to survivors. Volunteering helps me feel part of something bigger.

Shifting Priorities

Before cancer, I buried myself in work. I missed so much of my kids’ childhood. Over Christmas, I took a road trip to Pennsylvania to visit my son and grandkids. For two weeks, I didn’t work—I just lived. That trip changed my outlook. Now I’m working less, spending more time with my family, and planning a move to be closer to them.

Moving Forward

Cancer changed me in ways I never expected. It taught me to trust my instincts, listen to my body, and lean on the people around me. BCFCF and Ashley showed me the power of community. For anyone on this journey: find your own path. Advocate for yourself. And know you’re never alone.