06/27/25

I just happened to be in my online health records on Friday afternoon, trying to figure out how to move a prescription to a new pharmacy when I noticed that I had new test results. It was after 3 pm on a summer Friday, and I knew I wouldn’t hear from my doctor until Monday. But I couldn’t wait.

I couldn’t help myself… I clicked on them.

Across the top of the page read “These results have not been reviewed by your team.” As I scanned the page, my eyes locked onto the word ‘carcinoma.’ I felt like I’d been punched in the gut. I couldn’t breathe. My mind reeled as I tried to process the news, all while trying to keep a sense of normalcy for my three kids, who were blissfully unaware of the storm brewing inside me.

My two teenage boys were engrossed in their usual sibling rivalry on the couch just a few feet away, while my 9-year-old daughter was busy in the same room, oblivious to the turmoil that had just erupted within me.

In a daze, I did what I knew I shouldn’t do – I Googled my diagnosis. But in a strange twist of fate, it actually brought me a sense of hope. The affected cells were contained within my milk duct, and my friends, Suzanne and Amy, both medical professionals, reassured me that this was the ‘best case scenario of a bad situation.’

Their words of comfort and expertise were a lifeline in that dark moment. I’m forever grateful for their presence in my life.

As I embark on this journey, I want to invite you to join me. Over the coming days and weeks, I’ll be sharing more about my experience, the ups and downs, and the lessons I’m learning along the way. I hope you’ll follow along, not just to support me, but to also educate yourself and your loved ones about the importance of health awareness and the power of community.

Please share this with your family and friends, and encourage them to follow my story. I would also like this to be a place for you to share your story. Together, we can create a ripple effect of love, support, and understanding that can make a real difference in the lives of those affected by cancer. Stay tuned for what’s next – it’s going to be a journey of hope, resilience, and the unbreakable bonds of friendship and love.”