I was diagnosed at age 33 with stage two invasive breast cancer. I was also ten weeks pregnant with my first child. My joy of becoming a mom was quickly replaced with feeling of shock, confusion and despair. In the weeks following my diagnosis, the shock, the confusion and despair were slowly replaced with hope. Together, my husband and I navigated the cancer treatment path. Given hope by a great medical tem, we set our sights on two separate but equally important goals: successful completion of breast cancer treatment and a healthy baby.
When asked how I managed cancer treatment while pregnant, I answer, “It was easy.” I had the greatest incentive at the end of my treatment: a healthy baby. A baby incentive and a wonderful husband got me through my treatment and helped me to focus on the future and be thankful for the blessings in my life.
My son just celebrated his fourth birthday. He is a vibrant and healthy boy. He loves life and, in typical preschooler fashion, revels in the world’s beauty and wonder – a daily example of how every day should be lived.
I have been cancer-free for four years. I currently work part-time and enjoy participating in the Sister Sak Project, a support program for young women diagnosed with breast cancer, and the Check It Out program, a national cancer awareness program that teaches teenagers about cancer detection.
