I hemmed and hawed about writing my story because I was having a hard time putting my emotions into words. May of 2022 is when I found out that my test results returned positive for breast cancer. I was devastated. When I found out the breast cancer was metastatic I was at a loss for words. I was emotionally overwhelmed. I was practically comatose. I cried. I prayed. I cried. I prayed. I thought about my end of life- How much time I had left. I thought about all the things I wanted to do. And all of the things I have left to do.
There was a plethora of things I had to do to prepare. For what I accepted as the inevitable and the right now. I was a hot mess. Although I continued to wrestle with my thoughts, my fears, and my emotions, I shared my diagnosis with those closest to me.
I am grateful to have the support of my family and a couple of close friends. Over time, with grace, my care team convinced me that metastatic doesn’t mean the immediate end. There are very effective medicines and continuous research. I had support from my family and my friends. However, everyone still has a life to live and things to do. Family to attend to. I was facing a lot as well. Doctor appointments. CT scans. Chemotherapy. Daily radiation and chronic fatigue. Lots of medicine. Multiple surgeries. I found a determination to stay positive and responsible. I remained strong in my faith and in my own understanding, and I mustered up enough mental strength to come to grips with and accept the Teresa cancer has deemed me to be. It wasn’t easy.
I don’t know if it was my care team or my own internet search that I found the Breast Cancer Coalition. Although my care team is working hard for me, I have the emotional support of my family and the occasional company of a couple of good friends, there was something missing. The Coalition provides a sisterhood, which I appreciate. My first meeting was a Thursday Common Ground lunch. When I introduced myself, I could barely get my words out through tears. But those women embraced me in a way I’ll never forget. They got me through that day and many after that. My advice to anyone fighting cancer — reach out for support from peers. Women who’ve fought and are fighting with you, loving and supporting you. That’s what the Breast Cancer Coalition means to me—I’m present. I’m resilient. I’m happy. I’m loved.
October 2024
