Hello friends and family!
After being diagnosed with breast cancer twice in 2024, I am joining an incredible group of ladies to hike Hyndman Peak and fundraise to find better treatments and a cure for breast cancer. This climb means a lot to me as I continue to get stronger and heal from my 3 surgeries last year.
My diagnosis of breast cancer in my left breast was early in the year. I was in shock. My mom and grandmother both had breast cancer and I started getting screenings early on but I have taken pretty good care of myself and was active and thought that was enough. They found something at my annual mammogram and then followed up with the mammogram biopsy. Because my breasts were so dense, they weren't sure if they could see anything and didn't want to go ahead with the biopsy. I am so glad they did. After they finished, the nurses were very nice and handed me this bag of goodies full of comforting things like socks and candles. I hadn't gotten my diagnosis yet but received this gift as a "i am sorry you have cancer" and it all became real.
When given the treatment options, I opted to do a lumpectomy,radiation and hormone blocker as it would lead to the same survival rate as a mastectomy and honestly, I wasn't ready for the full monty. I was lucky to have caught it early with my annual screening and it had not reached my lymph nodes. But then at my first 6 month MRI screening, they found false positives in my left bresast and cancer in my right breast. I couldn't believe it- it wasn't there in January and I thought i kicked cancer butt and was right back in it again. And i was on a hormone blocker that was supposed to prevent occurrence. I got an ultasound biopsy and magseed and then an MRI biopsy. The staff and doctors were so nice but when the doctor said, "Good to see you again", I politely suggested that it was not and that other under circumstances it would have been. It was so uncomfortable laying in the MRI tube for an hour and not being able to move at all but i had a compassionate nurse who helped me get through it. This time, I elected to do a double mastectomy and reconstruction to reduce lifetime scanxiety. I never wanted to do another MRI biopsy again and be in the cycle of screening and testing. This was the hardest thing I have ever done and I am still healing and dealing with lymphodema and getting used to my changed body. I missed being outside and being active and was excited to go skiing in December and then tore my meniscus on a cat track and needed a third surgery (meniscotomy)!
Throughout my journey, I am grateful for all the compassionate nurses and care team and all the support from family and friends. I have learned to be more patient, trust my instincts, and never to go on the internet for research!
This climb means a lot to me as I continue improving my muscle strength and stamina and has provided me with peer support and new friends! It feels great to be training outside and reinforces my belief that nature and connection can heal the soul. Movement is a gift and I am grateful that I can still do the things I enjoy (with some adjustments).
Thank you so much for supporting me and Expedition Inspiration to raise money for breast cancer research and finding a cure and for all my friends who have gone on training hikes with me.
Since 1995, Expedition Inspiration has funded over $1,830,225 in research grants. The money we raise goes directly into the hands of those working to find a cure. Expedition Inspiration will be selecting their 2025 Young Investigator this summer. The money raised supports young scientists striving to find a cure for breast cancer.
I appreciate your love, support, and enthusiasm as I work hard to get to the summit of Hydman Peak.
Thank you again for your support and encouragement!