Nicole Lehr

Now that we have gotten answers to most of our questions I am ready to share with you. Somehow also sharing on Facebook makes things real and for the last month I have been waiting to wake up from what seems like a nightmare. Unfortunately that will not be happening.


For the last month my family and I have been through emotional hell. The hell was confirmed for us on Valentines Day that I have been diagnosed with Stage 3 Triple Negative Breast Cancer. I met with my team of doctors this week at The Massey Cancer Center at VCU. They have been the first doctors to actually tell me "this is curable!" It is amazing how 3 little words can mend a broken heart. That being said my journey will be beginning in the next couple of weeks. I will receive 16 treatments of chemo over the next 5 months, surgery and radiation.


Yes I will loose my hair. That's ok! It will grow back. I've always wanted to rock a bald head but never had the nerve to do it. Yes pretty good odds I will loose my breasts. That's ok! My babies have been fed, I no longer need them. Yes my strong will WILL be tested. That’s ok! Need I remind you I have had 2 decently sized babies without any drugs, one at home in my bedroom? I can handle anything! Anything the good man above throws at me. I am a woman and I am strong. I will be channeling the strength of my courageous friend Crystal. I know she will be holding my hand through this journey.


Why am I sharing this with you you may ask? Not because I want your sympathy. That is the last thing I want. I am sharing because if you are like me, as a mother, you put yourself last. I am the last one to go to the doctor if sick. I am the last one on my totem pole. Don't be like me. I assumed well yes I have a mass in my breast but its large and "breast cancer isn't large" FALSE. I'm 37 I'm not old enough for the "recommended" age of mammograms. I have no family history of Breast Cancer. I don't fit the "mold" FALSE. Well 1 out of 8 woman are diagnosed with breast cancer and only about 20% of them actually have a family history. They are also now linking colon and breast cancer. That history I do have in my family. Don't ignore yourself like I did.


We are so lucky to have such a supportive family and friends unit in our lives to help us get through this time. A few friends have offered to step in if need be to cover for me at work. My fabulous business partner is going to hold things down for me if I am absent. I plan to be there through all of this journey unless I am physically unable. My unbelievably supportive clients, who are like family, have shed tears with me while I have ruined their days. Cause lets face it, things will be obvious in a couple of weeks.


What I ask of you is to keep my family and myself in your

prayers . Send us good positive vibes. If you see one of my babies, including my 40 year old one, give them a smile or a hug. They could use it.