One year ago, today (October 18, 2021), I walked into a breast surgeon's office to have a lump that I discovered in my left breast  examined. One year ago, today, that same breast surgeon shared the lump that I saw and felt was only a benign tumor (fibroadenoma) - my mind and heart were at ease hearing this news. Despite the peace my mind and heart felt... One year ago, today, I decided to have that mysterious lump removed to remove all questions, follow-up examinations, and unspoken fears that would undoubtedly surface in the future.

 On November 2, 2021 (2 days after my 35th birthday),  I was scheduled to have a Lumpectomy...

One year ago, today, the discoveries found under the pathologist's microscope were full of shock and awe. Those findings changed me, my heart, and life forever... Six unexpected words were uttered from my breast surgeon's lips on November 10, 2021... Ms. Hughes, the tumor was malignant. So many thoughts went through my mind and heart at lightning speed after the word  tumor and malignant were uttered in the same sentence. Despite those racing thoughts, my mind, heart, soul, and will  kicked into "survival mode." After the diagnosis, the only thing I cared about was the "game plan" to eradicate breast cancer from my body/my life. On December 10, 2021, I opted to have a double mastectomy to get the “game plan” ball rolling.

In hindsight, one year ago, today, I am eternally grateful that the Lord gave me the ability to shift my mind/heart/focus into survival mode (with Him as my Captain) because it's the only way that I was/have been able to make it to today, one year later... Stronger, more equally balanced and I am humbled to say that I have a stronger relationship with Him because of breast cancer. I am brave and strong because He has given me the courage and strength that I never knew I possessed. He has made me very brave and I am now more aware of His Strength within me as a believer.💗

The lessons learned one year ago, today, will never be forgotten. A breast cancer diagnosis is a long, and arduous journey... It's a journey that I am surprisingly still on even though it's been one year! Maintenance chemotherapy is something that I still undergo every 3 weeks (until January 2023). Due to radiation side effects, occupational therapy visits have become my 'new normal' at least until the end of November of 2022. Also, due to radiation side effects, I won’t be able to have my final reconstructive surgery until July or August of 2023. I have regular bone  and body scans to ensure that I am indeed still "cancer free.” A hormone therapy (currently, Tamoxifen… but my oncologist will more than likely switch me over to Letrozole post January 2023) pill has become an intimate part of my life, and it will be a part of my daily routine for the next 10 years. Intermixed through all of this, there has been life/lifestyle changes and rhythms that have been adjusted to curb stress and also to maintain a keen awareness of health, diet, and fitness... I will say that I was very aware and pretty health conscious, diet conscious, and fitness conscious pre-diagnosis too - but now I am a little more dogmatic in these areas (knowing and trusting that He has predestined/ordained plans for my life that are beyond my control). 

Yes, I do vividly remember, one year ago, today, in hopes of encouraging all those who care to read an update about my journey. OctoberIS breast cancer awareness month. Surprisingly, breast cancer is on the rise among young women. My one admonition to anyone who cares to read this post is this... Go get your yearly mammograms if/when you suspect a mysterious lump. If you're too young to have a mammogram performed like I am; advocate for yourself, and pay to have one performed anyway. If the radiologist deems your lump and/or dense tissue to be just a cyst, like me... Pay to have the tumor removed anyway. Yes, it's a pricey surgery, but this world only gets one of YOU. Well, and if you're blessed to have the blessed gifts of marriage and children - they only get one mom (or dad) too. Do not try to 'save money' because you feel you're too young to have breast cancer. Breast cancer does not discriminate against age, race, health status, and/or socioeconomic status. Early detection is critical. Young ladies, please have yourselves checked if you're unsure about anything mysteriously going awry in your body. Lastly, if anyone else feels led to pray, please pray for the two scans that I have upcoming to be sure that I am still "cancer free:”

Bone/Whole Body Scan - 10/20/22

CT Chest Abdomen/Pelvis Scan - 10/31/22

In the Grip of His Grace,

Crystal