My Journey Begins: Diagnosed with Breast Cancer at 36

March 2021 will forever be etched in my memory as the month my life took an unexpected turn. At 36 years old, I found myself facing a diagnosis that would change everything.

Separated from my husband after a domestic violence incident, I was living in a rented townhouse in Washington with my two-year-old daughter. My support system in Washington was minimal, but two close friends came to my aid when I needed them most.

It was during a routine shower when I first felt the lump in my left breast. Concerned, I reached out to my primary physician, only to be told I'd have to wait weeks for an appointment due to his nurse's absence. Desperate for answers, I turned to my daughter's pediatrician, who expedited my examination.

The subsequent mammogram and ultrasound led to a harrowing discovery: a lump requiring further investigation. In a cramped examination room, the doctor delivered the news that would shatter my world—cancer.

With my daughter by my side, oblivious to the gravity of the moment, I struggled to comprehend the reality unfolding before me. Alone and without childcare options, I faced the devastating news with a heavy heart.

The nurse's gentle words and my daughter's innocent embrace offered fleeting solace amid the chaos. Armed with pamphlets and recommendations for cancer centers, I left the clinic, my mind reeling with fear and uncertainty.

Returning home, I sought refuge in routine, distracting my daughter with her favorite cartoon while I grappled with the weight of my diagnosis. In the solitude of my shower, tears streamed down my face, washing away the facade of strength I had so desperately clung to.

As I navigated the tumultuous waters of cancer treatment, I drew strength from the love of my daughter and the unwavering support of my friends and family. Despite the overwhelming challenges ahead, I resolved to face each day with courage and resilience, determined to emerge stronger than ever before.

This is my story—a testament to the power of love, the strength of the human spirit, and the unyielding determination to overcome life's greatest adversities.

My daughter dog and I snuggling the night I was diagnosed.