That time I was diagnosed with breast cancer

My diagnosis for breast cancer came completely out of the blue, or so it felt at the time. I remember that April 6th mammogram, a routine check-up, that suddenly turned serious when they found some irregular tissue. Being BRCA1 positive, I knew my risk was higher, but nothing truly prepares you for hearing those words. They immediately wanted me back for a diagnostic mammogram and an ultrasound. Seeing the concern on the technicians' faces, I knew something wasn't right. The ultrasound clearly showed a mass that hadn't been there before. The next step was a biopsy, a nerve-wracking wait for results that felt like an eternity. Then, on April 13th, the call came that changed everything: an official diagnosis of cancer. Stage 2 invasive ductal carcinoma in my right breast. I was only 36 years old. It felt surreal, like I was watching a movie of someone else's life. After that, things started moving incredibly quickly. There was no time to dwell. We immediately scheduled an MRI and a PET scan to get a full picture, making sure there was nothing abnormal anywhere else in my body. The speed of it all was overwhelming, but also, in a strange way, a relief – a sign that we were fighting back. Before I knew it, I had a port placed on the left side of my chest. It was Tuesday the 26th, just days before my first chemo treatment. And what a day that was – April 27th, my birthday. 'Birthday chemo!' I joked, trying to find some humor in the situation. It was tough, but I had a clear goal. I also made the decision to cut my hair short before it was time to shave it off completely in a few weeks, a small act of reclaiming some control amidst the chaos. Looking back, those days felt like a blur of appointments, information, and emotions. But through it all, there was a fierce determination to keep going, to live. This October marks two years since that life-altering diagnosis, and I am incredibly grateful to be celebrating two years cancer-free. Life truly is weird, unpredictable, and constantly pushing us. But it also shows us how strong we are, how much we can endure, and how much joy there is to still experience. If you're reading this and going through your own struggle, whether it's a health battle or something else entirely, please know that I see you and I feel you. I've been there, and I know the feeling of wanting to give up. But hold on. Each day is a step forward. My journey taught me to embrace vulnerability, to lean on my support system, and to truly appreciate every single moment. My goal is to keep living forever, and I hope my story gives you a little bit of strength to keep fighting for your own 'forever'.