That day was the day that changed my life forever…

Erika’s Story…

Around the end of March is when I began my weight loss journey. I started exercising and going to the gym regularly to better my health.  I noticed after a few weeks of exercising, underneath my arm (which was my lymph nodes, but I didn’t know at the time) were swollen/hurting. I went to the doctor for a follow up and she prescribed me muscle relaxers because she thought maybe it’s just tendonitis. Fast forward about a week later I started having really intense back pain. I’m thinking maybe I haven’t been using some of the machines right at the gym? Probably nothing, I just need to be more careful. I am still having ongoing back pain, so I return back to the doctor and to the chiropractor to try and figure out what’s the problem. During this time, I am working a full time job, going to school, completing an internship and maintaining my health. Obviously, I am doing so much so it’s normal for me to feel tired most of them time. 

Eventually, one day I was changing my shirt and hit the side of my left breast and felt a lump. I called my mom and she told me I need to schedule an appt immediately with my doctor to get it checked. That week I was able to meet with a nurse and that day was the day that changed my life forever. One of the doctors came in and said “we have to treat this like it’s cancer.” Weeks and weeks of testing which felt like an eternity and dreading what’s to come. June 18th, 2021 I was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. I got a phone call and remember feeling extremely numb while I was listening and couldn’t even remember the full conversation. The following week, I met with my oncologist (she’s amazing) and she helped me so much through this difficult time and explained my treatments. I had so much pain in my back I could barely walk and was put on bed rest until I started chemo. July 12th, 2021 I startedmy first chemo. I completed  7 rounds and finished in December, 2021. During that time, I worked from home, continued to finish school and graduated with my masters degree in Mental Health Counseling that December as well! 

I was 26 years old, healthy and had no history of breast cancer. I am now 28 years old, a therapist, working and thriving as a stage 4 breast cancer survivor! I have been NED for one year and still doing well. Cancer does not discriminate. I was 26 and had no idea this would ever happen to me at this age. I’ve learned so much at such a young age and that life is so precious. I have a fought a battle that some people will never fully understand. However, I have learned to never give up and to continue to live my life regardless of cancer. Ladies, please do those mammograms and advocate for yourself! Get the additional testing if needed, speak up if you feel like something is not right with your body. This can happen to anyone, which is why I share my story to others, to help save a life!