MEET KATIE


 
 

My name is Katie and I was diagnosed with HER2-positive breast cancer in December 2020.  This was a shock, because I was 35 weeks pregnant with my second child and only 34 years old.  With minimal family history of breast cancer, this disease was not on my mind when I found a lump. At first, I brushed it off, but later decided to contact my doctor to be safe. 

Unfortunately, on December 30, 2020, I heard the words that no one wants to hear — “You have breast cancer.”  Since this was in the middle of the pandemic, I was alone as I heard the words that changed my life.

The next few weeks were busy to say the least! I delivered my daughter, scheduled many tests to determine the stage and type of my breast cancer, and was adjusting to life with two children.

After the diagnosis, I faced another hurdle. I received confirmation that I had stage 4 metastatic breast cancer that had spread to my breast bone. Over the next few months, I started chemotherapy and hormone therapy.

Feeling sick and oftentimes defeated, holding my newborn daughter and spending time with my five year old son got me through those tough moments.  I learned to take it one day at a time and relied on my husband, family, and friends. Doing that made things so much easier! In the fall of 2021, I had a mastectomy and started radiation shortly after recovery.

Lessons Learned:

  • Breast cancer doesn’t discriminate and can impact anyone, regardless of your age. 

  • Don’t put things off. I found a new lease on life and now do things that I enjoy, such as yoga and cooking classes.

  • Scans still drive me crazy. Relaxing and reminding myself that I can’t change the results but can only move forward helps!

  • I learned who my true friends are and who I can count on.

Breast cancer has been a true clarifying experience for me! Now, I live each day to the fullest with no regrets. I spend time with my family and children, who are now two and seven, and try not to worry about things that I can’t control. I still have my moments, but they are only moments, no longer days or weeks. 

Advice for others recently diagnosed:

  • Take each day one day at a time.  The beginning is overwhelming, but it does get better!

  • Try to stay positive and take each hurdle in stride. 

  • Find things that give you joy and people you can count on.

Breast cancer is a journey. Even though I’m almost 2.5 years out from my diagnosis, I still need support! I’m thankful for my family and friends who continue to help me through this bump in the road.

 
Anna Shelton