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Makenzee’s Story in Her Own Words: April 10th, I went in for a mammogram after months of pushing to be heard and questioning if what I was feeling was “just mastitis” after breastfeeding and pregnancy… or “just a cyst” like 2 separate doctors insisted during multiple frustration-fueled conversations.
Between then and now, my life has completely changed.
I’ve been diagnosed with stage IV Invasive Ductal Carcinoma breast cancer and it has actively spread a sizable amount into my sternum. This is very serious and scary. However my prognosis is in my favor, and I’m holding onto that with every fiber of my being.
I’m 31 years old. I have a two-year-old son. I just got married to the love of my life in September, and I was about to start nursing school clinicals in June to push for a higher level of nursing degree.
My life is just getting started.
The road ahead will be extremely aggressive. 16 rounds of chemotherapy, a double mastectomy and complete breast reconstruction on both sides, 8 weeks of radiation 5x a week, and long-term hormone therapy.
Due to Cole and my unique situation, I will continue to be in the role of a single parent for the next two years. During this time, I am the sole provider for both our son, Max, and myself. The timing of my cancer diagnosis has made this season of life incredibly challenging, as I now face the emotional, physical, and financial weight of navigating treatment while continuing to care for and provide for my family.
I won’t pretend this is easy. But I’m ready to fight with everything I have.
Hold your people a little closer. Be present. Life is so much more fragile than we think.
Thank you for loving us through this in every capacity.