My brother texted me: 'I had a dream last night. Mom said, "It is going to be okay," referring to my recent breast cancer diagnosis. I have been diagnosed with breast cancer. This diagnosis comes two years after I underwent a bilateral mastectomy due to complications from a lump I discovered, and one year after my mother passed away from breast cancer.

Wanting to be proactive, I previously chose to have a bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction. At that time, my physicians told me that my chances of getting breast cancer were under 3% and did not offer me any additional treatments to accompany the surgery. Today, doctors tell me this is a rare and special case when being questioned on how a situation like this could happen after taking the precautions I took and having a healthy and active lifestyle. I have experienced many emotions following this recurrence. I have felt anger towards my previous doctors, gratitude for my current doctors and treatment, and embarrassment that despite taking excellent care of my body above and beyond, I am still facing this diagnosis today. Above all, I am sad and frustrated that my mother is not here to hold my hand and tell me in person that 'It is indeed going to be okay.' But as she would often say, 'This race is not for the swift or strong, but for those who endure' (Ecclesiastes 9:11). I am guided and inspired by those words at this very moment in my life. I thought strength alone would get me through, and to be honest, I’m all out of it! But I will endure because I have to.

Over the past few months, I have been undergoing numerous pre-treatments and appointments, covering all bases to prevent this from happening again. The diagnosis has been draining me spiritually, mentally, physically, and financially, it has been challenging, but I’ve been overjoyed to see so much of my community rally around me and help. I will not be conquered by this diagnosis, and I know that this is going to be a long journey. I appreciate the support, prayers, and love that I have received and will continue to receive throughout this process. My angel sister, Earlina, who has not only been an advocate but also my closest ally, friend, and researcher, has made going through this 1000% more bearable with her sacrifices. Flying in from Texas to attend appointments here in California with the support of her beautiful family, I am eternally grateful to you.

She has set up this GoFundMe to help offset the costs of treatment and to support pre-production on a short film I believe is necessary to prevent other women from finding themselves in my situation. This project is a passion project from my heart. "Lumpy" will tell my story, from the discovery of a lump to the ongoing challenges I've faced. Through a soft, humorous lens, "Lumpy" will address difficult topics related to women's health, the healthcare system, and the spectrum of grief and triumph.

With Gratitude, Erica

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Erica Green

Earlina Green Hamilton

LumpyShortFilm