No one expects to hear the words, "I'm so sorry, but you have breast cancer again." But here I am, a 39-year-old mom of two beautiful girls, wife, sister, and daughter to two amazing parents who have always been pillars in my life.

Diagnosed with SLE lupus at the age of ten, it has been an extremely difficult experience throughout my life. Not ever thinking I would be able to have any children, we were blessed with two girls, now ages 11 and 8. My health has always been on the poor side, but with God, I was able to find the strength to build a wonderful life. In 2019, I was diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ. With barely any symptoms and having my girls so young in age, we were convinced to do the double mastectomy. I was told it would be impossible to develop breast cancer again. 2025, here I am. I have lost close to 30 pounds and have been so weak and tired even when resting; I realized something just wasn't right. After discussing my decline in quality of life and other symptoms like chest pain, stabbing aches, and waking up every night drenched in sweat, I was able to convince my internist that "something just isn't right." Being put through CT scans, MRI scans, and a PET scan, as well as two biopsies, confirmed what no one expected: invasive breast cancer stage 3. Still in the limbo period of tests and meeting new doctors, life has become that much harder to endure.

Life will always throw you unexpected events, good and bad. I would love for my main focus this time around to be to show my girls how important it is to never give up and that it is not shameful to ask for help. In typical mom fashion, all I worry about is my family and not becoming a burden on them. I think of the extra expenses, not being strong enough to provide essentials for the girls, or making sure any hardships are covered. I'm not asking for myself, but for my family. I humbly ask that our friends and family can take a few minutes to read the post and consider shining more light down this long path I am now embarking on.

If God has given me the strength to be able to have my daughters and survive the many health issues and emergencies I've had and my other fights, I have faith that this will also become just another fight won. A prayer will also go a long way for us.

As of now, we are still in the beginning stages of figuring out treatment and any surgeries now that it is confirmed this is invasive breast cancer that has spread. Any donation would be used solely towards appointment transportation, medical out-of-pocket costs, and to help cover meals and bills from the loss of hours my husband would have to lose helping me through this.

I would love to keep everyone posted on my journey and see firsthand how all your help and prayers have allowed me some more peace of mind to be able to enjoy my kids. Thank you.