Join my journey beating stage 3 breast cancer

In Aug 2024, I was diagnosed with aggressive stage 3 triple positive breast cancer with 8 tumors that were found. My life turned into doctor's appointments, labs, and chemo. Aggressive cancer meant aggressive chemo (3 kinds) that have caused an insane amount of side effects. We recently found out that the chemo is, in fact, working!!!! I am scheduled for a double mastectomy on Feb 25. After that, the plan is chemo for another year, and radiation TBD.

My hope is to be able to return to work after surgery. I have been blessed with an AMAZING employer that has been incredibly supportive!! My role at Texas Biomedical Institute is as an emergency communication specialist. Work understood that the side effects of chemo and medications have made it almost impossible to fulfill my duties. Our role is to maintain the health and safety of our co-workers in different parts of our campus, and I am unable to do that right now, but, fingers crossed, that will change after surgery. I will be going from 3 chemo medications to only one.

I have an army of family and friends that have been there for me every step of the way. Some days and weeks can get very dark. I'm in pain all the time, my eyesight is getting worse, and my ability to walk is touch and go most days. I couldn't ask for a better support system. I have prayers coming in from all over, and it has humbled me beyond words.

I came back home, to Texas, a couple of years ago, but most of my adult life has been in California. I was a 911 dispatcher for the Solano County Sheriff's office for over 15 years, and I cherish my memories!! It's not easy to ask for help, and I don't take anything for granted. With my surgery date approaching, I have almost non-stop appointments, and the bills are never-ending. It still takes my breath away sometimes, that this is now my life. Any help is appreciated, from the bottom of my heart. Please keep those prayers coming!!!!! I will keep fighting and I will not give up!!!!