Kate's Cancer Journey: Round Three

So, I wasn't planning on doing this again but here we are. In May 2023, just shortly after the 10th anniversary of my first diagnosis, I received my third breast cancer diagnosis.

Let's review: In 2013 (at age 42) I had a lumpectomy and radiation. In 2017, I had a bilateral mastectomy followed by chemo in 2018. Really, I thought I had done it all, but that sneaky cancer was just hanging out and wanted to resurface one more time.

This time should be far less involved. I have a small tumor right near the surface. My surgeon is recommending a lumpectomy, which should be fairly straightforward.

"No big deal!" I told myself, but I'm starting to feel the pressure of keeping everything going while figuring out how to pay these looming medical bills since our new insurance has a much higher out-of-pocket limit than last time. Don't you just love the American medical insurance system?

If you've been following along, you probably know that I've changed a lot of things about my diet and lifestyle since this all began. I now eat a whole food plant-based diet, I try to meditate daily and get a good night's sleep, I do things I love that I feel make a difference, I'm working on the exercise piece (not my forte), and I'm very lucky to be surrounded by friends and family who support me unconditionally. I believe these things have helped keep the cancer at bay, this could be much worse. I'm focusing on the positive here!

I truly dislike having to set up another fundraiser, but I have yet to win the lottery, well at least not the one with a jackpot of money, I certainly have won the cancer lottery, that's for sure! I sincerely appreciate the support. I'm always willing to share what I've learned with anyone who needs information and I hope that you or someone you know has found it helpful, or will in the future.