My name is Erica Craig and I was recently diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. I met an older lady during chemo who encouraged me to share my journey thus far. Maybe I can encourage others to advocate for themselves.

Back in June 2023 I went to my PCP because I noticed like a quarter sized knot on my breast. The doctor told me not to worry, it was a “just a cyst”. I went back to the doctor a month later because the knot had grown to about the size of a quarter dollar. She assured me that it was a fibroid or a cyst.

In my heart, I knew something wasn’t right. I then went to the urgent care in August because I had a brown discharge and blood coming out of my breast. It kind of looked like coffee. They told me they suspected my cyst had erupted, which is why I was leaking the brown discharge.

I again had a feeling that this wasn’t right, so in September I ended up going to a whole different practice. This new doctor urged me to go straight to the breast doctor. She and the breast doctor both immediately confirmed it was a tumor just by looking at it.

At this point, it had grown to about the size of a large lemon.

I went in for a mammogram and then a 3D mammogram with ultrasound where they discovered not only did I have breast cancer in my right breast, but it had spread to my lymph nodes under my right arm.

I was immediately taken aback because I had expressed the pain in my breast, the discharge, the disproportionate breast, etc to multiple healthcare specialists for many months.

On September 27th, I had my biopsy for confirmation. That was by far the longest 4 days of my life.

The diagnosis was invasive carcinoma Breast cancer metastasized to axillary lymph node, right Staging form: Breast, AJCC 8th Edition - Clinical Stage IIIA (cT3, cN1(f), cM0, G2, ER-, PR-, HER2+).

I underwent surgery for my meta port cat scans and MRIS where they discovered the cancer has now spread to my left side lymph nodes.

I had my first chemo session Oct 26 and my second Nov 14. If my original doctor would’ve done her job and took my word seriously, I don’t believe I would have even had to go through this. But I am staying positive, grateful and thankful and that I’m here to go through this journey. I will come out on the other side stronger than ever, full of grace and honor.

Ladies, don’t let medical “professionals” treat you as if you’re a burden or just a number. Go against the grain if you need to. Trust your heart and your gut. Get them tittys checked, and then get a second opinion if needed!

I set this gofundme up to seek some financial assistance to supplement my work pay, as I am continuing to work in order to stay afloat. I’m a single mother of 3 girls and every bit of your support will go a long way. 100% of the funds will be used to help pay for medical expenses not covered by insurance, rent, food and childcare. Thank you for your time and any assistance you can give.