In February 2020, I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. You might wonder why I would put this on my photography business blog. Well, I genuinely think it's essential for all the ladies in my life to get their mammogram, whether it's my sister or a wonderful client that I get to photograph or someone who I've never spoken with. 

It was very out of the blue and completely unexpected. Have you ever experienced something in your life where you were completely taken off guard? It's almost unbelievable as if you are hearing it, but it's about someone you don't know. it's bizarre. My story is very much my own, and everyone's story is different. The path I have chosen isn't for everyone. There are many things I had to consider on this journey, and none of them came lightly. If you are in this situation, I'm very sorry, and my heart goes out to you. If you have a family member that has been diagnosed, I'm so sorry too. The best thing you can do for your loved one is simply telling them that whatever they decide to do, you will support them in that decision. The people who said this to me first made it so much easier for me to open up without the feeling that I had to justify my reasons.

A couple of weeks before my diagnosis, I was diagnosed with a complex ovarian cyst that was found after a trip to the ER. I was in significant pain and thought I had kidney stones since the pain was in my back. The ER found it with a CT scan. They did an ultrasound to ensure the cyst wasn't twisting the blood flow off to the ovary. After being sure my ovary was safe, they released me to follow up with my Dr. During that time; I had decided I might as well get my mammogram which I had put off for a few months. I didn't have any lumps or signs of cancer in any way. But since I was there taking care of my womanness, I might as well. 

I received a phone call after the mammogram saying I needed to return. I rescheduled for a week later, so I never felt it was something serious. A few days later, I received a letter stating the reason for the rescan was that I had dense breast tissue, and it was difficult for them to get a good view. The letter put me at ease, and I went in a few days later. So when the technician mentioned a spot on the last scan, I was very confused. She was kind and made me feel comfortable. After the scan, she told me that the spot was still there. They reviewed the scan while I waited and reported that I needed an ultrasound, which they did immediately. I remember looking at the spot on the ultrasound screen and saying to the technician, "Wow, that looks like a star." I know now that weird shapes are not a good thing! I did not know that then. I think about how naive I felt as things started to unfold.  After the ultrasound, I was told that I needed a biopsy. 

I was thinking sh**t just got real. I was utterly emotionless and in a daze; none of it seemed real. I know this last part seems stupid, but I questioned them on when we needed to get it done. It was a Wednesday, and I was flying out to Las Vegas that Saturday. I did NOT want to miss it for a test that might not mean anything. I had been planning this trip for months, which was already paid for. There was no way I could cancel and get my money back. The Dr. Was polite and understood, and he said he wanted me in sooner than later, so I piped up and said."Well, I'm free now." And I'm so glad I did because, by the grace of God, they were able to fit me in. 

The Dr. Proceeded to tell me what the procedure would entail. They would numb the area and take 4-5 Core samples with a hollow needle. They asked me if I had any questions, and my reply was, "No, I probably will once we have some answers." I was so new at this that I had no idea what questions to ask. It was a whirlwind and out of left field. It's not like I had time to research what I should be asking. I just figured they would tell me what I needed to know. The sensation wasn't bad, and it was just weird. They told me it usually takes about 3 days for the test results to come back, which in my mind, I would find out on Monday in Vegas. 

I knew I needed to be my own health advocate and educate myself on what I saw and heard. I read many articles that said pretty much the same thing.

1. A cancerous tumor appears as a dark spot on the ultrasound.

2. A cancerous tumor usually has uneven edges and is not round. (mine looked like a starfish)

3. Typically, they don't hurt

This isn't always the case, but I knew that the outcome of this being non-cancerous was not likely. As luck would have it, the Dr. called me two days later and told me I had an Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. 

I received that call a few days before I was to fly 987 miles away from home, my husband, and my son.  I was scheduled to go to Las Vegas for a photography conference.  What happened next felt surreal.