Cancer isn't Sexy, but I Am!

My name is Shannon and I am a stage 3B inflammatory breast cancer survivor. 

 Before I was diagnosed, I wanted to adopt a donor embryo. I had a fibroid removed and was then cleared. But, then I had felt a marble size lump in my right breast. I thought it was due to my period. But it grew bigger and was getting itchy. Called for a mammogram, but I had to wait an entire month to be seen! When I went outside in the sun, my boob felt like it was burning from fire ants. I then called for an emergency mammogram. When I finally got seen, they advised me to get an ultrasound instead. Then, I needed a biopsy cause it looked 'suspicious'. I was finally diagnosed in September 2022. I was unable to start the IVF process because of the cancer. 

I then learned I had stage 3, not stage 1 because my lymph nodes were also involved. Had my port placed and 2 weeks later started the red devil chemo. I didn't lose my hair right away, but was told it was going to go. Chopped my hair to a cute pixie and then 2 weeks into chemo, my hair was falling out in the shower. Alerted my salon to shave my head. My hubby came along with me and he decided to go bald with me. This was just after our wedding anniversary also. It was an amazing gift! I had 4 rounds of red devil and 12 rounds of taxol. Taxol felt worse than the red devil. I had the worst nerve and joint pain ever. Not to mention the emotional steroid rage. I felt so bad for my hubby watching me go through this. 

After treatment was finished, I had a tata pinata party and a no-mo chemo party. Ended up getting Covid the day of my flight for the mastectomy! Had to reschedule and thankfully wasn't delayed too long. I had a bilateral mastectomy with an axillary lymph node dissection. Unfortunately, 4 out of 12 nodes had cancer. I then had 30 rounds of radiation. Burnt to crisp during the hot summer...in ARIZONA! But after that, I rang the bell. Had a margarita and started my life over again. I am not on any hormonal therapy meds or Verzenio, as they made me feel like crap. I just wanted a good quality of life. Currently, I just have 3 month follow ups with annual breast MRI's until 2028. Oncologist said I'm in remission, but not considered 'cancer-free' til 2028. But I am still thriving! 

My advice to those going through this, is, don't ever forget who you are. You are going to get through this one year journey. People just need to have patience with you and that you will be a warrior for as long as it takes. You will be stronger than you ever have been after this. Which is the greatest gift you will ever receive. Live, laugh, love and fight.

I am now a mastectomy model with Zebedee Talent representing pink warriors all over the world. I also had no reconstruction. I'm flat and fabulous! This is my link: https://www.zebedeetalent.com/usa/mainboard/she/3169-shannon-b/ Instagram is https://www.instagram.com/pink.warriorprincess/

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