Danie Lost Her Boob

Share some information about yourself prior to being diagnosed with breast cancer

Prior to the diagnosis of breast cancer I was a counselor who helped adults mange their wellness. I am a mom of a beautiful 8 year old girl. I enjoy traveling and helping people in various ways.

How did you learn about your diagnoses?

I had a lump in my right breast. I was use to checking for lumps I had my first one 1998 and a few others after that. All of those lumps where benign. I thought this lump was too I was so wrong. I didn't get it checked out right away because I thought it was benign. I noticed it was growing so I went to get it checked out.

What type of treatment did you receive?

I had my right breast removed ,16 rounds of chemo 4 of one kind and 12 of another. And I had 32 rounds of radiation. Also 4 more years of hormone therapy.

How is life now as a breast cancer survivor?

Life as a survivor is full of lots of follow up appointments hot flashes stiff legs. (all side effects of hormone therapy.) Creating a new normal is difficult. After going through the diagnosis and treatment so many things are different. I'm looking for work and would like to go in to a new field. Doing things that I am passionate about has become much more important to me. Managing anxiety about unknown things like a bump or knot on your body makes me anxious sometimes. I know how to manage it but the feeling of worry comes up a lot more. It can be lonely too. Even when you have people to reach out too, some times they are not on the same page as you and you need to connect with survivors. I am much more grateful for life. I have always been grateful but it's on a different level now.

Advice or words of encouragement you would like to share with the breast cancer community.

I am glad you are still here. Keep fighting. It's okay to not be okay some days. Yes we are grateful for being here but it's okay to have days where you are just over it. Do some self care laugh and do what gives you Joy. Join a tribe of others doing the same.

My daughter and I wrote a children's book about breast cancer entitled, "Mommy Lost Her Boob" it can be purchased

at bit.ly/Mommylostherboob. This book was written from a child's perspective. We seek to help kids understand what breast cancer is. I have started a group called SURVIVE TRIBE.

Within SURVIVE TRIBE we send love and help each other mange our wellness. It's a safe space to talk learn coping techniques and help each other though rough patches and celebrate the great things we have going on too. Both

Can be found on Facebook and Instagram as Mommy lost her boob and SURVIVE TRIBE.

#Breastcancersurvivor #mommy #daghter #Pink #pinkribbon