October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month so we’re shining the spotlight on survivors all month long. Meghan is a survivor from Central Illinois. Read her story below.

1. When were you diagnosed?

I was diagnosed with breast cancer in March of 2020, which was a very difficult and scary time due to the Covid-19 pandemic. We had just received our shelter in place orders and much was unknown at the time. Little did I know, I was about to add a cancer diagnosis to that growing list of uncertainties.

2. How was the cancer initially detected?

I’m too young to receive mammograms. I received touch exams from my OB-GYN (a survivor herself) every year. In the end, it was my husband who first noticed the lump forming in my right breast.

3. How did you feel when you first received the news?

A diagnosis like this will make you feel everything and feel it harder than you’ve ever felt it before. If you are reading this and you are newly diagnosed, please don’t fault yourself for having a hard time emotionally. You will likely feel scared and angry. There is a lot of pressure on cancer survivors to be positive, be zen, or be warriors. You will be all of these things and all of those feelings are valid.

4. Did you have a support network? If not, how did you overcome it or find it?

My family and friends are amazing, but sometimes you want to talk to other survivors. This was difficult because support groups were not meeting in person due to the pandemic. There are two organizations out there who really helped me: Immerman Angels (who set me up with a mentor) and the Young Survivors Coalition who have a very active social media group. I was able to ask any question, share any fear, and celebrate any victory.

5. Tell us about your treatment process.

I underwent multiple surgeries, five months of chemotherapy, and 30 rounds of radiation. Treatment is tough, but I promise – you are tougher.

6. What message would you like to provide women reading this?

I have two things to tell you: The first: you must not hesitate if you feel something is wrong. Do not give cancer the time it needs to grow. You might hear that breast cancer is “the good cancer” because so many are treatable at early stages, but once cancer is metastatic in your body there is no cure. I have had so many people tell me that either they or their partners found their lump before doctors did—it’s more common than you think. 1 in 8 women will face this diagnosis in their lifetimes.

Second: if you are reading this and you are newly diagnosed you are likely looking to see if I disclose any stats that are similar to your own pathology. You’ll find people out there with stories that mirror yours, but also always remember that this is your own story. You choose how it is written.

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