November 18, 2024
The moment I was diagnosed with breast cancer is a day etched into my memory—a day that changed everything in an instant. In October 2023, a breast MRI revealed two small, unidentifiable masses. It was unexpected. I wasn’t sick; I didn’t feel any different. But with my BRCA2 gene mutation, my medical team acted quickly. A biopsy was the next step, and while my breast doctor was confident it wasn’t cancer, we needed confirmation. I was terrified, gripped by anxiety and panic, but I tried to stay optimistic.
The biopsy was scheduled for the following week. It was a painful, nerve-wracking experience, yet I held on to hope. I reassured myself that if there was no immediate call from my doctor, that would mean good news. That Friday, however, my results were uploaded to myChart before the doctors could even review them. The words on the report blurred before my eyes as I tried to make sense of the medical jargon, but one term stood out: Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, DCIS in situ, HER2 Negative, Grade 3. My heart sank. Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC) is a type of breast cancer that begins in the milk ducts and has the potential to spread. Grade 3 signified a more aggressive form, and despite the small size—0.5 mm—this diagnosis held weight.
Overcome with fear, I ran to my husband. He’s always been my rock, the optimist who finds light in every situation. He assured me that if it were serious, my doctor would have called me personally. “It says negative,” he pointed out, trying to calm me, “that has to be good, right?” But deep down, I knew the truth. Google had confirmed my worst fears: “HER2 Negative” referred to a type of cancer that would require urgent action.
That weekend stretched on endlessly, the silence from my medical team deafening. I messaged my doctor, pleading for answers. Monday morning came with no response, and finally, unable to bear the anxiety any longer, I called the nurse’s line. Within minutes, my doctor called back. She was on vacation but had heard about my message. Apologizing, she shared the words I dreaded: “I know this isn’t the news you wanted to hear, but yes, you have breast cancer.”
I sat alone in my bedroom, phone in hand, stunned. My doctor explained that the tumor was small but aggressive, and because of my BRCA2 mutation, time was of the essence. She confirmed the diagnosis as Stage 1. As her words sank in, my mind raced with questions—questions I wasn’t ready to face but knew were inevitable.
I hung up the phone and made my way downstairs, where my husband was waiting. Without a word, we fell into each other’s arms, and in that moment, the weight of it all crashed down. We held on, sobbing, our hearts broken yet intertwined in shared pain and strength. How would we tell our children? Would I survive this? I thought about the life we had built, the promises we made in our vows, the strength we would need to face this journey together. Suddenly, those vows—”in sickness and in health”—felt heavier, more real than ever.
The questions were endless: Was I ready to fight this? Had I done something to deserve this? Would I get the chance to see my children grow? But amid the uncertainty, there was one thing I was certain of: I was not alone. My husband, my rock, stood beside me, ready to face whatever lay ahead.
In that moment, we found solace in each other. The journey ahead was unknown, terrifying, and filled with countless “what ifs,” but we had each other, our love, and our family to hold on to. Our lives had changed in an instant, but we were ready to take on this battle together.
How to Cope with a Cancer Diagnosis If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with breast cancer, you’re not alone. While the news can feel overwhelming, there are resources and support systems in place to help guide you. Here are some steps you can take:
1. Get Educated, but Trust the Experts
It’s tempting to scour the internet for answers, but the overwhelming amount of information can cause unnecessary stress. Stick to trusted sources like:
- American Cancer Society (ACS): www.cancer.org | 1-800-227-2345
- BreastCancer.org: www.breastcancer.org
- National Cancer Institute (NCI): www.cancer.gov | 1-800-422-6237
These organizations provide reliable information about breast cancer types, treatments, and what to expect.
2. Find Emotional Support
Processing a diagnosis can be incredibly isolating, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Connect with support groups locally and nationally:
- Making Strides Against Breast Cancer (ACS): Find local events and support groups.
- Tigerlily Foundation: Focused on young women diagnosed with breast cancer. www.tigerlilyfoundation.org
- Cancer Support Community: www.cancersupportcommunity.org | 1-888-793-9355
- Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Helpline: 1-877-GO-KOMEN (465-6636) www.komen.org
3. Build Your Care Team
Partner with a trusted oncologist and medical team. Ask questions and take someone with you to appointments to help you absorb information.
Find Specialists Near You:
- OhioHealth Breast Center: 3705 Olentangy River Rd., Columbus, OH 43214 Phone: 614-566-9111
- The James Cancer Hospital at Ohio State University: 460 W. 10th Ave., Columbus, OH 43210 Phone: 800-293-5066
4. Take Care of Your Mental Health
The emotional toll of a cancer diagnosis is immense. Seek professional counseling or therapy:
- Cancer Care (Free Professional Support): www.cancercare.org | 1-800-813-4673
- Psychology Today Directory (Find a Local Therapist): www.psychologytoday.com
5. Lean on Family and Friends
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Whether it’s cooking meals, driving to appointments, or simply listening, your loved ones want to support you.
6. Financial Assistance and Legal Aid
Cancer treatments can be costly. There are programs that provide financial and legal support:
- Patient Advocate Foundation: www.patientadvocate.org
- Cancer Financial Assistance Coalition: www.cancerfac.org
7. Be Your Own Advocate
Advocate for yourself. Ask questions, request second opinions, and trust your instincts. Early detection saved my life—don’t hesitate to push for screenings and genetic testing if you have a family history of cancer.
As a proud advocate for the Black community, I recognize the unique barriers we face when it comes to healthcare—particularly in the realm of breast cancer awareness, early detection, and treatment. This work is deeply personal to me. I am honored to serve as a brand ambassador for the Voices of Black Women research study, which focuses on addressing healthcare disparities, amplifying the voices of Black women, and fostering equitable access to resources.
The Voices of Black Women initiative walks alongside you, whether you are at the beginning of your healthcare journey or even before a diagnosis. It helps people of color better understand their medical care, navigate the complexities of treatment, and advocate for themselves in a system that doesn’t always hear us. My diagnosis and journey have shown me just how critical it is to have culturally competent resources that prioritize education, support, and representation. This study is a lifeline to those who may feel overlooked or dismissed. I encourage everyone to learn more about this groundbreaking research at Voices of Black Women and see how it can help you or a loved one.
You are never alone. Together, we are stronger.
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