What Do You Mean I Have Cancer?

Wait? Breast Cancer is supposed to happen when I am a grown up. Im only 23.

F**k it.

Let's kick this in the booty!

Hi, I'm Sydney and I was told I have Breast Cancer. Specifically, I have been diagnosed with Stage 3, Triple Negative Invasive Ductal Carcinoma at only 23 years old. Rare in young adults and aggressive. As you can imagine, it was a complete shock considering the median age for Breast Cancer is 62 years old in the United States.

"Umm what is this Breast Cancer you speak of?" I am thinking to myself nervously as my doctor is speaking. Who knew at 23 years old I was even susceptible to this. I was hearing words like; "Chemotherapy," "hair loss," BRCA 1 or BRCA 2," "Cancer," "multiple surgeries." All of these terrifying words. I only continued with asking for a treatment plan. All I wanted to know from all of this crazy information being given to me was, WHAT IS THE PLAN??? I am ready to kick this thing.

Here's the deal, I found a lump.

(Self breast checks can save your life y'all. Your high school sexual - ed teacher was right!)

I acted quickly by calling my doctor and receiving the necessary testing. Who knew that this phone call and being proactive would save my life? Let me put emphasis that since the first day I called my doctor to when I was given my diagnosis, it had been only a month. It ONLY took a month for this sucker to grow up to 2 inches inside of me! On a positive note, it has not spread to anywhere else in my body. Bless up!

If you know me, you know that I'm up for the battle! I have found a warrior within myself that I didn't even know existed. I have received support and kind words from people from all over. If there is anything that is keeping me positive and strong, it is the continued support that my community has offered me. On top of that, if I can offer you a word of advice, YOUR mental health is key to everything you do. Please stay healthy and do what makes you happy. Life is short. Live every day to its fullest potential. Your body has a mind, body, soul connection unlike anything else. Listen to it.

Unfortunately due to the aggressiveness of my tumor, I was unable to participate in IVF. (Pray for my ovaries if you have some free time.) Doctors have high hopes for my reproductive system though and I am confident with some positive thought, all will be well. Last week, I began my journey of 16 rounds of chemotherapy that will be followed by multiple surgeries and 6 weeks of daily radiation. This does not include the countless doctors appointments and tests that I find myself participating in weekly.

Stay tuned on my journey for what is to come next. Until then...

xo

Sydney