#YWBC: Kelly

Age: 31

Occupation: Strategic Partnerships Manager

Age when diagnosed with breast cancer: 30

Breast cancer type: IDC

Breast cancer stage: 2

Treatment:  Chemo (AC, Taxol), Hormone Therapy (TRAS+PERT), Surgery (Lumpectomy), Radiation (20 sessions)

Tell us a fun fact about yourself that has nothing to do with cancer:

I love travel and adventure.

What’s your go-to pick-me-up song?

M.I.A – Bad Girls

How did you discover your breast cancer?

I found the lump during a self-assessment. At first I was told it was dense tissue, I continued to follow-up and push for additional testing to then be diagnosed with breast cancer once it had spread to my lymph nodes.

What went through your head when you received your diagnosis?

The first words I said after receiving my diagnosis, over the phone due to COVID, was “what am I supposed to do?” I had plans that did not include fighting cancer. The rush of panic took over knowing that my life is not only being forever changed but is being challenged. I wasn’t ready for the trauma, and I couldn’t yet see the growth, that was about to unfold.

What’s the craziest thing someone said to you after being diagnosed with breast cancer?

“But you’re so young.”

Who or what is/was your biggest source of support throughout your experience with cancer?

I have three incredible pillars of support throughout this experience.

The first is my husband who has been everything I needed him to be and more. He stayed strong for me, reminded my every day I am a superhero and that I am loved, and continued to lift me up during the times when I struggled to see the positive.

The second is my family and friends. They have been my cheerleaders and my champions every step of the way.

The third is the community I found at Rethink. I’ve connected with some incredible women who have been there to remind me I’m not alone, provide advice, and be a sounding board.

What is/was the most difficult part of being a young woman with breast cancer?

The choice to be a mother will never again be mine.

What’s something unexpected you learned about yourself as a result of having breast cancer?

I’ve learned that I am so much stronger and resilient that I thought I was. I learned how to be brave and find the courage to push through the resistance of starting.

In one sentence, what words of wisdom would you pass on to another young woman who has just been diagnosed with breast cancer?

You will never be ready for what cancer sends your way but you’ll go through it, and you can choose to learn and heal or fall apart; choose the path of healing as a discovery of how strong you really are.