#YWMBC: La Tonya

Name: La Tonya D. Mouzon
Age: 48
Occupation: Educational Administrator
Age when diagnosed with breast cancer: 35 years old
Breast cancer type: Triple Negative
Breast cancer stage: Stage IV
Treatment: neoadjuvent chemotherapy, surgery and then radiation

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

I love to laugh. Laughter does the heart good like a medicine.

What’s your go-to pick-me-up song?

To Worship You I Live (AWAY) by Israel & New Breed from the Alive in South Africa album. This album was on my iPod and it stayed on repeat while I was going through chemotherapy treatments.

How did you discover your breast cancer?

I found the lump during a regular breast self-exam.

What went through your head when you received your diagnosis?

At the time, I was a single mom. My daughter was 11 years old. I was concerned about her future and who would take care of her.

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

You look good.

Who is your biggest source of support throughout your experience with cancer?

My biggest source of support is my Memphis Mom. She went with me to all but one chemotherapy treatment, all  doctor’s appointments, as well as my surgery. Whatever my daughter and I needed, she was there to provide it. There were others who provided support but she was there for every step.

What is the most difficult part of being a young woman with MBC?

The most difficult part is facing mortality at such a young age. Most young people envision themselves getting to a ripe old age.

What’s something unexpected you learned about yourself?

I learned that I am so much stronger than I think. Prior to the diagnosis, I did not ask anyone else to help me with anything. I always felt like I could do everything for myself. Through the breast cancer journey, I HAD to be okay with asking others for help. I couldn’t have made it without letting others help me.

What words of wisdom would you pass on to another young woman who has just been diagnosed with MBC?

You CAN do this. It will be hard but take it one day at a time. Do not compare your journey with others. We are individuals and our journeys will look different. If I can make it, so can you. Stay strong. You’ve got this. When you get to the other side of this journey, please help someone else. I do this through my personal blog.

To read more #YWMBC Profiles, click here.

If you or someone you know is a young woman with breast cancer looking for a community that relates and connects with your struggle, the Rethink Young Women’s Network might be right for you. For more information, click here.