Cancer by Numbers: A Year of Survival, Strength & Hope
Breast cancer is a journey filled with unknowns. No matter how much research you do or how many survivors you talk to, nothing fully prepares you for the reality of it—the scans, the surgeries, the recovery, the waiting. But one thing is certain: it does end.
Here’s what my year looked like, by the numbers:
- 2 Mammograms
- 1 Biopsy
- 1 Diagnosis
- 1 MRI
- 2 PET Scans
- 1 CT Scan
- 80-Point Genetic Testing
- 3 Surgeries
- 12 @mastheadpink Masthead Post-Surgical Bras
- 4 @anaonointimates New Bras
- 47 Doctor Visits
- 1 Incredible Life Still Left to Live
Crossing the Finish Line
Three months after my third and final procedure, I had my first post-surgery mammogram. A routine check-up, just like the one that started all of this. Except this time, I had forgotten what floor my doctor was on.
I had a glowing check-up. My reconstruction and reduction had healed beautifully.
I asked, “What’s next?”
She smiled and said, “See you in a year.”
I cried. After powering through this year so hard, I didn’t even realize I had crossed the finish line
For Anyone Still in the Fight
If you’re in this fight, I promise you—it ends. Recovery takes time. Healing takes time. There will be setbacks, pain, frustration, and days where it feels endless. But one day, without realizing it, you will wake up, and it will be behind you.
You are not alone. There is a whole community here, ready to lift you up. If you need someone, we are here. I am one of them.
For support, resources, and community, visit:
- @katsribbonofhope
- @mastheadpink
- @marenacompression
- @breastcancernow
- @wellbeyondbreastcancer
- @breastcancerorg
- @bcppartners
- @breastcanceralliance
- @susangkomen
- @acurebeauty
- @unite4her
- @anaonointimates
- @memorialsloankettering
Final Thoughts
Early detection saves lives. If you’ve been putting off a check-up, schedule it today. If you’re in the middle of treatment, keep going. And if you’ve made it through to the other side—celebrate. Life is waiting for you. 💕
#NoOneFightsAlone #Breasties #MastectomyRecovery #EarlyDetection #Survivor #Healing #BreastCancerAwareness
