realidad

When I ran the Miles for Moffitt 10k in 2023 to help raise money for cancer research, I had no idea that I would be facing my own cancer diagnosis the following year. Just 10 months later, during a routine screening, they found what turned out to be invasive ductal carcinoma in my left breast. And strong woman that I am, I promptly fell apart.

Nothing can prepare you for a cancer diagnosis. Being a nurse, I have seen my share of patients receive bad news. Never did I think about how I would react if I were the one on the receiving end. But here we are. I guess I was living in that child-like reality where bad things only happen to other people, “that will never happen to me”.

As I work through this new chapter, navigating my own plan of care and treatment options, I hope that disclosing my thoughts, challenges, and anger helps normalize those uninvited feelings for others who may be facing their own cancer battle.

Join the fight with me. For it is a fight; one I plan on winning.