Hey there, dear readers. Today, I want to share a deeply personal journey with you – my experience with breast cancer. As October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it feels like the perfect time to open up and share my story.

A Family’s History

Breast cancer has cast a long shadow over my family. My mother, a beloved figure in my life, lost her battle with breast cancer at just 40, leaving me at 18 years old. It was a heart-wrenching experience. Tragically, my younger sister faced the same fate at 38. Miraculously, my other sister was diagnosed at 33 and continues to fight her own battle. Our family history was a stark reminder of the importance of early detection and vigilance.

Early Detection and the Shocking News

I had always been proactive about my health, especially regarding breast cancer. I started getting mammograms at 30 and kept up with them religiously. However, in November 2021, during a routine mammogram, I received an unexpected callback for additional images. Anxiety set in, and soon, I faced the daunting prospect of a biopsy. The irony was that I had spent over 15 years working in breast imaging and was now on the other side of the exam table.

The Diagnosis

A few nerve-wracking days later, that fateful call came: “You have cancer.” The ground seemed to crumble beneath me. I immediately shifted into action mode, bombarding the medical team with questions: What’s the plan? How severe is it? What do I do next?

Discovering a Silver Lining

After weeks of waiting, I finally met with an oncologist just before Christmas. That’s when I received a glimmer of hope. My diagnosis was invasive ductal carcinoma, Stage 1, Triple Positive – considered one of the more manageable forms of breast cancer. I was given the option of 12 weeks of chemotherapy, and if I chose a mastectomy, I could avoid radiation.

The Power of a Positive Mindset

With my newly acquired mindset coaching certification, I put my knowledge to work. While I couldn’t control my diagnosis, I could control my attitude and approach to this challenging journey. Here are some strategies I implemented to navigate chemotherapy and surgeries with resilience:

• Stay Hydrated: I committed to drinking a gallon of water daily.
• Digestive Health: Taking Metamucil twice a day helped with digestive issues.
• Positivity: I surrounded myself with positivity through books, media, and conversations.
• Privacy: I shared my journey with only a few to maintain my inner peace.
• Clean Eating: Prioritizing a clean diet was crucial for my well-being.
• Nerve Protection: I took Claritin daily and applied ice to my hands and toes during chemo to reduce the risk of neuropathy.
• Mindful Practices: Daily prayer and gratitude exercises became part of my routine.

Creating Time for Healing

I realized the hours spent in the chemo chair gave me precious, uninterrupted time. I used this time to develop my online course, read books, and catch up on administrative tasks. I continued working three days a week, using my recovery days wisely.

Embracing a Healing Mindset

As part of my healing journey, I embarked on a 21-day forgiveness cleanse with the guidance of my life coach. This cleanse allowed me to release any trapped emotions that could hinder my healing process. I held a steadfast belief that I was healthy before each test and that I would remain healthy. My body was, and still is, a remarkable healing machine.

My breast cancer journey has been marked by resilience, hope, and a strong mindset. While the path was undeniably challenging, I hope my story inspires others facing similar battles to stay positive, proactive, and determined.

Breast cancer is a formidable adversary, but we can overcome even the most daunting challenges with the right mindset, a supportive network, and unwavering faith. Together, let’s raise awareness, support one another, and continue to fight for a world where breast cancer is a thing of the past.

About the Breast Cancer Giveback Experience with Felicia Reed

Each year, I give back to the local Breast Cancer Resource Center of Central Texas. I have the nonprofit choose the women who will participate, and I bring together a team that pampers them and create legacy photos for them and their family. The majority of these women have Metastatic Breast Cancer. Which means they are living with it for the rest of their lives. I am honored to be a part of their journey. I hope you read all of their stories and celebrate these phenomenal women!