Taking On The Extraordinary After Struggling With Early Breast Cancer

After 10 surgeries and more than 12 biopsies— my grueling experience with high-grade ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) has taught me to understand that this is a heterogeneous disease and more research needs to be done based on the biological characteristics, not the mechanics.

My disease is also multi-centric based on pathology. I’m hoping future research will segregate each grade that falls under DCIS. I feel that people suffering from DCIS need to do their own research and determine what is best for them, what they can live with and hopefully have a well-rounded medical team that can recommend treatment tailored specifically to their diagnosis, grade, medical history and biological makeup.

Since my grueling surgeries, 2 years later— instead of putting my energy into this disease and the ongoing battle with it, I focus on the positive, leaving the ordinary and taking on the extraordinary through thick and thin.

I’m currently on a solo 10,000 mile plus 25 state road trip with my emotional support kitty named Cookie. I have decided to live my life to its fullest and even extend my road trip in my travel trailer for another 4 months, exploring more states the way I want to.

I’ve been traveling the US on this much needed personal journey, taking on the world with a “Can Do” mentality, traveling fearlessly and intelligently, building up confidence and acquiring independence, as I get stronger day by day.

Why wait years to travel and see the world after physically and mentally recovering from the brutal surgeries from early breast cancer? Life is SHORT. Live it FULLY.

Since traveling, my mindset has done a 180-degree turn. I no longer relive the nightmare of having the surgeries, nor feeling the phantom pain that remains after the nipple-sparing mastectomy. I focus on what needs to be done to keep me happy. I am getting stronger physically day by day, not only helping myself but finding a purpose in helping others by sharing the story of my journey. I do have a reason to live life fully as if there is no tomorrow.

Mind. Body. Spirit.