Four years ago, I heard the words "cancer free." That day is so clear in my mind. I waited seven months to hear those words.
Before my diagnosis, I never felt like I needed to hear them. I never understood what it meant when someone said it. Then it happened to me, and I understood. I wanted to hear those words more than I had ever wanted anything in my life.
Seven months to get here
On November 11, 2022, my surgeon confirmed that the triple negative breast cancer I was diagnosed with at 37 was gone. It took seven grueling months of chemotherapy and immunotherapy, a feeding tube and a double mastectomy, and I had just started 30 rounds of hyperbaric treatment.
I never regret those seven months. I got through those days the best way I could. No one tells you how to go through a diagnosis and treatment. No one can warn you or tell you what it feels like. To this day, I have only gratitude: for the strength I found, for the patience my husband had with me, for the medical team that got me through, and for everything that comes with a diagnosis.
Why the TNBC Foundation matters to me
This past October, I was so honored that we raised money for the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation.
As a triple negative survivor, I know this subtype hits women differently. It doesn't respond to the hormone therapies that work for many other breast cancers. For me, there was nothing more to take after chemotherapy and immunotherapy. That's good and bad. I'm grateful I don't have to take a chemo pill or estrogen suppression shots for 10 years of my life. But being on the other side comes with its own fears, because there's no safety net like other subtypes are given.
That's why donating to research for this subtype through our Sugar Pink set made me really proud. We're giving $232.80 to the TNBC Foundation. I know there is more to be done. For a small brand, I think this is a good step in the direction we want to keep going.
Still here
I'm so grateful to be here, to celebrate four years cancer free, and to keep making an impact for the breast cancer community.
I shared on my own Instagram (@lauren_yerkes) that time is a weird concept after a diagnosis. The fear of recurrence is something I think about constantly. But I will keep living for today. Even on the days fear sets in, I'll remind myself that I'm okay. I'm still here, just like our sweatshirt and hat say.
— Lauren Yerkes, Co-Founder & CEO, POST SWIM