A Diagnosis I Never Expected
On May 15, 2025 I was diagnosed with stage 2 Triple Negative Breast Cancer at 35 years old, and 36 weeks pregnant with our son. 1 in 8 women will personally experience a breast cancer diagnosis in their lifetime, and 1 in 1,000 women will experience it during pregnancy.
When Life Changes All at Once
I have told many people during this ordeal how I’ve led a gilded life…I had an amazing upbringing surrounded by a loving family, met and married a supportive husband, brought two perfect children into the world, had my health, a great job, etc. I wanted for nothing in life. Having been diagnosed with cancer rocked me to my core and presented me with a mountain that seemed insurmountable, all while having a newborn and a 4.5 year old at home at the time. I began my first of 16 rounds of AC-T chemotherapy 11 days after my son was born.
Faith, Gratitude, and Getting Through
My faith has guided me wholeheartedly and that will continue. As 2025 comes to a close, I have nothing but gratitude in my heart.
Surgery, Strength, and Trusting the Process
On December 2, I underwent a bilateral mastectomy (partial reconstruction with tissue expanders) with the hope that this major surgery would be the final significant piece of my treatment. I felt confident about truly leaving it all on the table (pun intended), having been guided by the best medical team I could have ever asked for; having done everything I possibly could have, and having been as brave and strong as humanly possible for my family so that I am able to be around for many years to come.
Remission and Recovery
I received a pathologically complete response to chemotherapy and am officially in remission. I am home healing and recovering, not only from major surgery, but also from the terrifying ordeal of the past 6 months. This has been incredibly hard and scary, but I am so proud of my body and its resilience (both mentally and physically) for carrying me through my darkest hours.
Looking Ahead With Gratitude
Cancer will always be part of my story and who I am. I will continue to receive life-saving preventative therapies to ensure the lowest possible rate of recurrence and my doctors will have me on a short leash, but for now, all that comes to mind is gratitude. If anyone finds themselves in my position one day I will be your soft landing. But for now, I am healing, recovering, and totally psyched and in awe of God’s love and compassion that I am a triple negative breast cancer survivor.
Summer 2026 and What Comes Next
I will have my implant exchange surgery in a few months and am so looking forward to buying my bathing suits for summer 2026 from POST SWIM. My body will look a little different and I know Lauren and POST SWIM will be there for me as I navigate my new normal and strengthen my body confidence. I will be SO back in 2026 💫