As a full time CPA and mother of two teens, my life is filled with juggling work, family, and PTA meetings. But when I was diagnosed with breast cancer, everything came to a screeching halt. I was terrified—not just for myself, but for my family. How would they cope? How would I manage? Could I continue working?

I researched and asked around and found the best doctors in the area.I wanted to begin treatment as soon as possible, so I immediately scheduled an appointment. They recommended surgery, hormone therapy, and possibly radiation. But after meeting with them, I left feeling more overwhelmed than reassured.

I am a researcher by nature, so I went home and began frantically Googling the treatment options they gave me. My thoughts kept racing back to my history—I'd been admitted to the ICU twice for blood clots, and based on my research, I knew hormone therapy could increase that risk. I was also terrified of the potential long-term damage radiation could cause to my heart. I felt stuck, confused, and unsure of what the right choice was for me. I needed more than just facts—I needed to know how these treatments would affect me, my life, and my family.

That’s when I learned about MyCancerJourney (MCJ). I didn’t know what to expect, but from the moment I spoke with my advocate, I felt a sense of calm that I hadn’t felt since receiving my diagnosis. She didn’t just give me generic information like I found online—she showed me real-world data from people just like me, other women with the same diagnosis and health concerns.

For the first time, I could actually see how different treatments had worked for people with my background and risks.

As we talked, I realized my prognosis wasn’t as dire as I had imagined. My advocate listened to my fears, my hopes, and what I wanted. Together, we mapped out a treatment plan that felt right for me. They helped guide me, and my family through the decision-making process.

When I met with my surgeon and medical oncologist again, I felt empowered. I chose surgery, and to skip radiation. I discussed my concerns about hormone therapy, and together we decided on a reduced dose that would mitigate my risk of clotting. This wasn’t just a medical decision—it was a personal one, made with confidence, clarity, and the knowledge that I was doing what was best for my body and my life. I felt very prepared for what to expect after surgery. After a couple weeks, I was able to return to work and resume all my usual daily tasks, something that might not have been possible if I had opted for radiation.

I’m so grateful to MyCancerJourney and my advocate for being the lifeline I needed. With their support, I didn’t feel alone. I felt empowered, hopeful, and ready to face what comes next.

I’m happy to report that today I am cancer free. I have reached the 5 year mark and am officially considered in remission. As a survivor, I continue to be involved in local breast cancer support organizations and refer all my peers to MyCancerJourney.