My name is Marcia and on November 2, 2024, at just 39 years old, I was diagnosed with
stage 3 triple-negative aggressive breast cancer that was also ER/PR positive and HER2
negative. The cancer had already spread to my lymph nodes.

I’m a wife and a proud mother to a loving, healthy 11-year-old son. I’m also a grieving mother to
my daughter Olivia Rose, who was born with a congenital heart defect (CHD) and passed away
in 2019 at just 18 months old. In 2023, I experienced another loss, a miscarriage that nearly
took my own life. Those experiences changed me. I made a promise to take care of my health,
to be here longer for my family.

Over the next year and a half, I worked hard to lose more than 80 pounds and get healthy
again. That decision saved my life, because it’s how I found my lump.

On October 24, 2024, while getting ready and showering for bed one night, I felt something I
hadn’t noticed before, a lump in my right breast. I thought to myself, this is nothing, do not worry.
Then that same night my husband also felt the lump and within days, another lump appeared
under my arm. I knew something was really wrong. I often think about how easily I could have
missed it if I hadn’t lost the weight.

The next day, I called my family doctor. Within weeks, I had scans, bloodwork, and biopsies that
confirmed the diagnosis. My treatment plan included three phases: chemotherapy, surgery, and
radiation, followed by hormone therapy for five years to reduce the risk of recurrence.

Phase 1: Chemotherapy
I started chemotherapy on January 24, 2025, receiving eight rounds over several months.
Because my cancer was aggressive, so was my treatment. I received the drug nicknamed the
“Red Devil” through a PICC line that stayed in for the duration of treatment.
The physical and emotional toll was heavy, nerve damage in my right hand left me with carpal
tunnel and partial numbness in my fingers. Losing my hair so quickly after the first round was
another hard blow. Still, I reminded myself that this was part of the fight. I tried to embrace my
new reflection, knowing that behind it was a woman who was strong, brave, and determined to
survive.

Phase 2: Surgery
Once chemotherapy was complete, I met with my surgical team. On June 2, 2025, I underwent
a bilateral mastectomy, removal of both breasts, with immediate reconstruction, sentinel node
biopsy, and removal of three lymph nodes (two tested positive for residual cancer cells).
Recovery was the hardest part for me. Seeing the staples, tubes, and scars was emotionally
painful. As someone used to doing everything for my family, accepting help didn’t come
naturally, but it made all the difference. I learned that letting others care for you is not weakness; it’s love.

Phase 3: Radiation
I began radiation on August 21, 2025, for 16 sessions in just over three weeks. Each treatment
lasted about 15–20 minutes. It wasn’t easy, skin from my surgery didn’t heal properly, and
radiation reopened some of those wounds. But by September 12, 2025, I completed my final
session. Three weeks later, I’m still recovering from my open wound but my skin has begun to
heal and I finally got to ring the bell, a moment filled with tears of relief and gratitude.

Then, on October 3, 2025, I received the words every cancer patient dreams of hearing: “You
are cancer-free.” I am now a breast cancer survivor.

This journey has shown me the importance of knowing your own body and taking every change
seriously. If I hadn’t found that lump, I don’t know where I’d be today. I share my story to remind
others, especially younger women, that breast cancer can happen to anyone, and early
detection truly saves lives.

To all the warriors, advocates, and survivors, thank you for creating a community of strength and hope. I am proud to stand among you as a “Pink Sister.”

Please, check your breasts, know your body, and never hesitate to get changes investigated.