Pink Is My New Color
Pink is my new color!!!!!
It is with a heavy and hopeful heart that I share this news. I was diagnosed with breast cancer a few days ago. I am 19 and as statistics go, I am one in a million (literally- look it up on google). I am so special- but we knew thisđź’›! In this post I will share what my past 4 days have looked like, information on my cancer, why I have decided to share this on social media, and a message to my family and friends.
Storytime
On June 14th, I flew to San Francisco where I was going to work on a regenerative, sustainable farm and spend time alone for three weeks. I had a biopsy done the previous week on a lump I found in my right breast, but thought nothing of it given my age. When I touched down in SF, I had a voicemail and text from doctors asking me to call back immediately. Needless to say, an hour and a half later, I was on a plane back home. This flight was very hard. My family picked me up and we had a Thai food (my favorite) picnic in the airport parking lot.
The next few days were packed with phone calls, MRIs, mammograms, ultrasounds, and three more biopsies/clip placements (not my favorite.) All of my friends from home came over. A few of my college friends drove down to me as well. We have cried, we have laughed, we have walked, we have sat in silence. I have been showered with love. My mom, dad, and brother have been my rocks.
So the long and short of it is- I am embarking on a journey not of my choosing but one that I know I can handle. There will be really difficult times ahead when life feels impossible, but for now, I am headed into this with optimism, positivity and surrounded by love.
Technical info
I won’t get super specific because I don’t want people googling and scaring themselves but I have breast cancer that will be treated with chemotherapy, radiation, and some sort of surgery (which will be determined by test results I am waiting on). The good news is, breast cancer is very treatable and very curable and I WILL BE OKAY!
Why this is on social media
To share information with my friends and family. I am so grateful to have a ton of people in my life and it's difficult to update everyone individually. I know there are many more people following this than just those in my everyday life so:
Documentation purposes- I like to share what is going on in my life and frankly, this is taking center stage right now. I will try to share this in the most honest and authentic way, while still keeping private what I need to. Like all social media, I’m sure this will be a curated, highlight reel of this journey as well. You won’t see the most difficult times- the scary late night thoughts or the breakdowns, etc. You WILL see my positivity, strength, and unwavering optimism for the outcome of this all- physically, mentally and emotionally I will come out stronger. That is not fake, nor curated.
To demonstrate that social media typically only shows a fraction of what is really happening in someone's life. I posted a picture yesterday an hour after I found out I would need chemotherapy- and yet you might have thought I was having a fabulous time.
Also, to show everyone that we can all do hard things!!! And I'm going to crush this one.
My fears of sharing this online:
-people will feel sorry for me
-people will think of me differently
I am still me. I am still the same and I am still normal. Just with a twang;)
“One in a million”
I know that a lot of my followers are young women here. Please don't let my story scare you or freak you out. This is so incredibly rare. SO rare. One in a million!!!!! In face, off all breast cancer diagnosis in the U.S. per year, 4% are under the age of 40 (American Cancer Society).
To my friends and family
Please keep reaching out. I’ve always liked to talk a lot and this is no different. I know it may feel awkward and scary to send a text or give a call, and you may not feel like you have the right thing to say - well I’m in the same boat. Regardless, please find the courage to reach out.
I have already been given so much support. I will continue to need it, especially on days when I’m getting test results, or on my X round of chemo, or having a surgery. And if you’re thinking of me, or want to send a simple message on a random day- I would love it.
PS. I LOVE LETTERS
XO,
M
