Jessica's Story (Cont)

I am now 3 years cancer free. I still have effects of the cancer. I am fatigued more days then not, I get scared over any little bump I feel, my immune system is shot, but I am alive! I am always having to go for check ups and tests, but it is better then the alternative. I recently tested positive for BRCA gene. This in it's self is hard. I have always wanted to have a family. It feels like yet another blow. My fertility was effected as well and I am told the hormones from pregnancy could bring on a recurrence. I am not sure if I would want to risk my child getting cancer because of me passing the gene on. I am not sure I want to risk having a child, only to not be able to watch them grow up and without a mother. These are choices I will have to make. But for know I am just living and spreading my story. Early detection and awareness saved my life. I am so lucky I found my lump. While that one turned out to be nothing, we were able to detect the cancerous one.

I remember being so angry at my first doctor. I feel he didn't take my health seriously. He figured I was too young for cancer. But obviously I wasn't. I feel that if we did some follow up treatments after my biopsy the first time maybe it would have saving me from having a relapse, having to go through it all. I do feel lucky however that I did go in and have the lump checked, even thought it was nothing they were able to find the lump that no one could feel, the cancerous one. I am happy to say I am still cancer free. I want to spread my story so that women can see early detection does save lives. That cancer could have continued to spread and get worse and worse had I not been smart about getting checked. Although being diagnosed with breast cancer at 19 is VERY rare, don't think that it CAN'T happen, It can and does. Cancer is not prejudice. It knows no race, age, sex ect. Get a second opinion if something doesn't seem right. It is your body and your life. We only get one chance and I was lucky enough to have a re-do.