By Adrea Carr
I lost my mommy to breast cancer when I was 13. She was 47 years young when she died, just 5 days shy of her 48th birthday. Since the age of 26/27, I’ve gotten mammograms FAITHFULLY every year, knowing that early detection is key. In December 2020, I had an abnormal mammogram. I have the BEST primary care doctor here in South Florida where I live. She ordered me to get rechecked six months later, and in June, I did just that. The results were not what she wanted to see. After having a double biopsy done, the results came back, July 2021, Stage 1 breast cancer in my left breast. Hearing my specialist on the phone saying those words left a lump in my throat. I have a 26 year old daughter who is phenomenal, and I have been open and transparent as I can be with her from the time she was old enough to understand illnesses. Only a few people close to me knew what was going on. I knew if I were to beat this thing, I needed to stay positive and keep positive energy around me at all times. Testing after testing, and then a decision to make on how I wanted to attack this disease. I chose to have a bilateral mastectomy even though the cancer was in just one breast. I decided to also have breast reconstruction surgery with expanders then permanent implants. I had surgery September 21st and am currently going through the expansion process. I have a bit of a journey still to go with a few more procedures. I’ve decided to document and share my journey, there is so much more testimony to give as I journey through the healing process. I know there are others who would welcome the encouragement as I did from others who went through this as well. Mustering up the courage to speak about and share my journey has been liberating. I have an outstanding medical care team, which is important, but my support system of family and friends is what is carrying and sustaining me. From daily phone calls to check on me, to going to doctors visits with me, I am humbled by the pure selfless love. My story is different from so many others, yet we share one commonality as survivor. I want to share my story, I want to uplift and encourage, and I want to advocate in a way I can be impactful and make a difference. I’m still muddling through just how. Thanks for reading my story.
Thank you for sharing your story, Adrea. SBC loves you!
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