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Stephanie // Breast Cancer Survivor

Age: 27 years old

From: Arlington, Texas

What treatments did you undergo during your journey? Chemotherapy, Surgery, Radiation, Immuno Therapy and other. 

What were your signs/symptoms leading up to your diagnosis? The first time I felt a lump and I kept monitoring and about a week or two later I started to have pain so I went to the doctor. The second time I felt what I thought was part of the implant. The surgical oncologist sent me in for a biopsy. 

How did cancer alter your lifestyle? Cancer has altered my life mentally because I am not able to retain information the way that I once could. It takes me longer to complete tasks. Physically, I have had to do physical therapy to be able to move the way I could before. Most of the time I am tired and achy. Getting up to do things around the house can sometimes be challenging. I have always been someone that is active, so I have had to do some adjusting. Emotionally, I have been a rollercoaster. There are good days and there are bad days. I always give myself a chance to cry it out, but as soon as I am done I wipe the tears away and keep going! I have gotten so much closer to God than I was before and I am so thankful. Without Him I wouldn’t be here today.

What kept/keeps you going? My 4 year old daughter! She is always encouraging me and tells me every day how proud she is of me.
 
What makes your story unique or helpful to others? I believe what makes my story unique is how I never stopped going to school when I found out about the cancer. I had surgery and did treatment and two weeks after completing treatment, I graduated Magna Cum Laude with my Bachelor’s in Social Work. When I found out the cancer was back, I started the advanced standing master’s program 4 months later. I am currently in treatment and one semester away from graduating with my masters. It has been very challenging, but also rewarding to know that despite everything that has been going on, I have been able to achieve goals that I set for myself.

Any advice for those coming behind you? Allow yourself to feel all the positive and negative emotions. It is okay to be upset and angry, but don’t stay that way. A negative mindset can make the journey more difficult.

Do you have a funny cancer story? 36 hours after my double mastectomy I was back in the hospital due to a collapsed lung. The funny part was that my husband and the surgeons he was calling did not believe me when I was telling them that something was wrong. They all thought I was just having a little anxiety because of the surgery I just had. I was anxious, but it was because I couldn’t breathe!

Favorite quote, scripture or song? “I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13)

Product or service that changed your life? Oncology Facials!

How did you hear about Brighter? How has it made a difference? I heard about Brighter from an Oncology Spa that I visited to get my head shaved. Jeanna connected me with Brighter after hearing my story. Brighter has made my life so much better. The women that I have had a pleasure of meeting are absolutely wonderful. I have learned so many amazing tips, tricks, and information about side effects that I am experiencing.
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