Annie’s journey is one of resilience, love, and the unwavering support of her family and community. Through the trials of chemotherapy, surgeries, and recovery, she discovered not only her own strength but also the importance of early detection and self-advocacy.

Join us as we share Annie’s heartfelt story—a testament to the power of hope, the impact of support, and the vital message that early detection can save lives.

Let Annie’s journey inspire you to prioritize your health and the health of those you love.

Background and Diagnosis

Before diagnosis I was a busy full-time PA-C, wife and mother of 3 grown children. We were extremely busy taking daughter to basketball games in and out of state for the past 7 years. I considered myself healthy, no chronic health problems besides chronic fatigue- which I thought was because I was always on the go with work and basketball.

I felt a lump during a self-breast exam early March 2023; all including last mammogram Nov 2023 were normal/ negative. I watched the lump for approx. 2 months; it quickly increased in size and breast felt heavier and larger than the other. I talked with my doctor, she ordered a breast ultrasound which showed the mass in my breast. Radiologist recommend biopsy to evaluate for cancer. I was in denial the whole time; “the mass is just a cyst” not even worried about it. When the biopsy results came back as cancer June 16th, it was obviously hard for my doctor to give me the news; but my world was turned upside down. I left work immediately, called my husband crying. I was devastated, I couldn’t believe this could ever happen to me. I have no family history of breast cancer. I breastfed all my babies- this has been shown to reduce risk of breast cancer. I ate healthy, exercised when I could. I couldn’t talk to anyone or see anyone other than my immediate family for 2 months because I would just lose it and cry uncontrollably.

Treatment Journey

After diagnosis I was scheduled for consult with breast surgeon 6/27/2023, had breast MRI 6/28/2024 and was scheduled for surgery to remove lump 6/29/2024. Unfortunately, the mass was described as “a monster” by my surgeon, she said it was too large for removal and it would be harder to remove it completely. She referred me to oncologist who did more CTs, lab work, Echocardiogram and ordered a port placement in preparation for my chemotherapy.

I had my first chemo round 7/26/2024- I didn’t have any bad side effects other than some fatigue. However, 2 weeks later all my hair on my head started to fall out by the handfuls, in a matter of 3 days- I was completely bald. This was really hard, I’d had long thick hair all my life. Slowly the rest of the hair on my body started to fall out from my eyebrows, to eyelashes to nose hairs to arms/ legs and pubic area. I felt like a hairless cat.

By my second round of chemo 3 weeks later; my blood cells were being destroyed- the good and the bad, so I had to go back to tri-cities daily x 3 days after my infusion for growth hormone injections to stimulate my bone marrow to produce more blood cells. These injections came with side effects of their own- body aches, joint pain, more fatigue.

And so it went on I would have chemo infusion every 3 weeks with injections for the following 3 days. I slowly couldn’t work as much due to “chemo brain”, fatigue and shortness of breath. Symptoms were worse starting day 5-14 after infusion; then I would slowly start feeling better until it was time for the next infusion. We did 6 rounds of the 4 different types of chemo. I couldn’t sleep the night before the infusions as I was so nervous about feeling so badly afterwards. But I knew I couldn’t miss a dose, so I sucked it up every time and got through it.

The hardest part was the fatigue/ weakness and shortness of breath; I could hardly walk across the room without feeling like I was going to faint. Food tasted like chemicals and poison. I had a good appetite, but couldn’t eat more than 1 or 2 bites of something due to being disgusted with the way it tasted. There were days I felt so sick that I wanted to scream at the top of my lungs; I felt like every cell in my body was mad and irritated. I had to come to clinic twice for dehydration and IV fluids because felt so ill that I couldn’t even drink water. I felt so much better after 1-2 Liters.

My biggest challenge was not letting the cancer win; I had to be strong, not only for myself, but for my children and husband. I tried think positive as much as I could. I prayed more than I’ve ever prayed my entire life. I was defeated both physically and mentally every 3 weeks for 9-10 days.

I had bilateral mastectomy Dec 5^th 2023- they also took 6 suspicious lymph nodes during the surgery. To my surprise, all lymph nodes were negative for cancer. Meaning, the cancer did not spread into my lymph nodes and hence throughout my body. This also meant I wouldn’t have to do radiation. They got all the cancer out during the surgery. This was a turning point for me. I was winning. I was stronger than I thought I could ever be. This news gave me hope and courage to continue fighting, continue being positive and looking to my future.

I continued infusions every 3 weeks after surgery without skipping a beat, but this time I had just 2 types of chemotherapy known as immunotherapy. The side effects were not as extreme as with the 4. I bounced back quicker after the infusions, I no longer had to have injections for 3 days after infusion. These were to be for 17 rounds, each 3 weeks apart.

March 12^th I had bilateral breast reconstruction; this was a tough surgery that took 6 hours. I had the DIEP procedure; they used my own adipose tissue from my lower abdomen to reconstruct my breasts. I felt like a woman again.

I had my last infusion on July 1^st 2024- this was a day to celebrate. I felt so accomplished, my heart was filled with excitement and I got to ring the bell. I would soon be removing my port to continue the celebration.

Support and Community

I couldn’t believe the amount of love and support I received. My family of course were my biggest supporters; they helped me through the good and the worst days. Days when all they could do was just be present with me- sit with or lay with me. My friends and patients would send flowers, blankets and gifts almost on a daily basis. I truly felt blessed and loved. Children of the community made pink arm sleeves and t-shirts with my name on them. At a high school basketball game, they collected cash to donate to myself and another mom who was starting her breast cancer journey.

I had a couple friends that were going through the breast cancer experience; both had lymph node involvement and had to have radiation. We swapped stories frequently about how we were feeling or what we should expect, etc. It was nice to have them to confide in. I didn’t do any of the support groups; I feel like that wasn’t my thing.

Reflections and Insights

This journey has taught me that I am not invincible. That cancer does not discriminate. Even though my body has changed, I’m still me. My hair is growing back, my strength and stamina are slowly returning and I’m stronger physically and mentally than I ever thought I could be. My perspective on life changed. I learned to not stress the small things and to live life to its fullest. Tomorrow is not promised. I find myself being more involved with family and friend parties; when I was sick I missed so much.

Life after Cancer

I feel extremely fortunate that my cancer is in remission; I feel blessed and grateful that I get to continue to live life. So many others were not as lucky as me.

I do not miss any doctor’s appointments; I make sure my preventative health is up to date. I make time for myself to do things that make me happy, i.e. shopping, crafting, fishing, etc.

Lifestyle changes are important as well, I make time to exercise regularly, take my vitamins and eat healthy. I’ve learned that exercise is a natural way to fight cancer.

Advice and Inspiration

I would advise someone who is beginning their breast cancer journey to take it one day at a time. I would tell them to ask for help or a hug when you need it. I would say trust the process. I would say stay positive, you will get through this. This is just temporary, this doesn’t define you. I would say talk to friends and family members; 1 in 8 women will be affected by breast cancer. I would say do not put off your mammograms.

Future Aspirations

My hopes and goals for my future is that I will not have a reoccurrence of cancer. I’m going to take my medication daily for the next 5-10 years as directed. And do everything I can to stay healthy.

I’ve already begun telling my story here and there, sharing with my patients, friends and family members. Reminding women that even if their screening mammograms are negative; they still need to perform their own self-breast exams. If I didn’t find mine as early as I did; I’m sure my prognosis wouldn’t have been as good. I will continue to advocate and support any and all those affected by breast cancer.

📅 Get Your Mammograms! Remember, one in eight women will face breast cancer. Don’t wait—make your appointment today. Your health is a gift, and you deserve to protect it.

💖 Let’s stand together, spread awareness, and support one another in this journey.