In 2009, at age 43, I was diagnosed with Stage IV HER2+ ER+ invasive breast cancer. I never presented with early-stage breast cancer as I was diagnosed “De novo,” with an initial diagnosis of Stage IV and have been living with metastatic disease for 14 years as of December 2023.
The first symptom I had was when I sneezed one day and, at the same time, I felt a burning pain under my right breast. I sought the advice of my doctor who ordered several tests including x-rays. At the time, I was an active-duty Air Force Senior Master Sergeant and mother of one.
Since being diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer, I have undergone many aggressive treatment plans including a mastectomy on my right breast, nine months of chemotherapy in 2010 and another nine months of chemo in 2012/2013. From 2013 through 2018, I remained stable until my doctor confirmed there was a slight progression in one of my ribs for which I started treatment again in 2018. In 2023, another progression was noted, and I switched treatments again to help stop that progression.
The term Stage IV was not new to me, having lost my mother to Stage IV breast cancer in 2004. However, I never knew that metastatic was another word for Stage IV and how important
that word would become in my life. When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, the cancer had already metastasized to other parts of the body. Since my diagnosis in 2009, my friends and family have always been there in support of my journey.
I am a 25-year Air Force decorated military veteran, having received four Air Force Meritorious Service Medals, seven Air Force Commendation Medals and four Air Force Achievement Medals. Every day is a new challenge for me. Every day I get up and I ask myself: “How can I make the breast cancer community better?”
I have also received my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from McKendree University in Business Administration. I am a member of New Life Community Church in East St Louis.
I have one daughter, Janaia Glover and one special canine friend, a Cane Corso named Duchess.
I am also a newly published author of A Survivor’s Lens:
A Metastatic Breast Cancer Survivor’s Focus on Faith and God’s Word
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Pink Tea
November 9, 2024
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