Scars of Strength Series – Each story is written in the patient’s own words. Please read and share.
#ScarsOfStrength – Kathleen’s Story
I was diagnosed with metastatic inflammatory breast cancer in Oct 2014, at the age of 29, while pregnant with my son. I knew about breast cancer, but thought it was no big deal, it was a curable thing now. I was young and had no family history of cancer. I had no idea about different types of breast cancer… I ignored my swollen breast thinking it was just getting ready to make milk. I didn’t bother getting it checked out until I found a lump, which turned out to be a swollen lymph node. If I had known about the symptoms of inflammatory breast cancer I would have gotten checked out much sooner, before it spread to my liver and bones. Luckily I was able to start treatment, have a healthy baby boy, and then continue treatment until I achieved no evidence of disease, a status I have help onto for 5+ years now. I had a bilateral mastectomy in Dec 2015 and remained flat for 2 years before deciding to start the recon process. I have many scars now and they have been earned with strength. I support IBC network because they truly educate and focus on educating and funding research to this aggressive cancer.
