Christie C

Single mom, age 41 and three daughters (ages 18, 8, and 5 at the time). Working part time.  Home in foreclosure.  No child support.  But we were managing.  Then…life got turned upside down.

 

On Valentine’s Day 2013, I was diagnosed with HER2NU invasive ductal carcinoma in my left breast.  My diagnosis came after finding a lump six months earlier.  After being told it was nothing to worry about, I had the lump rechecked, only to discover another lump below it.  Again, I was told it was nothing to worry about.  Misdiagnosed twice!  I began chemotherapy treatments two weeks after my diagnosis and had a total of six rounds.  After a short break, I had a bilateral mastectomy and expander placement.  August 20th, the call came in that I was cancer free!  But, to be safe, next came 33 radiation treatments.  That following spring I had a right side mastectomy, expander removal, and implants placed.  I was finally back in one piece!

 

I had tremendous support during the time I was undergoing treatments.  Team Christie was formed by a group of friends.  I had total strangers sending me messages of encouragement, sending gifts/flowers, bringing meals for my family.  It was truly amazing and completely unexpected.  But it helped get me through, along with the support of my Mom, my sister Karen and her family, my boyfriend Tommy, and my three daughters Kaylee, Lacie, and Mallorie.  My motto was “Losing Is Not An Option” and I didn’t!