I am a two time cancer survivor, beginning with a stage II triple negative breast cancer diagnosis in 1993. I have not had any recurrences. In 2018, I was diagnosed with stage IVb papillary serous endometrial adenocarcinoma, a rare, aggressive form of uterine cancer, without recurrence.

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​About 6 months after my annual mammogram, I noticed a lump in my right breast as I did a breast self exam. It felt solid and immovable. I knew that wasn't good. I made an appointment I called my gynecologist immediately and saw her later that day. After a series of tests, I was told it was cancer, triple negative stage II breast cancer. I was 43 and had just made the decision to have a child. Instead of having a child, I had surgery (a lumpectomy), 6 chemotherapy sessions and 35 radiation treatments. This was a definite turning point in my life.

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In spite of this diagnosis and treatment, what followed my recovery, was 10+ years of volunteer work in the cancer community which included writing articles and speaking engagements on the importance of breast self exam and annual mammograms. I sat on several panels, provided peer support to women going through treatment, and I worked booths at health fairs. Also, I gave input, as a cancer survivor, on grant proposals submitted by research institutes to the Department of Defense to help determine their decisions on funding. 

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For 25 years, I lived  cancer free. In 2017, I was diagnosed with a deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary emboli and about a year later, I was diagnosed with stage IVb papillary serous endometrial adenocarcinoma. This is a rare, aggressive type of uterine cancer. Life can truly change in a minute.

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My diet had been clean, I lived a self examined life. I had switched careers from doing real estate to teaching movement and yoga classes. However, I started feeling very unwell during 2018. I was very fatigued, didn't have much of an appetite or would eat a small amount and be full. I was up using the restroom several times at night and I was unusually bloated.  I had mild pain that would turn into excruciating pain several months later. My doctor noticed I looked pale and ran some tests. A couple of days later, I got a call that I had ovarian cancer.

A peritoneal biopsy was positive for cancer as well. Within a couple weeks, I was in surgery.