invasive ductal carcinoma

Breast Cancer Grad- Jaci

Breast Cancer Grad- Jaci

“I knew breast cancer was out there but really thought only people much older could get it. I mean at 38 you don’t even get mammograms yet. I had no idea there were different types and what a diagnosis really entailed.”

Breast Cancer Grad- Kathryn

Breast Cancer Grad- Kathryn

"I am very grateful for all the research that breast cancer has received, but I do think all the marketing around it has made people a little numb to the reality. Breast cancer is still incurable when it spreads to distant organs, and we need to do more to find a cure for Stage IV. Instead of buying a pink coffee mug or t-shirt, I wish people would directly donate to organizations that fund breast cancer research directly ( like Metavivor) so we can don’t have to hope for a cure but that we can actually research a cure."

Double Major Grad (Breast and Papillary)- Colette

Double Major Grad (Breast and Papillary)- Colette

"Take each day as it comes. Rest when you need to. Listen to your body. So many people have opinions about everything, try not to let them tell you how to live your life, other than the professionals of course. Nobody can tell you how you should feel. Take help when you need it."

Breast Cancer Grad- Dana Donofree

Breast Cancer Grad- Dana Donofree

"I will say, I wish I started [emotional] therapy earlier. I always felt I was never “ready.” I was always trying to be strong; thinking I had to deal with everything on my own. This world is big, it’s complex, and you need help to navigate it. You can't always get that from your loved ones. Having someone else as the sounding board helping me work through my feelings and emotions, my anger and fear, has been incredibly healing. Asking for help doesn't make you weak, it makes you stronger."

 

Breast Cancer Grad- Danielle Cooper

Breast Cancer Grad- Danielle Cooper

"I also maintained a constant workout regimen that I used to take out my frustrations…I’d say the row machine was the most effective way of getting out all my anger during chemo. You have to turn that anger into something positive or it’ll eat you alive." 

Breast Cancer Grad-Heidi Kelly

Breast Cancer Grad-Heidi Kelly

"Take it easy, don’t push yourself too hard, your body will tell you what you can do. Talk about it, I let a lot of people in and met a lot of great people and helped some because I was so open about it. And live your life. Don’t let this stop you from doing whatever you want. You still can. I started a business. My husband and I travel as much as we can. You never know what will happen tomorrow, so don’t put it off."