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Jessica is 33 years old, and she her husband Theodore and two children live in Hudsonville, MI.  She is a registered nurse.

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"About a week before my 33rd birthday, I felt a lump in my right breast. It was about the size of a pea. 

A few weeks later, I saw the doctor and they ordered a mammogram and ultrasound. Three biopsies later, the lump that I felt proved to be invasive mammary carcinoma.  After a blur of appointments and recommendations, I elected to have bilateral mastectomies with sentinel node biopsy. My lymph nodes were negative but the tumor pathology came back to prove highly aggressive with a high-risk for reoccurrence.  That prompted chemotherapy. 

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I instantly cut my long hair to a very short bob and died it blonde. It wasn't till just before my second round of chemo that my hair really started coming out.  This prompted a family head shaving party which included my three children, my husband, and 2 of my nieces. I figured it would be easier for them to all play a part in it and create a memorable yet silly experience versus the shock factor of me walking in with a shaved head. 

 

"Get to know your body, be your own advocate, and love a little harder."

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I finished my chemo and breast reconstruction in December 2016. 

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These days, my family and I are just trying to figure out how to live with the aftermath. There are days I feel down- plagued by the thought of a reoccurrence. No one could love my kids like I do. The thought absolutely kills me.  Would I never meet my grandkids, grow old with my husband?

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There are days I feel grateful. We caught it early. My lymph nodes were negative. I went the most aggressive route offered. 

So get to know your body, be your own advocate, and love a little harder. "

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