Diagnosis  

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I'm 33 years old and I was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer December 20, 2015. I am married with two young girls, ages 3 and 5, and I am currently undergoing chemo. I am half way through and will be completed with chemo May 19, Lord willing.

 

This disease, and the treatment, has been devastating. To my emotional, physical, and spiritual being. But I am also thankful for it. Strangely, this trial has brought me more growth and joy than any other struggle in my life. I've learned more about myself, my God, and my family than ever before. God has been my place of peace, refuge, and joy through these tough times.

 

Losing my hair was a lot tougher than I ever thought it would be. Only a handful of those that are close to me have seen me without a hat or wig (and it's really cold without hair!). So stepping out of my comfort zone and being photographed with a naked head would be huge for me.

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Strangely, this trial has brought me more growth and joy than any other struggle in my life. I've learned more about myself, my God, and my family than ever before."

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But, this disease is not about me. It's about who I can touch with my story. Who can I strengthen through my battle? Who can think of me and my fight and feel a little bit stronger to face their own mountain. I want to be crowned to show other women that they are stronger than they ever think they are. They can survive, whether it's cancer or another difficult struggle. We all fight our "cancer" battles, they just may look different than mine right now. But we all struggle.

 

And we are all stronger than we think."

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My crown experience

 

it was an incredible experience to, if for only one night, not be the girl with cancer. That sounds backwards, right?  I  was there because I was being treated for cancer, but that night wasn't about my cancer or what it was ripping away from me. It was about what was hiding inside of me being brought into the light. Every ounce of my body was engaged in a battle against this disease. That night, the fight inside of me was tangible to everyone that saw me. Losing my hair allowed the world into my life, without permission. Everyone that passed me knew I had cancer. After the crown...the only thing the world saw was my courage, strength, and fierceness.  My body and mind were healed and restored that night, if only to continue the fight. My life was forever changed by cancer, and forever changed by receiving a crown. 

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Where I am today

 

I finished chemo end of April, had a mastectomy in May, and 6.5 weeks of radiation that I finished end of august. I am currently cancer free!  

 

Follow my progress

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My caring bridge blog

 

https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/mindykoert

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