October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Everyone’s experience with cancer is unique and that is why Buzzy Rocket co-founder, Victoria, decided to share her journey in a four part series.

You have cancer. Those three words knocked the wind out of me. What? How? It was my first mammogram. I didn’t even know you were supposed to get one at 40 years old. My primary care doctor told me to get one at my annual physical. After my mammogram they saw something but weren’t sure as to whether it was cancer.  The next step was an ultrasound, after which they gave me the choice of a biopsy.  I did request the  biopsy (not a fun experience) to confirm that the spot they saw wasn’t cancer. I wasn’t expecting it to be cancer, but it was. I am so grateful that I requested the biopsy.

It is a whirlwind when you are diagnosed with cancer. I was referred to a local oncologist and thrust into a different world. Everyone’s cancer is different so it is hard to predict how your body will respond to treatment. I was diagnosed with stage one triple positive breast cancer. Essentially my cancer feeds on estrogen so they know how to stop feeding the cancer. I had a group of doctors review my case and they recommended a course of chemo, surgery and radiation.

My first day of chemo lasted almost 10 hours from the time I checked in to when I left to go home. They have observation protocols in place to better understand how your body was handling the treatment. I was lucky in that my body was able to handle the chemo treatments without a lot of side effects. During my treatments I was surrounded by the most caring people I’ve ever met in my life. The nurses, doctors and staff genuinely cared for us. I lost my hair, but I was fortunate to not lose myself thanks to my amazing friends and family that lifted me up when I didn’t know how to feel.

My surgery was very straightforward. I opted for a lumpectomy. After my surgery I did 16 rounds of radiation. Again, the staff was so incredibly caring. I am tearing up remembering their kindness. After all of that I had to complete ten immunotherapy sessions – think chemo but you don’t lose your hair. I’m proud to say I am 100% cancer free. It has been a lot, trust me, but I can’t stress enough how important it is to get an annual physical and to encourage every woman in your life to get a mammogram. It saved my life.