Spotlight Series
#LOVEBeyondAwareness Ambassador
I’m Erika and I am a Breast Cancer Survivor.
I was at home one evening just chilling before bed when I decided to do a self-breast exam and felt a lump. On January 25, 2018, I was diagnosed, stage 2 triple positive invasive carcinoma.
Treatment plan moved forward pretty fast, I survived 6 rounds of a chemo cocktail (6mths) and 12 rounds of Herceptin. We decided to skip Radiation. I had a double mastectomy with a delayed reconstruction, tested positive for a gene mutation PALB2 in which pushed me to get a full hysterectomy as well. I got the reconstruction done in May 2019 and I am now in recovering from it all.
I have 5 yrs of hormone therapy (to prevent the cancer from returning) that I’m working through now. Cancer has taken a lot from me but it has also given me a sense of purpose, it has brought amazing people into my life.
I hope my journey inspires you to never give up!
I am grateful to be alive today and to be able to enjoy life with my daughter.
(Disclaimer: This webpage may contain general information relating to various medical conditions and their treatment. Such information is provided for informational purposes only and is not meant to be a substitute for advice provided by a doctor or other qualified health professional. Patients should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing a health or fitness problem or disease. Patients should always consult with a doctor or other health care professional for medical advice or information about diagnosis or treatment.)
