Lauren was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma breast cancer after discovering a lump in her right breast during a self-exam. Her doctor quickly referred her to radiology where she underwent an ultrasound and biopsy. Initially, a sentinel lymph node biopsy came back negative, suggesting that the cancer hadn’t spread.

This led to a decision to proceed with a lumpectomy, during which doctors also removed several lymph nodes for testing. Unfortunately, one of the lymph nodes tested positive for cancer, leading to a second surgery to remove more tissue. Lauren’s treatment plan included multiple rounds of chemotherapy and 25 rounds of radiation. Going through treatment opened up unexpected opportunities for introspection and gave her the space to evaluate various aspects of her life.

Throughout her ordeal, Lauren struggled to accept her diagnosis, but she maintained a positive outlook and sought to embrace the situation as part of life’s many experiences, emphasizing personal growth during tough times. The hardest part for her was breaking the news to her two children. They supported her through every step and the experience brought them closer together. She also embraced therapy, which helped her reflect on her life priorities.

Her diagnosis forced her to slow down and reexamine her values, leading to a shift toward a more balanced lifestyle. As she moves into survivorship, Lauren aims to maintain this balance, learning the importance of saying no, managing her time, and avoiding unnecessary stress. She continues to advocate for women with breast cancer, using her platform to raise awareness and inspire others. She sees cancer not as an end but as an opportunity for a new beginning.