I leaned on my family, my three sisters, my church, my coworkers, and my school community. As a teacher assistant, I gathered the teachers I worked with, told them about my diagnosis, and walked out of the room. They were stunned, but immediately surrounded me with prayer and support. That encouragement carried me through.

My first surgery was in November 2024, but when Dr. Dunlap said they hadn’t gotten it all, I didn’t hesitate. I said, “If another surgery will get rid of it, let’s do it.” In January 2025, I had my second surgery, and this time Dr. Dunlap said, “We got it all.” I followed with 15 days of radiation.

What could have been a lonely and frightening time turned into something different for me. My husband, sisters, nieces, and even friends took turns driving me from Shelbyville to Murfreesboro for treatment. We laughed, we talked, and it became a family affair. My last day of radiation was also my birthday, and a dear friend drove me, celebrated with me, and made the day unforgettable.

Through it all, I never felt alone. My church prayed for me, my family surrounded me, and my coworkers stood by me. That support gave me the strength to keep going.

My cancer wasn’t found on a mammogram. I had felt a lump for a while, but it didn’t hurt, so I ignored it. It was the staff of the Comprehensive Breast Center at Murfreesboro Medical clinic who encouraged me to get it checked and Dr. Dunlap performed a biopsy. I’m so grateful I listened, because early action saved my life.

Today, I’m cancer-free. I continue follow-up visits every six months, and I take a daily medication as part of my treatment plan. Everyone’s journey looks different, but mine taught me the power of listening to your body and leaning on the people who love you.

If I can share one message, it’s this: Don’t ignore changes in your body. Speak up, ask questions, and lean on your support system. With faith, family, great doctors and community, you can get through anything.