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The Fight for My Life

The Dismissive Silence My symptoms began in 2020, when I was just 30 years old. I was 33 when I was finally diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer. Early Symptoms My symptoms started subtly, but became increasingly concerning over time. Medical Neglect Despite my persistent complaints, doctors dismissed my concerns and failed to investigate further. Delayed Diagnosis The delay in diagnosis had devastating consequences, hindering effective treatment. The Racial Bias I'm a Black Puerto Rican woman from an urban area. The prejudice I faced felt as if my body wasn't my own for 30 years. Lack of Trust Many Black and Hispanic women feel distrust in the medical system due to a history of mistreatment. Misinformation Harmful stereotypes perpetuate the idea that Black and Hispanic women don't prioritize their health. Institutional Bias Systemic biases in healthcare lead to disparities in diagnosis and treatment. Lack of Access Limited access to quality healthcare, especially i
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Not a boob job

The journey through misdiagnosis, disbelief, and ultimately, a life-altering diagnosis of triple negative breast cancer stage 3 was a whirlwind of emotions, frustrations, and unanswered questions. For 15 long months, I was told I was too young, that the rash on my breast was nothing more than eczema. But as the days passed and the symptoms worsened - heavy, red, hot, crusty yuck - it became clear that something more sinister was at play. Too young? Should I have to lift my shirt and show the world that mammograms shouldn't have an age minimum? Should I expose my chest to the editor and writer of that Wall Street Journal article that reduced a double mastectomy to a mere cosmetic procedure, as if I still had nipples to enhance? Sarah Thornton, the author of that article, did a disservice to breast cancer patients, survivors, and previvors alike. A mastectomy is not a choice made lightly, nor is it akin to a breast augmentation. It's a decision borne out of necessity, ou
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Disappointed :Panel Recommends Breast Cancer Screening at 40

 My Journey Advocating for Personalized Breast Cancer Screening and Addressing Healthcare Disparities Breast cancer doesn't discriminate based on age, yet the guidelines for screening often do. My own experience with breast cancer diagnosis at 33 has led me to question the age requirements for mammograms and the impact they can have on early detection and treatment outcomes. The recent final recommendation on breast cancer screening by the United States Preventive Task Force (USPSTF) has prompted me to reflect on the importance of advocating for personalized screening based on individual circumstances. At 30, I started experiencing symptoms of breast cancer, but was told I was too young for a mammogram. It wasn't until 15 months later, at 33, that I was diagnosed with stage 3 triple negative breast cancer. This journey has made me question the rationale behind age requirements for mammograms and how they can affect individuals like me who fall outside the recommended age range.
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TNBC Day

Today is March 3rd, a day that holds significance as Triple Negative Breast Cancer Day. It's both astonishing and humbling to realize that my own battle with triple negative breast cancer is so fierce that it has garnered its own dedicated day of awareness. However, amidst the recognition, I made a conscious decision not to focus my post on this particular aspect today. March holds a multitude of personal milestones for me - it marks my daughter's birthday and the anniversary of my surgery. While my journey with triple negative breast cancer is an integral part of my story, I find myself wanting to delve into other facets of my life this month. March is a month of profound importance for me this year. It signifies the first anniversary of my surgery and the celebration of Laila's 10th birthday. Directing my attention towards anything beyond these significant events this month would feel like a disservice to the depth of emotions and experiences that I am navigating. While I
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