I was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer on September 5, 2024. After surgery in October, I was cancer-free, but chemotherapy and radiation were recommended to avoid recurrence, and possibly other cancers. My family and friends told me “do what the doctor says.” What nerve!

Three chemotherapy infusions gave me multiple side effects, including five separate rashes, days of leg pain, terrible brain fog, heavy nausea, and a screaming nightmare, which forced a change in medication for the third infusion. I lost all of my hair, and may never grow long hair again. Each infusion required ten to fifteen days of recovery.

The five radiation treatments were not as bad, with few side effects. I finished treatment on April 16, 2025.

I could never criticize anyone for refusing treatment. I had to remind myself many times that cancer could kill me, but treatment most likely would not (there are cases where cancer treatment causes a cancer to develop, later).

Now I am healthy, as far as anyone knows. The future is uncertain, but for now, I am here.