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Meeting My Oncologist: Another Angel in the Room

The afternoon of my diagnosis, after taking some time at home to rest and process, Chris and I headed to the Mays Cancer Center to meet my oncologist. It wasn’t just another appointment, it was the beginning of the next chapter in a story I didn’t choose, but one I’m determined to write with strength. The clinic was unusually quiet. No one else had been scheduled that day. A Warm Welcome in a Cold Place The staff was kind and welcoming, gently guiding me through the intake process and into the exam room. One nurse mentioned that my oncologist, Dr. Jones, had been at the hospital earlier but knew I was coming and would likely be there soon. She handed me the infamous pink robe and told me I probably had a few minutes before needing to change. But I decided to just put it on so I was ready. I barely had time to sit down next to Chris before there was a knock on the door. And then in walked Dr. Jones. With a warm smile and undeniable energy, she said, "Oh, it’s so nice to meet...
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When Vigilance Isn’t Enough: My Unexpected Breast Cancer Diagnosis

I have a long history with breast cancer — not personally, but painfully close. My mother was first diagnosed at 40. She fought the disease three separate times before we lost her when I was just 28. Because of that, I’ve always been extra vigilant. Annual mammograms, check-ups, self-awareness, I thought I was doing everything I was supposed to do. But cancer doesn’t always follow the rules. May 23: The Routine Check-Up That Wasn’t So Routine I went in for my annual check-up on May 23. I specifically asked for a mammogram, something that’s not always automatic. I had no symptoms. No warning signs. Just a gut feeling and the weight of family history. Then, in the days between my check-up and the scheduled mammogram, I noticed something, a subtle change in breast density. I brushed it off. Maybe it was menopause. Maybe it was nothing. May 28: Mammogram → Ultrasound My mammogram on May 28 raised red flags. They recommended an ultrasound, that has happened before and been nothing, ...
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