It all began when I discovered a lump in my breast. At first, I wasn’t overly concerned; I had dealt with a benign cyst in the same area the previous year. I promptly contacted my doctor and made an appointment. During my visit to the OBGYN, the nurse practitioner examined me and suggested it felt similar to the previous cyst—non-threatening—and recommended a wait-and-see approach for 3-6 months. However, I insisted on an ultrasound. Thank goodness I did.
The ultrasound revealed two concerning areas. I was scheduled for a biopsy, which was a bit traumatic since they struggled to numb the area, and I felt the needle. Initially, the doctors reassured me that the findings seemed benign, stating that 90% of lumps biopsied in women my age turn out to be harmless. This brought relief to both me and my husband, Mark.
The very next day, after a shopping trip, I received a phone call that changed everything. While one spot was identified as a benign fibroid, the other was confirmed as invasive ductal carcinoma. It was the day before Thanksgiving, a moment etched in my memory forever. Mark and I embraced, grappling with the weight of the news, and I immediately called my mother to share the devastating truth. I remember apologizing to her, feeling as though I had robbed my family of their joy. To shield our boys from the emotional turmoil, Mark’s father took them for the day. We held each other tightly and cried, promising to face the fight together.
There have been fleeting moments where I’ve thought, “This isn’t fair.” But upon reflection, I realize that it is. My life has been filled with blessings. I often think, “Something has to go wrong; everything is just too perfect.”
I grew up in a nurturing home where my parents prioritized my brother and me. They are fun-loving, generous, and attuned to my needs. I never lacked for anything. I received a top-notch education and was granted countless opportunities to expand my horizons. I have traveled the world, made meaningful connections, and have been surrounded by people who love me unconditionally just as I am. I found my soulmate, and I have a job that I would gladly do for free. I see the light in life where others may see darkness, and I find happiness most of the time. I chase my dreams without fear and have created a home filled with love. My neighbors share wine with me during the day, and my friends remind me to embrace joy and silliness. Most importantly, I have two incredible sons who have transformed my life and fill my days with love.
Working with at-risk youth has given me a clear perspective on what true unfairness looks like. It’s the harsh reality of being judged for your race, orientation, or appearance. It’s the trauma of abuse, neglect, and hunger. I know what unfairness is.
I have cancer, and it is incredibly challenging. But I do not consider it unfair. It is simply part of my life’s journey. I am equipped with a stellar medical team, an unwavering support network, health insurance, and the determination to overcome this challenge. And I will.
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Summary:
In this heartfelt narrative, Lauren Mitchell reflects on her diagnosis of invasive ductal carcinoma, emphasizing her gratitude for the blessings in her life despite the challenges posed by cancer. She shares her strong support system, her upbringing, and her unwavering determination to overcome the disease, maintaining a perspective that recognizes true unfairness in the world.