Me

My name is Red.  I have had have breast cancer.  I am a survivor and I have learned to embrace each day that I am blessed to be granted. This is my journey.

I live in Florida, I am in my early 30’s and I am blessed to be a wife, mother, sister, daughter and friend.  I was initially diagnosed in August 2015 with HER2+ invasive ductal carcinoma that spread to my left lymph nodes. I underwent 6 rounds of aggressive chemotherapy treatment followed by a double mastectomy, 30 rounds of radiation to my left chest & lymph nodes and Herceptin treatments every 3 weeks. I was declared cancer free after my double mastectomy in February 2016.

After experiencing swollen lymph nodes in my right side, I went for a biopsy that confirmed the cancer had spread and was now Triple Negative (ER/PR/HER2-). I had a PET Scan on July 15 that indicated the cancer had spread to my bones (pelvic and right shoulder), most of my lymphatic system and the skin on my chest. A CT scan on July 21 showed the cancer had metastasized to my right cerebellum and I underwent emergency surgery to have it removed. I was blessed with no defects from surgery.

I began chemo pills July 29 and radiation therapy to my right chest & lymph nodes on August 15. With the grace of God, my treatment will work and I will show signs of no evidence of disease (NED). Though I will never be cancer free again, I am confident my story is not over. This is a lifelong disease that I am learning to live with each and every day.

This blog started as a way to share my story, my journey.  To my surprise, it has turned into so much more than that. I hope that you find it helpful and perhaps a little inspiring too.  Life is what you make of it, regardless of the detours you may take.

You are welcome to ask any questions through the comments or you can also check out my Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/IamRedPhoenix and Instagram @IamRedPhoenix10

I look forward to hearing your thoughts, questions and stories along the way!  Enjoy your day and spread the love!

15 thoughts on “Me”

  1. Although I cried when I read this I found strength in your words and courage. You will not be alone on this journey Red. We are standing strong with you.

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  3. Just wanted to stop by and say hello, and to thank you for your kind comment on my recent blog post. I am so sorry to learn you too had HER2+ cancer, but I’m super happy to read you are cancer free (YAY!!!) Sending all good wishes to you. xo

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  4. I have just started watching a new series, The Truth About Cancer. It’s by Ty Bollinger, who I have heard is quite religious but I promise that hasn’t come through yet. He explains the best nutrition, herbs, spices, etc. that can compliment (or he argues replace) traditional treatment.

    He said that the “big three” (chemo, radiation, and surgery) are like hitting your check engine light with a hammer. The light goes off, but the problem isn’t fixed. The body has lost it’s natural state of being and something allowed cancer to form. That’s the root issue that needs to be addressed.

    A lot of people think I’m crazy when I talk about this stuff, lol. But if you think about it, it’s Big Pharm that funds most, if not all, of the research, so of course the treatments that come out of the research are more drugs. I’m finding the new information, including the history of the medical field, to be quite fascinating and I thought that I would share in case you are interested.

    Your story has touched me, so I would like to help if I possibly can by sharing information that may help you.

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      2. Thank you for the links! I’m sorry to hear about your Dad. I was touched by your letter to him. Though I did not have the pleasure of knowing him, I am sure he would be proud of the woman you are based on what I’ve learned from following your blog.

        Let me know if the book is worth ordering as well once you get into it.

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      6. Absolutely! I’m going to follow a cancer prevention diet. The body needs to get back to its natural state and away from internal conditions that cause cancer. I truly believe food is medicine or poison.

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      7. I completely agree! I’ve been reading the Food Babe Way and I like how it breaks down what to stay away from and why. I want to focus on things that I can eat to prevent recurrence though!

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