pink is not my favorite color
An informational site on my journey with breast cancer
ABOUT ME
Age: 33
Birthplace: Washington, DC
Hometown: Chapel Hill, NC
Current Home: Naples, FL
Diagnoses: Stage 2B Breast Cancer
Age of Diagnosis: 31
Prognosis: Cancer free
“Although breast cancer is rarely diagnosed in teens, a small number of patients – less than 2 percent, according to the National Cancer Institute – are diagnosed with breast cancer before the age of 34.”
Moffitt Cancer Center
MY STORY
I want to tell my story in hopes that those that are about to go through breast cancer, as well as their friends and family, can understand some of the struggles and some of the things to be prepared for.
I would like for this to be an all-encompassing, informational resource for breast cancer that doesn't mimic the other stodgy websites out there.
For that, I have put together a series of blogs that describe each stage of my journey with cancer, as well as other resources you can visit outside the site.
I wanted the site to be pretty, fun, and relatively seamless because this journey isn't easy - one can get lost in the madness of online research.
For those of you that have had, or will have to go through this, all I can say is wow - you are a strong, badass woman and a warrior. I wish you strength, positivity and recovery!
STATS AT A GLANCE
We'll let the numbers speak for themselves...
$331,350
Insurance billed
May 16, 2016- Oct. 2 2018
$18,391
Insurance out of pocket cost
May 3, 2016- Oct. 2, 2018
224
Doctor Visits
May 3, 2016 - Oct. 2, 2018
8,160
Miles traveled to Moffitt Cancer Center
Naples -->Tampa
1,825
Daily Femara pills for 5 years
60
Zoladex shots over 5 years
QUICK REFERENCES
Click links below to read more
1Checking Your Breasts
2Helpful Products & Gifts
INSPIRATION
When your life is in limbo and your body is on the chopping block, everything changes. You’ve got to woman up and strap on your seat-belt because it’s gonna be a ride. A freaking roller-coaster. A roller-coaster of emotion: fear, dread, uncertainty, frustration, loss, sorrow, confusion, anger, all wrapped up in a pretty pink ribbon.
It is going to scar you, literally. It is going to test you, mentally and physically. It is going to challenge you, it is going to wear on you and eat at you, and always be on your mind. You will be carrying it on your chest for the foreseeable future, and essentially for the rest of your life, in the hopes that it will not return.
But there is also beauty in all of it. There is love, support and appreciation. There is a newfound respect for other’s suffering and struggles.
It is a lesson that our next breath is not promised, it is not earned, it is not achieved, and it most certainly, is not guaranteed.
GRATITUDE
I was completely overwhelmed with the amount of love and support I received from friends and family. My family advocated for me the entire time. I had friends who stopped by, drove, and flew from various locations to spend time with me. There were so many flowers, cards, calls, texts and thoughtful things in between...all of this meant the world to me. I am so fortunate to have these amazing people in my life.
FACTS & STATISTICS
1FACT
Over 3.3 million breast cancer survivors are alive in the United States today, and more than 40,500 will not survive.
2FACT
Although breast cancer in men is rare, an estimated 2,470 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer and approximately 460 will not survive each year.
3FACT
According to the World Health Organization, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide, affecting countries at all levels of modernization.
4FACT
Death rates from breast cancer have been declining since the 90's, in part due to better screening, early detection, increased awareness, and improved treatment options.
- BLOG POSTS
READ MORE ABOUT BREAST CANCER
National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc.
VIDEOS ABOUT BREAST CANCER
National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc.
BREAST CANCER ORGANIZATIONS & RESOURCES
FEEL FREE TO REACH OUT
mollie.markham@gmail.com
© 2018