Breast cancer has been a long-standing part of Megan’s family history. When Megan was just 12 years old, her mother was diagnosed at age 34, navigating her diagnosis while raising three young children. “She just kept going,” Megan recalled of her mother who was initially told the lump she felt while breastfeeding was a clogged milk duct. Years later in 2011, Megan herself faced a similar path with a determination and openness that would leave a profound impact on those around her.
Megan knew the importance of being proactive about her breast health. “I was always on the radar for getting my mammogram,” she explained. Starting at age 35, she made it a point to get yearly screenings. One year, a friend’s social media post during October, which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, reminded her to schedule her next appointment. That’s when her journey took an unexpected turn. A routine mammogram led to a biopsy and a diagnosis of stage 2B triple-positive breast cancer at the age of 45.
After her diagnosis, Megan stayed active even while undergoing treatment. “I was a fitness instructor teaching spinning classes,” she shared. “I remember the day I was diagnosed; I still taught my 5 o’clock class. I was trying to keep it together but I told my class — mostly women — that I had cancer. I felt safe. I knew I was in an OK space to share my story and the support was immediate. People started to cry; their eyes just teared up.”
Megan went through chemotherapy and targeted therapy while deliberating over surgical options. “That whole six months was filled with questions,” she recalled. “You kind of have to get a degree in all of the terminology. ‘Do I get a lumpectomy?’ ‘Do I need a mastectomy?’ These were the questions swirling around.” Megan sought out every type of support group and resource she could find to inform her decision. She even made strong connections during treatment, becoming friends with other women she met at her appointments. “I actually connected with another woman, Chantelle, who received financial assistance during her treatment through Komen and we made a video together one day [at treatment] that wound up being featured on the news!”
Megan ultimately decided to have a bilateral mastectomy. “I just wanted to be done,” she explained.
Throughout her treatment, Megan stayed connected with her community. “I was teaching spin and yoga. I even started teaching spin in a women’s prison in Philadelphia and had to get special approval from the warden to wear my headscarf while I taught the class.”
Megan had a friend approach her who wanted to start a Philadelphia rowing team of breast cancer survivors. “I’m short and stocky from West Philly,” she laughed. “We didn’t row.” She continued, “I tried it and it just wasn’t clicking like other things had for me, so I took a step back.” Megan reflected on the importance of listening to your body and respecting your own boundaries. “After a while, I started running into people at the gym or other places and they were talking about how they joined the rowing team. It was the fear of missing out that made me join the team again and that was three years ago now.” Megan’s team, We Can Row, has anywhere from 20 to 40 team members at a time and works to raise money for breast cancer. In addition to rowing, the team holds monthly events so they can bond and feel a sense of constant community with others who have had similar experiences.
“Since my diagnosis and successful treatment, I see the beauty of the sunset in all my days, dawn to dusk. I love the vibrance of the light, the rosy pinks, deep reds, the blues and the purples, in everything around me. I take none of it for granted.”
-Megan (from Komen’s Capturing Sunsets blog)
Reflecting on her experience, Megan believes in sharing your story as a tool to inspire others. “I think the more open we are, the more support we receive. People do want to hear your story,” she said. Her candidness helped her navigate the complexities of her diagnosis and created a supportive network around her. “Even at this point, I have kind of become the ‘expert’ for my network if anyone needs to talk about their cancer experience. Even if it’s not breast cancer, I try to be there for whoever needs it. I’m an admin of a Facebook group and try to help keep things positive so if people don’t have a team or network around them, they have us.”
Megan is celebrating a decade since her diagnosis and hopes she can continue to inspire others. “I didn’t stop,” she says, gesturing to an award plague on her wall that labels her as an achiever, connector and warrior. “I’m a huge connector so even now I am always trying to connect people and help in any way I can.”
Statements and opinions expressed are that of the individual and do not express the views or opinions of Susan G. Komen. This information is being provided for educational purposes only and is not to be construed as medical advice. Persons with breast cancer should consult their healthcare provider with specific questions or concerns about their treatment.
