Elizabeth Gramz

Survivor

TNBC & Me

Hi. I’m Beth; wife, mother of 3, sister, daughter, friend and breast cancer survivor. Breast cancer has been a reoccurring theme in my life since childhood.
When I was eleven my paternal grandmother passed away from breast cancer that had metastasized in her brain.
Twenty-two years later, I finished weaning my one year old daughter in 2018, and I found two lumps after experiencing unusual pain after receiving my annual flu shot. I was thirty three years old and thought it couldn’t possibly be cancer, but went to the doctor anyway. A few weeks later I was sitting with my oncology team talking about a treatment plan, surgery options, and genetic testing. I was diagnosed with stage 3 triple negative breast cancer. After six months of chemo, a double mastectomy, total hysterectomy (optional because I had the BRCA1 mutation), and radiation, I finally finished treatment. It was the hardest year of my life, but I tried to stay positive through it all. I was blessed with an amazing support system of friends and family, and my husband was an absolute rock through it all. I just celebrated my second year of being cancer free.
I was angry for a really long time that this happened to me, and even now experience a lot of fear about reoccurrence. Before cancer I was a healthy active person, and now I’m still learning to use my new body three years after my diagnosis.
I’m thankful every day for the gift of more time with my husband and children, and pray that I don’t have a reoccurrence. All I want is to watch my children grow up. If I achieve nothing else in this world, that would be enough.
For all others out there in this same boat; stay strong. Every day is a gift. Count your blessings, and be present while you’re still here.