Janet Elkins      

Living with MBC

Living with Triple Negative Stage 4 Metastatic Breast Cancer           

I was first diagnosed with HER2+ hormone negative right breast. They removed 3 lymph nodes, along with chemo and radiation. I was considered cancer free, and in 6 months was then diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast cancer. In my 3 years, 3 months, I have had 7 surgeries, to include bi-lateral mastectomy, and had expanders put in, in hopes of a DIEP Flap. My body rejected them and I then had cancer on my chest wall of skin. It was then found to spread bilateral lungs. I have been on many different chemo’s and am currently on Trodelvy. I will always be on some type of chemo the rest of my life.

I have come to peace with everything through my faith, and my will to live. I always tell my family, friends, and acquaintances’ that I am determined to have old age take me, NOT cancer. Reality or not, I do not know, but I want to watch my son, and grandkids grow, graduate, get married, and everything else they wish to do. I am not ready and I am willing to do whatever it is to continue my fight. GOD walks with me through this journey and keeps my strength going. I am not going to give into cancer and will continue fighting every single day!

You can either let cancer consume you with depression, or fight it head on. Don’t get me wrong, I do have my moments, but continue to surround myself with all of the things that make me happy and want to continue to fight this awful fight. I used to love going outside and doing things with the grandkids, but because of chemo I am so weak I can’t walk and have cramps. My husband went and bought me a scooter. While I felt bad for being in one, as I felt I was in my 90’s, when I look at their smiling faces, it just makes me smile both inside and out and I know exactly why I will continue to fight. You have to be able to come to terms with this disease, and know that you can live with cancer! I am proof, 3 years and 3 months, and will continue to fight, this fight!!