Brandi’s Story
Hi! My name is Brandi, and I’m a mother of three beautiful young men, a wife, a high school art teacher and a breast cancer survivor navigating life after treatment.
On July 1, 2024, I was diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer. Although it completely turned my family’s life upside down, we felt a tiny bit comforted that the news was “great” for cancer news. After my lumpectomy, I received news that my tumor had clear margins and no lymph node involvement. That “great” news was short-lived when my Oncotype DX score came back at 39 — chemotherapy was inevitable. It absolutely turned my life upside down again. I went from thinking that my cancer was the “good” kind, and it turned out it definitely wasn’t.
Chemo was really tough. I lost my hair, struggled with nausea, had no energy or strength, and felt anxious and a bit depressed at times, but I kept moving forward. I worked most of the time during chemo, which was a godsend — my students really kept me going, as did my amazing family and friends. Radiation was tough toward the end, and I developed cording and mild lymphedema, but I remain grateful to have these treatments that will significantly improve my chances of not developing metastasis and living a long life.
Before my diagnosis, I was an active person who enjoyed trail running, road cycling, hiking, traveling and spending time with my family. Cancer disrupted my life in ways I never expected, but it also deepened my appreciation for the little things — daily movement, mindful self-care and the support of loved ones. Now, as I work on regaining my strength, I am focused on lowering my recurrence risk through exercise, healthy eating and stress management. However, the fear of recurrence still lingers, and I am learning to balance that fear with hope. I am about to have a hysterectomy and oophorectomy in three weeks, and that should be my last procedure in this journey. I finally will be able to heal and build.
Receiving a Boxed by an Angel gift would be a beautiful reminder that I am not alone in this journey. I have no doubt that your gifts bring comfort, encouragement and joy to all people going through survivorship. Thank you for considering me for this special gift, and thank you for all that you are doing for the community.
-Brandi
