09/30/2026
Good Afternoon!
As most of you know, I was diagnosed with breast cancer last October. To say I was shocked would be an understatement. I donāt think anyone can adequately prepare you to hear the words āyou have cancerā. It was an unexpected impediment that rocked my world.
With the help and support of an incredible medical team, my family, my staff and my BDC family I was able to kick cancerās butt.
I would like to share my story in hopes that it may encourage someone to get their mammogram (Iāll try my best to condense the story).
Last October I went to my general practitioner with a list of things I needed to address. At that visit she told me I was past due on getting my mammogram (I had done previous ones). So literally the same week I went and got my mammogram, paid the extra $40 for the more detailed mammogram not even remotely thinking anything would be wrong. I had NO symptoms, NO lumps, NO indicators that would suggest I had breast cancer.
Within a few days I found out that they had found micro-calcifications (no lumps) in my left breast and sent me for a more precise mammogram. At that visit they were able to see that it was in a pretty large area and sent me for a guided needle biopsy. About a week later I got a call telling me that the biopsy results did come back positive for cancer. And then my life got turned upside down.
I was EXTREMELY lucky that they found it in its early stages and before it had spread. But, without that initial mammogram, I would have NO idea I had cancer. And for the last year it has been a whirlwind of doctorsā appointments, tests, procedures, treatments and 2 surgeries. I unfortunately did have to have treatments that would not normally be needed, but I had a severe asthma flareup that put me on multiple rounds of steroids, thus pushing back my surgery date by a few months because even though mine was non-invasive, it can turn invasive at any time, thus the need for those treatments.
Micro-calcifications donāt always mean a mastectomy; a lumpectomy can usually be done. However, mine was in such a large area (almost my entire breast) a lumpectomy was not a choice. At the end of March I had a double mastectomy and lymph node removal. I had my second surgery a little over a month ago.
Support is EVERYTHING for someone going through this. So, for the month of October Bella Dance Center is going PINK in support of anyone who has been affected by this disease. I have attached a flyer with all of the details.
ALL proceeds will be donated to The Helen Graham Center. I feel so fortunate to have had such an incredible facility so nearby. For anyone who has dealt with this either for themselves or with someone in their life, you know how many appointments you have on a weekly basis. The Helen Graham Center is where I went for pretty much everything (MRIs, Genetic Testing, Treatments, etc.) were all done at that center. I cannot say enough good things about this facility. EVERY single person I dealt with there, from the security guard to front desk staff to my medical team treated me with such kindness, empathy and compassion. They are truly remarkable. I look forward to presenting them with a donation from Bella Dance Center.
1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. I know I have quite a few past and present warriors here at BDC and Iām sure most of you have someone in your life (family member, friend, teacher, neighbor, etc.) that has been touched by this disease.
So starting tomorrow (Oct. 1), I hope you will join us in wearing pink, raising awareness and supporting those affected by breast cancer.
Ladies...please get your mammograms.
IN OCTOBER, WE WEAR PINK!!!!! xoxoxoxo
