One Year Later: An Update on Gigi’s Survivorship

One year after sharing her story of being diagnosed with Stage 2 invasive ductal carcinoma breast cancer at the age of 36, Gigi is back with an update. Gigi recently shared with us the milestones she has accomplished since her diagnosis and how hope and her faith have been vital parts of her recovery.

Read Gigi’s first blog post, Breast Cancer at 36: Conquering Fear with Hope and Community.

A huge milestone achieved

While Gigi was undergoing treatment for her breast cancer, she managed to attend college and eventually graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology. Gigi shares how this huge milestone was accomplished and what it means to her: “This accomplishment was monumental! Despite enduring surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation, and the overall trauma of battling breast cancer, I persevered and achieved what felt impossible.” 

These days, Gigi owns and operates her own consulting business, where she assists those facing their own health struggles to cultivate attainable habits and prioritize their overall wellness.

For other women who may find themselves facing a similar situation as they navigate a cancer diagnosis, Gigi has these encouraging words: “Never underestimate yourself! Embrace your journey, for in every challenge lies the opportunity to thrive.”

Advice on advocating for yourself

Much of Gigi’s breast cancer experience involved self-advocacy, which is the action of representing yourself, your views, and your needs—sometimes repeatedly—to others in order to achieve an outcome. For Gigi, self-advocacy looked like pushing for basic diagnostic services during a very tenuous time. 

When she first felt a lump in her breast during the COVID-19 pandemic, Gigi had a difficult time getting an appointment for a diagnostic mammogram. Even after the mammogram, she had a hard time convincing a doctor to perform a biopsy. Of her decision to seek a second opinion, Gigi shared, “My health matters, and one person’s opinion is not the end-all-be-all. It’s ok to get a second or third opinion until you feel comfortable enough with the answer for your specific situation.”

Once diagnosed, Gigi continued to advocate for herself throughout her treatment. Today, she shares about the importance of self-advocacy, from diagnosis, through treatment, and even into survivorship:

“Self-advocacy has been paramount in shaping my breast cancer experience. By advocating for myself, I ensured that I received the care and support necessary to navigate the challenges of treatment and recovery. This empowered me to actively participate in decisions regarding my health, fostering a sense of control and agency amidst uncertainty. 

Through self-advocacy, I not only conquered cancer, but emerged stronger, more resilient, and deeply connected to the power of my own voice in shaping my health and well-being.”

Words of wisdom from a survivor

Now on the other side of treatment, Gigi proudly proclaims herself not only a survivor, but a thriver. With that perspective, Gigi has some powerful words of wisdom to share with her past self, and other women facing breast cancer. When asked what she would say to herself if she could go back to when she was first diagnosed, Gigi proclaims:

“If I could step back in time and speak to that frightened 36-year-old woman, I would envelop her in the comforting assurance that God’s strength surpasses any trial she faces. I’d remind her that she’s far from defeated, urging her to embrace each day one step at a time, without fretting over the uncertainty of tomorrow. 

I’d encourage her to cherish every precious moment with her husband, children, and cherished ones, finding solace in their love and support. Most importantly, I’d implore her to never surrender to despair, for within her lies a reservoir of resilience, capable of overcoming any obstacle that lies ahead. 

Lastly, I would encourage her to give herself permission to embrace her repurposed life, unapologetically and wholeheartedly.”

We are so encouraged by Gigi’s words of hope, support, and empowerment for those facing a breast cancer diagnosis.

National Breast Cancer Foundation is here for you and your loved ones. Whether you need support, education, or help during treatment, we have a team dedicated to getting you the help you deserve.