Lindsey

Cancer Bio: Diagnosed at 30 with stage 2 ER+ invasive ductal carcinoma in the right breast. Treatment involved two rounds of fertility preservation, a mastectomy of the right breast with immediate reconstruction, and hormonal therapy in the form of Tamoxifen.

Diagnosed a second time at 32 with stage 1 ER+ invasive ductal carcinoma in the same breast. It was considered a primary cancer because it grew while I was on Tamoxifen. Treatment involved a lumpectomy, excise of a margin, port placement and removal, 12 rounds of chemotherapy (Adriamycin, Cytoxan and Taxol), 33 doses of radiation, physical therapy for lymphedema prevention, and cognitive therapy.

The Real Me: Adventurous, curious, grateful. Married. Mom to Emu the cat. Plant mom. Bookworm. Wellness explorer. Writer. Journalist. Netflix marathoner. Sometimes crafty. Always up for a dance party!

I joined OMG in January 2020. At the time, I had moved from Los Angeles with my husband, who was recruited to work at an Ottawa animation studio for two years. I’ve found that connecting with women in this community has helped me get back into the flow of life after cancer. I’m always open to making new breast friends and happy to connect on Instagram @thedailylindsey.

Something I would tell my newly-diagnosed self: Take this experience one moment, one hour, one day at a time— whatever it takes. All your feelings are valid. The key to finding joy in each day, especially on the most awful ones, is to celebrate all your milestones and accomplishments, no matter how small it is.