›› Fearless Females: Katie Roosa

On March 24, 2008 I got news that changed my life; that was the day I heard the words “you have breast cancer”.  At first I thought there was some sort of mistake, I had a lump removed but I was only 20 years old.  I was too young for breast cancer. Wrong. I had stage II breast cancer.  After I came to terms with the diagnosis I decided to be as proactive as I could and beat this disease.

I found the lump while doing an exam of my breasts.  My doctors had me get an ultra sound and mri just to be sure, even though I was told they were 99% sure it wasn't cancer.  I also saw a surgeon and he gave me the options of having it removed or just watching it.  I chose to have the lump removed and then have it biopsied.  My doctors were very supportive and gave me many options and helped me choose the right options for me. 

I had a unilateral mastectomy 2 months after my diagnoses, just enough time for me to finish my junior year of college.  After surgery we found out some good news that the cancer had not spread to my lymph nodes.  This means my cancer had not spread and no radiation would be needed.  As soon as I was healing from my surgery I started chemotherapy.  I did 6 round of TAC three weeks apart.  This is how I spent my summer vacation.  I started school in the fall and finished chemo.  A year after my diagnosis I have completed a unilateral mastectomy, 6 rounds of chemotherapy, and breast reconstruction.

I continue to attend college and will graduate May 2010.  I like to spend my free time with friends and family.  I truly cherish each day and am thankful for all the wonderful people I have in my life.  Spreading the message of early detection of breast cancer in young women is something I am passionate about.  I hope to do more work to help educate young women about their breasts and how to be proactive with their health.

My life has changed by making me more aware of my health and being more in touch with my body.  I now see the importance of eating right, exercising, and doing some alternative medicines.  I feel like I have grown as a person and have learned a lot about myself and how to be a more compassionate person.  This whole experience had made me realize everyone has a story and I enjoy meeting new people and getting to hear their stories.

I once heard the saying, “I may have cancer, but cancer does not have me”.  This message has given me hope throughout my battle with breast cancer and it sums up how I feel about my cancer.  I had cancer but I was not going to let it determine who I was.  Today, I am proud to say that I am a survivor.