›› Fearless Females: Kristy

Four years ago, during my first year of law school, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I was twenty four years old, and it came as quite a shock. To my knowledge, nobody in my family had ever died of, much less ever had breast cancer – and I did not think it could happen to someone my age. But on March 3, 2006 ( there are certain dates you just never forget), the doctor called to let us know that the lump I had detected, was in fact cancer. I was home at the time, on Spring break. I took a year and a half off from school and underwent chemotherapy, a mastectomy, radiation, and reconstructive surgery. I had always been extremely independent, but during that year and a half, I had to rely on my friends and family, physically, emotionally, financially, and spiritually. It was a weird, and tough role to take on – being the one that needed so much support – but thankfully my family, especially my dad and grandmother, and my close friends, gave me everything I needed, and more, to get through treatment. Now, I am 6 months away from graduating law school, and not a day goes by I don’t realize how blessed I am to be alive and healthy. Cancer was always the one thing I thought I could never handle. After having watched my grandfather, with whom I was very close, die of cancer just a few years before my diagnosis, I was convinced it was the one thing I could not deal with. And I was right, sort of – I learned both how vulnerable I really am, and also, that I am a lot stronger than I realized. Today, I am healthier than I was even before I was diagnosed. I want young women to know that if they ever have to face this, it does not have to cripple you. Everyone is different, and we all respond differently to treatment, but I was even able to continue exercising, even during chemo. And though the surgery was tough – I made a full recovery, and for the most part, look almost the same as I did before the operation. An graduate from my university, the University of Notre Dame, sent me an email when she heard about my diagnosis. She had never met me before, but having been a young breast cancer survivor herself, she contacted me. I can’t remember her entire email – but I do remember she made one point which gave me so much hope. She told me she wanted me to know there is life and love after breast cancer, even after a mastectomy. She was absolutely right. God bless you,

Kristy