Warrior Wednesday - Michelle

During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we are featuring our models, real women who've overcome breast cancer. These women are inspirational and we are so thankful for their stories of triumph. We'd like you to meet Michelle:

I'm Michelle and I’m a working mother of 3 wonderful young men, going to school full time working towards my Bachelor’s Degree in Business. I had a variety of health issues months before finding breast cancer. I had allergic reactions, fatigue and nausea. One allergic reaction even caused my esophagus to close up for a few seconds.

In July of 2012, I noticed shape change in my left breast. Strange to even my doctor, she felt for lumps but found none. Later, a mammogram and biopsy would diagnose me with Stage IIIA Invasive Ductal Carcinoma with BRCA 1&2 testing negative. After months of chemotherapy, radiations and many surgeries, I’m testing NED (no evidence of disease.)

After having months of gray skin, no hair throughout my body, black fingernails, feeling sick and losing a breast my advice to you all is this: Keep up with your monthly self-exams & annual mammograms, then go out and LIVE & ENJOY your life!