Battling Breast Cancer with Hope: A Young Mom’s Journey

Bre is a mother, daughter, aunt, friend, and so much more. In addition to these vital roles, she is also navigating the challenges of life with breast cancer.

“When I was first diagnosed it was a lot. It was just a lot of information all coming at once,” Bre stated.

Her diagnosis is a rare form of triple-negative breast cancer. She began chemotherapy in September, which involves a long drive each week for treatment.

“We drive three and a half hours here, and spend about five hours or so getting chemo and then drive another three and a half hours back.” Bre went on to say, “It’s a full-time job just to be sick when you’re in a rural community.”

This journey is shared by her family, especially her mom, Amy. “I drive her down every week for chemo and bring her to other appointments that are needed. And just emotional support, I help around the house,” said Amy.

Amy described what she felt when she first heard the diagnosis. “Anger. Fear. Sadness. Those would be the big ones.”

Bre is not the first in her family to face breast cancer; the gene has been present for four generations.

“My mom about 11 years ago underwent a mastectomy/oophorectomy/hysterectomy to lower her chances of getting breast cancer.”

Bre continued, “It was really beneficial to see someone go through it and be so strong and choose to go through it, it wasn’t something she had to do, but she had watched her mom suffer from breast cancer, and knew that that was not something she wanted to see or go through again.”

Carolyn Olsen is a nurse practitioner at Essentia’s Breast Health Center. Here’s what she says is key to breast health and effective prevention.

“I think the first thing we all need to be aware of is breast awareness, know our breasts like any other body part by doing monthly breast exams. It’s something we can do in the shower and we do a visual one in front of the mirror once a month to get to know when things are different or changed to come and have that checked out.”

Nurse Olsen further explained, “And then annually, we come in for mammograms starting at the age of 40. Every year having that mammogram is going to be the best thing to do for breast health and prevention.”

Olsen emphasized the importance of early detection. “With breast health, early detection means better prognosis. If we find something small you can remove it and maybe have radiation. If you wait too long and don’t come in for mammograms and don’t do breast exams, it might be larger, meaning you’d have to have more extensive surgery and possibly chemotherapy.”

As for Bre, this is her advice for anyone facing a diagnosis. “Advocate for yourself. If you don’t feel like something’s right or there’s something wrong and you get a checkup and you don’t feel like it’s enough of an answer–advocate, ask for that extra test, ask for more. If they say that’s not necessary, but you feel like it is, it’s ok to say no I want that–I need that.”

Despite the physical exhaustion, Bre remains mentally strong, fueled by her family and friends.

“I have a great support system. I have my mom, I have my friends, I have my daughter. I am very, very blessed because a lot of people don’t have that support, and I don’t know where I would be without that support.”

Her motivation to keep fighting? Her daughter, Ary.

“I have a kid. I have a daughter. I have a life. I can’t just not. I have a life still.”

When asked what words of encouragement she has for her mom, Ary said, “Don’t give up.”

Bre’s journey highlights the importance of awareness, community, and advocacy in the fight against breast cancer. This month, we honor her strength and the stories of many others.

At the time of her diagnosis, Bre had just begun working as a mental health crisis responder. Unfortunately, she’s had to put that on hold to prioritize her health.

A GoFundMe and clothing benefit sale has been set up to help cover travel expenses and ongoing medical costs.