The theme of A Calendar to Live By 2022 is Perseverance. All 12 women who grace its pages have honest, inspiring stories of perseverance to share with readers -- as well as words of advice for other young women newly diagnosed with breast cancer. Read on to get to know more about Ms. July 2022.
Ms. August 2012 | Diagnosed at 32 (2008)
One of the main things on Cristin’s mind when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008 was having children. She and her husband had been trying for their first child when diagnosis and treatment (a lumpectomy and radiation) interrupted their plans. After careful consideration and discussion with her family and medical team, she opted against chemotherapy and hormone therapy. Cristin’s focus when she was diagnosed was starting a family; today, her life is completely different. Her kids are 12 and 9, and she has begun a new job. She feels that her life is more in balance today than it was before, and she makes sure to take time to pursue her interests and be with friends. Perseverance is a lesson Cristin has learned over the years. “When life threw breast cancer at me, my response was, let’s deal with this head-on. When I experienced infertility and miscarriages, I had to stay positive and not give up.”
She hopes her story will resonate with women facing breast cancer today. “I know when you are in the moment it is hard to have a vision for the future, but when you see someone else has gotten through it, it helps to provide hope.”
Cristin has this advice for survivors: I wish someone had told me that it is ok to share my diagnosis with others. I know now that it was important to receive emotional and social support during that time, and that sometimes when you share personal information you can help others going through similar issues.