Member Stories: Meet Holly

October 1, 2024

Ms. October's story is lovingly sponsored by Marsha Hudgins

Featured Business: DIY is a family-owned workshop where you gather together with your friends, co-workers, family, and children to create your very own 'do it yourself' (DIY) home decor to represent your personal style.

The theme of A Calendar to Live By 2024 is to Write an Optimistic New Narrative. All 12 women who grace its pages have honest, inspiring stories written in their own words 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. October 2024.

Holly Oliver – Ms. October | Diagnosed at 25 (2022)

I was living the life of a normal 25-year-old when I noticed pain in my right breast. For a few months I brushed it off with excuses like muscle gain from the gym or PMS. Then one day I realized I had been complaining about it for a while and I needed to get checked out. The following weeks were a complete blur- mammogram, ultrasound, biopsy, oncology appointments, port surgery and starting chemotherapy. June 10, 2022 will always be the worst day of my life. I was diagnosed with an aggressive form of triple negative breast cancer with no genetic reasoning. No one can tell me exactly why I got cancer. 19 chemotherapy treatments, a few surprise ER visits, an emergency surgery, and I was ready for my DMX on February 16th, 2023. My tumor had shrunk, but nonetheless was still there. This meant 25 radiation treatments and six rounds of oral chemo before I would be finished with treatment. There is a 3% chance someone my age (25) - with no genetic reasoning - will get breast cancer. This journey is not for the weak and I would not wish it on anyone.

MY WORD: I AM AUTHENTIC

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