Courtneys Story: On May 19th, I went to the doctors to be screened for a prophylactic double mastectomy. Quick backstory: my sister was diagnosed with breast cancer last year at the age of 34 right when Ryan and I had our first and only son, Liam. My sister not only had breast cancer but she also was tested for BRCA gene (genetic mutation that makes us for susceptible to other cancers, but most susceptible to breast and ovarian cancer). Last year I took the same exact genetic test and I too, tested positive for BRCA2. Fast forward one year later, I wanted to take control of my life and be proactive and get the necessary surgeries to help lower my risk. That being said, May 19th happened so quickly, I had an MRI and a mammogram, which quickly turned into a state of fear and panic. I had a biopsy performed that same day and it was communicated that there was a high likelihood that I have breast cancer. Two days later I got my results and it was indeed breast cancer. I was diagnosed with IDC, stage 2b, grade 3. At the time of screening no lymph nodes were involved. My surgeons moved quickly and I was on the operating table to have a double mastectomy on June 5th. After the surgery, 4 lymph nodes were tested and 3 came back positive and the 4th came back being positive but isolated. On June 23rd I was in the operating room again to get a re section to cut out additional lymph nodes. 17 were cut out and 1 was found positive. After a lot of back and forth with my doctors and second opinions, it was originally communicated that I had stage 3 cancer and then a 2nd and third opinion looked at the pathology reading and agreed it was still 2b. My doctor reconfirmed, apologized and said that she was looking at the clinical staging, but more accurately the pathology staging is more accurate and therefore my cancer stage fell into stage 2b. Essentially, I've learned that staging is an arbitrary number and the most accurate result will come from treatment and how my body responds to it. I've had multiple doctors appointments, blood draws, a port procedure, a bone scan, CT scan of my chest and abdomen, and a brain CT scan. All came back clear of disease. A HUGE WIN during such a grim point in my life. I've had 3 covid test and I'm now preparing for chemo. This journey is certainly long, but my faith in God has grown stronger, the support of my family and more important my sister, my husband and in laws and my friends (who have checked in on me daily, if not weekly) have given me so much hope and faith that I will beat this and that GOD is good! I count my blessings every day and will continue to live life intentionally and with purpose! Cancer is part of me but it does not own me!