On November 29, 2013, the day after Thanksgiving, I was diagnosed with stage 3a triple-negative breast cancer. The tumor was larger than 4 centimeters and the cancer had traveled to my lymph nodes. This type of cancer is more aggressive and more difficult to treat than others. Only 10-20% of breast cancer is triple negative.

When I heard the news, I was devastated. The prognosis was scary. I had two babies at home; my son, Clay was 22 months old and my son Cole was almost 3 weeks old. I remember asking myself, “What if I don’t survive this?” or “Will I ever get to take them to their first day of school?” 

Today, I am thrilled to say, yes! Clay is starting fourth grade and Cole is starting second grade. 

During my battle Westmor became a family. They told me not to worry about my job, it would be there when I was able to return. All of my coworkers wore “PINK FOR NICOLE” shirts every Wednesday. They sent cards, money, flowers – it was AMAZING. They even donated money so I could participate in the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer 3-Day Walk. 

Breast cancer awareness month is a way to remember people who are battling this disease every day. It also reminds people to get their yearly checkup, schedule mammograms and to self check. Early detection is key, knowledge is power. The more information we have, the more prepared and powerful we are to fight.

My advice to those who are battling breast cancer today is: Be positive, never give up hope. Fight until you have nothing else to give, and then let others fight for you. Surround yourself with tons of support and love. You can do this, you will do this. “Every day is one day closer to a cure!”