“Hi, my name is Ria @thisgirlisthriving. I am located in the Seattle, Washington area. I am a wife and mother. I am a skin cancer and breast cancer thriver.
My breast cancer was found through a routine mammogram. I did not have any symptoms, nor history of breast cancer on either side of my family. On November 26, 2018, I was clinically diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer. I went through six rounds of TCHP chemotherapy. I had a mastectomy with a direct implant. The pathology report came back “complete response!” No evidence of disease! The radiologist said I will not be needing radiation. Unfortunately due to an infection, my implant had to be removed. It took me almost a year to decide to stay flat and not try for reconstructive surgery. It is such a very personal choice.
Life after cancer is hard. I believe it is harder than active treatment. It reminds me of battle ropes. It comes in waves. I have given my fear of recurrence to God. To choose faith over fear.
Sharing my story and life after cancer journey has helped me not just heal, but also help others who may read my post, know that they are not alone.
Cancer is life-altering. It changes you. But YOU have a choice to how you want to live. You can either fall down the rabbit hole, or you choose to be happy. For me, I choose to thrive. Breathing in my courage, and exhaling my fear.”
