Rachel F’s Story

I was diagnosed with Stage 3B Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC), a rare, aggressive, and often misdiagnosed form of breast cancer. At the time of my diagnosis, I was undergoing some very intense changes in my life. I was in the midst of a divorce, transitioning to single motherhood with two teenage boys, relocating, and dividing my business of over 15 years.

The journey was daunting, encompassing multiple forms of chemotherapy, six weeks of daily radiation, several surgeries, and enduring numerous side effects from over 18 months of uninterrupted treatment. Despite the challenges, each day brought glimmers of hope, even if they required diligent searching.

Today, I am NED (no evidence of disease), but the battle persists as I navigate through lingering side effects, follow-up care, and screenings, all while striving to raise awareness for this rare cancer. My reconstructive surgery is approaching, nearly three years after my mastectomy, following multiple delays due to treatment and health-related issues. I approach each day, often each moment, one step at a time, and practice gratitude for every aspect of my journey.

-Rachel