In 2012, I was finally diagnosed with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) after enduring severe pain with no relief. That same year, I was blessed to marry my childhood sweetheart, who watched me suffer to the point where it affected my quality of life.
I couldn’t walk up and down stairs, work, or even enjoy life. He took me to several doctors until I was finally diagnosed. I no longer felt crazy and finally started getting treatments, allowing me to live my life.
In 2018, I began competitive bodybuilding. Then the pandemic changed things. I had to keep training at home and walk every day to maintain my strength. My first time on stage was in 2020, at the age of 56. My second show was in 2022, and I placed in the top five in both shows.
Fast forward to this year, I began preparing for my competition when I felt a lump in my left breast. I made an appointment for my annual gynecological check-up, and the doctor felt the lump in February. In April, during my annual mammogram, I had a diagnostic test done. The lump showed up, and I believed it would be nothing, but I was wrong.
On May 1st, I had a needle biopsy done. Still believing it was nothing, I waited for the results.
On May 3rd, I got the call saying, “You have cancer.” I thought, “That can’t be right,” but it was. How could it be? I did everything right. I don’t smoke, I watch out for carcinogens, I eat healthy, I am not overweight, and I exercise regularly. But I have invasive ductal carcinoma.
I was planning for an August competition, but now I’m having surgery on June 26th, followed by radiation. I am stage 1a HER2-negative.
My goal is to compete again next year.
Andrea
MD
Submitted 06/09/2024
This story is intended to convey a personal experience and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical advice.
