I am 38 years old and am a mother of an 18-year-old son, Jay, and a 16-year-old daughter, Sophia. I am married and live in Middleton, MA. I’ve been a nurse for 15 years and have never imagined I would be the patient.

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I have always been very active and had an occasional burning feeling in my chest for months. I had never had a mammogram and had no family history of cancer. In May 2025, I was shocked to find out I have stage 2 ER+, HER2- invasive ductal carcinoma with DCIS in my left breast, with 3 lymph nodes involved and extranodal involvement. Along with this, I learned I have a genetic mutation, BRIP1, which is commonly linked to ovarian cancer.

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At the same time, my grandmother was diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer and shares this mutation with me. She had all 5 tumors removed and is recovering.

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In July, I underwent a double mastectomy and had 6 rounds of chemotherapy. I am currently being treated with external beam radiation for 7 weeks. I will have my ovaries and fallopian tubes removed in May and final reconstruction in August 2026.

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It has been challenging to stay positive throughout my journey. I was out of work for 6 months due to treatment and have finally returned on a reduced schedule. I enjoy caring for patients and not the other way around. My treatment team at Lahey Clinic has been extraordinary, and I know I am receiving the best care possible. Thank you for your assistance.​