I’m walking into another surgery but unrelated to my cancer diagnosis. 

For the last 20 years, I’ve dealt with ruptured cysts. Sometimes once a year, sometimes multiple times within a few months. Since I was 19, I’ve been in and out of urgent cares, ERs, and OBGYN offices between Minneapolis and Dallas, usually sent home with antibiotics and steroids to temporarily treat the issue.

After my first chemo treatment two weeks ago, I started experiencing symptoms of another cyst. The pain became severe, but honestly, it was something I’d learned to live with over the years. During my second round of chemo, I was prescribed the same medications that usually help. Only this time, things got worse instead of better. This past Monday, I went to an OBGYN at the University of Minnesota. After explaining my symptoms yet again, the doctor realized my chemo medications were counteracting the medications typically used to treat the cyst.

She immediately ordered a CT scan and for the first time in 20 years, I felt like a doctor truly saw me and wanted to get to the root of the issue instead of just temporarily managing the pain.

After imaging later that afternoon, she called to share that while nothing is guaranteed, she believes this surgery could be the best chance at relieving the ongoing pain I’ve lived with for two decades. She also confirmed a separate diagnosis of endometriosis.

The average diagnosis time for endometriosis is around 8 years. It took me over twice that long of advocating for myself, explaining symptoms, and pushing through pain for someone to finally pause, listen, and present a possible solution. While she can’t treat my endometriosis symptoms during chemo, it was such a relief to feel seen and to know there’s hope for help once I’m on the other side of cancer treatment.

Research shows that women with endometriosis often have higher levels of estrogen. The breast cancer I have is triple positive breast cancer, which is also estrogen positive and hormone driven. When I was first diagnosed with breast cancer, I underwent genetic testing to see if I carried a hereditary mutation connected to breast cancer. I tested negative for known genetic mutations.

So much of the “why” behind my diagnosis is still unknown. Environmental factors, hormones, life, I don’t fully understand. But I keep thinking about how grateful I am that this isn’t someone else in my family carrying this weight right now. My prayer is that my sisters, cousins, homegirls, and the women I love never have to walk through any of this.

Because of all of this, my third round of chemo scheduled for this week was postponed and moved to the end of my treatment rounds. It’s been discouraging feeling set back another week for chemo and navigating another period of recovery post op. I miss my life. I haven’t been able to be outside since Monday. 

At the same time, I’m hopeful. Because if I hadn’t been going through chemo, the temporary medications probably would’ve worked again short term, and I may never have met the OBGYN who is now potentially helping me find long-term relief from something I’ve silently carried for years.

Something I’ve been holding onto is Exodus 14:14. “The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.” Another translation uses the word “peace.” We were never designed to carry these burdens alone. 🙏🏽

My prayer right now is for a successful surgery. And forgive me if this feels like too much of an overshare. 🫶🏽 But women’s health concerns are too often dismissed, minimized, or overlooked. It can leave you feeling exhausted, discouraged, and questioning your own experience in your own body. If sharing this helps even one person continue advocating for themselves, it’s worth it.

Next week, I’ll be back in the chemo chair at the University of Minnesota Masonic Cancer Center. Tomorrow morning I’m walking into surgery at the University of Minnesota Medical Center. Shoutout to my sis who’s pulling up on me at an ungodly hour to make sure I’m on time. 

And shoutout to you if you’re still reading this. Thank you for being on this ride with me. I love y’all. ❤️