Meet Lindsay Kraditor - you can follow her @lkrads

On March 16, 2017, my beautiful and brave mom lost her battle to cancer. She was a breast cancer survivor for 12 years (went through chemo and radiation).

In 2014, she was diagnosed with an extremely rare cancer called, Ewing’s Sarcoma. She fought long and hard for 3 1/2 years. We never thought this awful disease would take her from us. 

She was the most caring and nurturing mother, who always put her kids and husband before herself (even when she was sick). She was the only one who could make me feel better when I was feeling down. With that being said, I never thought I would be receiving my own cancer diagnosis and most of all, without her.

My 2 siblings and I got tested for the BRCA gene (and all of the other ones); negative. So when my OBGYN felt a lump, we were all certain it was one of my fibroid Adenomas, which it was.

However, given the family history of breast cancer (mom and grandma), they decided to do a biopsy. Good thing they did, because it turned out to be an early stage breast cancer. I am very lucky that they found it so early. Of course, when my oncologist called me, I didn’t hesitate to get a nipple-sparing double mastectomy with reconstruction.

I had that surgery on January 22, 2019. I will got the exchange surgery on April 25, 2019. I miss my mom so much, and just wish she was here with me, during this difficult time. I know she is with me.

Through this experience (and my mom’s passing), I have realized I am blessed with the most amazing family and friends, who have been there for me though it all.

My dad, brother and sister did not miss a doctor’s appointment, and were there for me every step of the way.

My sister wins the award; she stayed with me in the hospital overnight. She woke up with me every time I went to the bathroom (which was a lot). She took off work to be my nurse and help me with every little thing (she is 9 years younger than me; I am supposed to take care of her). My friends sent me care packages, came to visit me from miles away, and one of them even hired an aid to help me out. I am forever grateful for all of them.

I just want people who are going through this (or any rough time), you are not alone. With of all of the advanced technology, I was able to catch the cancer at an early stage, which saved my life. I will be able to move on with my life and be thankful for everyday I have on this earth.

There is hope.