“That doesn’t feel right?!” Those were the words I uttered to myself as I performed my self breast exam in the shower one morning. I jumped out and said to my husband, “Feel this!!” I can remember the look on his face so clearly… Utter shock! He said, “Call the doctor NOW!!” I called my primary physician, dripping wet, and told him I needed an appointment ASAP!

The next thing I knew, I was sitting on the exam table in a gown shaking! Why?! I was feeling every emotion that I had felt during my Mother’s 7 year battle with breast cancer. The pain of losing her only 3 years prior to this devil disease was still stinging deep in my soul. The thought of “What if” clouded my mind and the thought of knowing if that “What if” was true, I was in for a battle that I was no way ready for in any aspect. I had two beautiful, young children that I needed to raise and I had a loving husband that I was not ready to have to go through this journey with.

The next move was an ultrasound and mammogram… Results… Three areas of suspicion. My first words were “Nope! Not going to sit and wait!” I called my Mother’s plastic surgeon that day and told them I needed to see them as soon as I could! I was not going to live a life of constant tests and worry. God had blessed me with the greatest life and I was going to take any preventative action to ensure that I would be here for years to come.

After all the loop holes and insurance approval, I was schedule for my Prophylactic Double Mastectomy October 19, 2016. This was hands down the best decision I have ever made! I was always told by my Mother, “If you feel hesitant on any decision… Stand still!” Well, this was definitely not one of those decisions! It’s like I could feel her arms wrapped around me and I could hear her voice saying, “You got this Baby Girl… You Got This!!” My Mother faught her battle until her last breath. She endured multiple lumpectomies, a double mastectomy, chemo, bone marrow transplant, and still stood strong protected by the armor of God! Do you think for one minute that I was not going to come out swinging? Yes! I did! I was going to beat this demon before he even stood on home plate to bat! GAME OVER!!

My husband, my 8 year old daughter, my 2 year old son, and I sat in the room waiting for my plastic surgeon to come in and tell us the results of my pathology report for my post-op and believe me the stress level was sky high! The surgeon walked in and sat down and said, “I am so glad that we did this because if you were my wife then this would have been done years ago!” My response was, “Well, what does the report say?” I had the precursor to the same cancer that took my Mother’s life! My husband broke down, I broke down, and my sweet daughter even cried! It was not tears of joy or fear but tears of confirmation that I did indeed win this battle before it even started! My life is now focused on spreading awareness that prevention is key. Do not be afraid of speaking up and being an advocate for your own Health. Do not be afraid to fight the battle because there are many out there that are in your corner.

To reflect back to why God has given me a blessed life… I actually stood up and started taking preventative actions with my Health shortly after my Mother passed. As I had mentioned before, my Mother faught a long hard battle with cancer for seven years and being her caregiver did take a toll on me. Would I do it all over again?… Definitely! Would I have changed anything?… Definitely! I would have taken better care of myself sooner because then I could have been a better caregiver for her. During the entire time I was taking care of her, I was putting my own Health on the back burner. The minute my Mother passed I was sent into a depression and that was the last straw. I calmed my nerves with alcohol and food and then I found out I was pregnant. Needless to say that just sent me over the edge. I did by the Grace of God have a pretty stable pregnancy but when my baby was born, I was depressed and had two children to love and a family to take care of. I was on a downward spiral of self pity and an unhealthy lifestyle.

Finally, in February of 2015, my best friend introduced me into a world of total lifestyle changes and I started my journey of a Healthier Lifestyle! I lost 30 pounds, gained confidence, and started my own revolution of women of cause to start living a Healthier Lifestyle. I was then in a position to show the world that CHANGE can happen if you just take the first step. I am so blessed that I was introduced to a Healthier Lifestyle before I made the decision to have the Prophylactic Double Mastectomy because I was in great Health and I recovered so well from my surgery. GOD knew exactly what was in store for me and he prepared me for battle. When the time came, I was ready and and took charge of my own Life! If you are interested and want to know more about my Health and Fitness journey please email me at CoachChristinXOXO@aol.com!