FCK PNK Thursday

In 2018, I was diagnosed with Triple Positive Stage 2A Invasive Ductile Carcinoma. This diagnosis rocked my world and shifted my perspective on my purpose.

Triple positive refers to breast tumors that are ER-, PR-, and HER2- positive. It is an aggressive type of cancer and usually requires aggressive treatment (chemo+radiation and maintenance medication).

Stage 2 means I caught it early. One day while performing a self-exam, I discovered a small lump. It was the size of a cherry pit, about 2cm.

Stage 2 A means that it was about 2cm, and the cancer had spread to my lymph nodes., The positive activity was in one of my lymph nodes, and the surgeon removed 19.

Invasive ductal carcinoma is cancer (carcinoma) that happens when abnormal cells growing in the lining of the milk ducts change and invade breast tissue beyond the walls of the chimney. - these abnormal cells were in my left breast.

I opted for a lumpectomy; to remove the lump.

At 48 years this diagnosis changed my life! I was settling into my life in Atlanta, Georgia. I was making a name for myself in my local community; I found a cute little cottage house on the south side and landed my dream job.

So I wrote a one-woman stage play about the journey.

This one-woman stage play takes you on a journey from the discovery of the lump, the decision about treatment, and loss from head to toe.

That one phone call, where the voice on the other end said, “You have Invasive Ductile Carcinoma,” changed my life and sent me into a tailspin; all I could think of was a sea of pink, and at that moment, I could not breathe.

I said out loud I am not wearing pink ever! And the story was born. FCKPNK, U, and I are left out.

FCKPNK is Raquel’s personal story; however, it affects people on many levels, covering; mortality, body image, relationships, and mental health. As a mother, a daughter, a sister, a cousin, and an entrepreneur, everyone had their version of me, but did they see me? Did I see myself? The diagnosis, the treatment, and this journey changed my life and saved me.

Beyond becoming a face and a voice for breast cancer awareness, I am creating a movement.

A movement that will provide a platform for survivors, those in treatment, and those who care for and support the cancer community.