My Red Flag Summer, 8.27.25

 

One week pre-op, enjoying Florida with my family.

I must have had a premonition of sorts that something big was coming my way—something that would require all of my focus and attention: my health. Over the past few months, I stepped back, let go of many commitments and took time to reevaluate my purpose here. I had no idea a health scare was coming my way. Having no commitments was such a blessing because I allowed myself to wallow in self- pity, spend time researching my diagnosis and taking my time to make some really tough choices. 

Since early June I've had 2 mammograms, a biopsy, two ultrasounds, two MRIs, and after a consultation with a breast surgeon chose to forego an MRI guided biopsy and have the biopsy done post-surgery. As of today, I am one week post double mastectomy. I didn't have breast cancer, but the likelihood of getting it in the future went way up considering certain markers they found on my mammogram and a strong family history. My other choice was a lifetime of MRIs, ultrasounds, mammograms and daily chemotherapy medication to reduce my risk. No, thank you. My breasts have done the job they were meant for and it was fine with me to have them go away. The only thing left to do now  is genetic testing so I can pass this information along to my sister, my daughter and my granddaughters and, hopefully, arm them with information they may need someday. 

With surgery behind me, I'm finally ready to move forward. My priorities have shifted, my perspective has deepened, and I know I’ll be showing up here in a new way. It will take a little time, but I’m moving forward with a renewed sense of clarity, purpose, and focus on helping others while honoring my own story. I'll be sharing all of the lifestyle changes I've made since all of this began that will, hopefully, carry me into many, many more years with my kids and grandkids. To those of you who have been close by, helping and supporting me, thank you, thank you, thank you!!

One week post-op, feeling thankful it's all behind me!

Be Good. Do Good. ~ Juli 




Comments

  1. AnonymousOctober 20, 2025 at 8:54 AM

    Thinking of you Juli. I’ve removed all social media and am nursing my back in bed this morning reading your blogs. ♥️

    ReplyDelete

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