Share Your Story: Meet Henrietta

Meet Henrietta! A fierce and inspirational woman! She tells us about her abrupt transformation and how it made her feel and how she overcame self doubt!

What type of Breast Cancer did you have?

DCIS and papillary carcinoma

Is your breast cancer in remission? If yes, when did you go into remission?

December 2013

When were you diagnosed and at what age? Can you tell us a little about how you found out and the stage?

41. I found a bruise on my chest that wouldn't go away.

What were your thoughts?

I was in shock to find out it was cancer and then to know that my life could possibly be over. I couldn't accept that.

Can you tell us about your treatment and how that has gone? Were there any obstacles and how did you overcome them?

Since my lymph nodes were clean, my doctor gave me the choice to have chemo/ radiation or have both breast removed. I opted for the removal. Mentally and emotionally it was the hardest thing I've had to go through in life. To have 40DD and then wake up one morning and your chest is flat. It broke me.

Do you have children? If yes, how did your journey affect your children?

My daughter (18 at the time) was my greatest strength. She never let me fall, she was always there to keep me standing.

What has been the most helpful for you in the support you have received from family and friends? If any support.

knowing they were there and I wasn't alone.

What message do you have for those who have been diagnosed with breast cancer?

Your life will change and you think that you're not a woman and that you're ugly BUT you're not. You will have your days but find strength in that darkness and shine even brighter. See, your inner BEAUTY and bring it out for the world to see. BE FREE, BE BOLD, BE YOU!

What would you like to see for breast cancer patients in the future? How can the world help relieve the stress of diagnoses to remission?

More support groups dealing with the emotional aspect of it all. Programs that help women to look and feel BEAUTIFUL again.

Thanks Henrietta for sharing!

You can find Henrietta over on her instagram. Please visit and read more about her journey!