I met Reagan through the Kick Ass Cancer Mamas Facebook group. Here is her story…
Tell us your story / stats:
My name is Reagan Wade, I was diagnosed with stage 3 triple negative invasive ductal carcinoma at the age of 22. I was nursing our son Jace. I had produced SO MUCH milk, about 1000 OZ on top of nursing Jace, till he was 13 months old.. I had a lump in my left breast that wouldn’t go away.. my husband and I got married and 1 month later we found out we were expecting our miracle baby Jude. I was 11 Weeks pregnant & luckily mentioned to my OB “how to get ride of this clogged duct.” She immediately did a biopsy and I found out July 21, 2016.
C aside, tell us about yourself. What makes you, YOU!
What makes me, me is I am loving, a busy bee and always on the go 🙂 I enjoy my family & cherish my friends close.
What went through your head when you were first diagnosed?
My babies. I remember looking at our little baby Jace playing on the floor with his trucks… my life flashed before my eyes. I couldn’t leave my baby boys.
What are some of your personal coping skills during difficult times?
Reminding myself to take things day by day.
Tell us about your support system. Or lack of. Where do you get your support from?
My family and friends. We have a huge support system! It seriously does take a village! I am so so thankful for everyone.
Many people are unaware that you can do chemotherapy while pregnant. Thoughts and personal experience?
Luckily I had an amazing team of drs. My OBs next words after “it came back as breast cancer..” was “but you can get chemotherapy while pregnant.” I immediately said “okay, whatever we have to do.” I was so thankful for my doctors.
What have you learned about yourself since dx?
I have found out a lot about myself. Stuff I never would have ever known… I realize how strong and powerful I am.
What do you believe is a common misconception about being diagnosed? Or something that you’d like the general population to know about C.
“Does it run in your family” for some reason people think you can only get cancer if it runs in your family..
Thoughts on the pink…
Metavivor.org
Where are you at in life now? Mentally, physically, emotionally…
I currently have two beautiful baby boys: Jace is a sweet, loving, and crazy 3 year old. While Jude is a rambunctious, wild 1.5 year old. I have opened my own business specializing in skin care treatments. I also have created ChicBD Infusion which has completely taken off!! I believe God has put me through this to help others and I am so happy I get to help others feel beautiful in their skin every single day!!
Mentally- mentally is a challenge, there are some days worse than others but for the most part I clear my mind. Before cancer, I never even paid attention about mental health.. It’s real and so important! I do lots of yoga and working out!
Do you have any lasting side effects- mental, physical, etc.?
Mentally, I still forget things and have brain fog.
Have you noticed any lasting effects on your families and friends?
Family- although we always joke, when a family member has cancer the whole family does. I am so thankful for my family… We have all been through a lot but we are all so much stronger and closer because of this.
If you could send a message to yourself from 10 years ago… how would that go?
Don’t sweat the small things.. really focus on those who make you feel important. Never take a day for granted or your health.
What are you passionate about?
Helping others!
Do you have any short term or long term goals that you are actively working towards?
Short term- best physical and mental appearance. Long term- buying Chic Beautique’s own building & eventually have a full team of boss ladies.
Do you have a favorite quote, mantra, phrase, or curse word?
Be still and know.
Whenever the day comes to travel to the “great beyond”, what do you hope people remember about you?
How silly and crazy I am haha! I hope people laugh!
Would you like to share one of your shittiest moments/memories? The raw side of C.
Literally. Bahaha shittiest moment, and probably the worst. My first chemotherapy, I thought I didnt need nausea meds, I was 12 weeks pregnant. Sick. Both ends. Puking, toilet… I couldn’t eat anything but a plain potato. In one week I ended up losing 11 pounds, it was awful.
What’s the latest happenings in your life now?
My business! Www.chicbeautique.org . We have just blown up and I couldn’t be more proud.
If people take away anything from your story, it would be…
No matter your age or health… please be aware of your body!!
Mama's Got This 