During my second chemotherapy infusion, I encountered something I never expected: sepsis. The treatment was administered through the side of my wrist, which felt off from the start. A few days later, I began experiencing severe pain in my infused arm, heaviness in my chest, and overwhelming fatigue. My oncologist dismissed my concerns, attributing them to the flu, chemotherapy side effects, or my underlying cancer. But I knew something wasn’t right.

Two days later, the pain in my arm became unbearable, and I rushed myself to the ER. The medical team immediately sensed something was wrong, though they couldn’t pinpoint it at first. With my veins compromised from chemo, I had to receive pain medication through an IV in my neck. As soon as the medication entered my system, I went into shock, spiking a high fever—my body was in full-blown sepsis. The pain in my arm was a hematoma that became an infected abscess post chemotherapy infusion! This abscess is what caused sepsis. It was terrifying. Sepsis, a silent and often deadly condition, can easily be mistaken for other illnesses like the flu. In my case, it put my life at even greater risk than cancer.

I was admitted for long-term treatment, receiving high doses of antibiotics and therapies to fight the sepsis. The road to recovery was long and challenging, but through it all, I learned the value of self-advocacy. I knew my body. I trusted my instincts. And that saved my life.

This journey, which began in September 2022 with a routine mammogram, has tested me in unimaginable ways. Despite the initial scan coming back clear, I soon (weeks later) discovered a lump, which turned out to be breast cancer. Later, during my treatment, a secondary kidney cancer was also found. Since then, I’ve been in an ongoing battle with cancer, undergoing surgeries and chemotherapy, and relying on the love and support of my family, friends, and healthcare providers who have become like family.

But even with the best support system, I’ve had to advocate for myself. I’ve had to find the gaps in the healthcare system, educate myself, and be my own voice. This became most clear when my concerns about my symptoms were dismissed, only for me to discover I was in sepsis. It’s a reminder that no one knows your body better than you.

Self-check: Know your body. My routine mammogram didn’t detect my cancer, but a self-exam did. Check yourself regularly and don’t rely solely on tests.

Self-advocate: Trust your instincts. If something feels off, speak up. Don’t be afraid to question doctors, seek second opinions, or push for further testing. You are your own best advocate.

Self-educate. Know the signs: Learn the symptoms of breast cancer and sepsis. Sepsis can easily be mistaken for the flu or other common ailments, which makes it so dangerous.

This journey has been long and difficult, but today I am thankful to be in remission. As we enter this season of gratitude, I reflect on the importance of trusting myself and being surrounded by people who love and support me. I encourage everyone to listen to their bodies, trust their instincts, and be their own advocate