Breast Cancer and Being a Better Mom

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When I was a teenager, my cousin was diagnosed with breast cancer. I remember my mom getting the call. I had never known anyone with cancer.

My mom made sure my to mention her diagnosis at our next doctor’s appointments. We were all diligent about self-checks. And we stayed connected with Tracy about her treatments.

Tracy was young, in her twenties, and had a very young daughter. I remember hoping and praying to God that she would survive to raise her.

After aggressive treatment, she was in remission. We held our breaths at every follow-up scan and went on a huge family vacation together.

Two years later, it came back. And it spread, attacking her lymph system and eventually her brain.

The last time I saw Tracy, she was at her daughter’s fourth birthday party. She was ragged and had a port in her scalp for the chemo, but all she cared about was her daughter.

She passed away two months later.

Every time I saw her daughter, I vowed that if I ever became a mom, I would be like Tracy. She fought with every breath for her daughter; her love and devotion was overwhelming.

And when my own daughter was born, I began to do the same. Through nursing problems and health issues, I have fought for my daughter. I have tried to be a mom like Tracy was; strong, diligent, and brave.

I think again of Tracy and her spirit. I check in on her daughter, now eleven, and see the lasting effect that Tracy had in the four short years they were together. And I’m grateful that I had an amazing influence to remember as I walk my own path as a mom.

How I’ll always remember Tracy; happy and smiling
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Emily Swegert
Emily was born in Cincinnati but transplanted to rural Michigan as a toddler with her parents. She moved back while in high school and has been here since. She met her husband, Eric, while completing her undergrad in education at Miami University. Two master's degrees, a house, and a dog later, they decided to expand their family. Their daughter Piper was born in April 2017. Emily spent 18 months as a stay-at-home-mom before taking a GIANT leap and becoming a doula. Shortly thereafter, she was approached by the owner of a local agency about taking over the business. She now works from home running Tender Beginnings while sharing adventures with her daughter.

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