Breast Cancer Survivor Crystal Shatara's Story

In honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we asked Patch readers to share their breast cancer journeys on Patch. This is Crystal Shatara's story:

My name is Crystal. I am 35 years old, and I am a one-year breast cancer survivor. In February of 2017, I felt a lump and made an appointment with my OB. It never ran in my family so we were all shocked when I received my diagnosis. Even though I had no family history of breast cancer, my oncologist recommended a genetic test. I tested positive for the ATM Gene mutation. My treatment consisted of a bi-lateral mastectomy and reconstruction. I thank God every day that the cancer was not invasive and I didn't need further treatment.

Shortly after I tested positive for the ATM gene, my mom was tested, and the results were also positive. Getting the genetic test done allowed her to be screened every six months instead of once a year. In November, nine months after I was diagnosed with breast cancer, so was my mom. Because of her screening, they caught it early. Her course of treatment was the same, a mastectomy without radiation or chemo. As I was celebrating being cancer-free for one year, she was prepping for surgery.

This past year has shaken my family to its core. It isn't just the patient that has cancer. When one person has it, the whole family has it. We are ALL Survivors!

—Crystal Shatara

See more stories from other breast cancer survivors, fighters and supporters, here.

To learn more about breast cancer or how you can help, please visit The National Breast Cancer Foundation.

Image Credit: Crystal Shatara