In 2025, nearly 10,000 Michigan women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Over the summer, following a routine mammogram, I learned that number would include me.

After a number of tests, my doctor diagnosed me with Stage 1 ER+ invasive carcinoma and recommended surgery, which was performed as an outpatient procedure in early October. Although it was news no one ever wants to hear, I’m so grateful that it was detected early, I have an amazing team of Michigan doctors, and the cancer was removed successfully.

Like so many who hear the words, “You have breast cancer,” the diagnosis came as a total surprise. My overall health is excellent, and I’ve always made it a priority. I have no family history of cancer and I do not carry the BRCA mutation. For 28 years as a U.S. Foreign Service offi

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