Brittny Petty was only twenty-five years old when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. A routine checkup with her doctor revealed a lump in her breast that was detected early. Despite the early detection, this news turned Brittny’s world upside down.
There were days I thought I wasn’t going to make it. But my family was there for me every step of the way.
“Before my diagnosis, I was living life carefree – now I was thinking more about the future,” said Brittny. She was single with no children and felt as though she had all the time in the world to travel and enjoy life before meeting someone and starting a family. Brittny worked as a clerk at the county jail, so she saw firsthand how easily dreams could be deferred.
“I admit that I wasn’t taking life too seriously; I was only twenty-five,” she chuckled. “But that diagnosis changed the way I viewed everything. Breast cancer was no joke and I knew I wanted to be around for my mom, sister, and little niece.”
Brittny and her physicians were able to develop a plan of care that included meds, chemotherapy, as well as changes in her diet and exercise. The process wasn’t easy, but through the support of her family and friends, Brittny pulled through like a trooper.
“There were days I thought I wasn’t going to make it,” Brittny confessed. “But my family was there for me every step of the way. I thank God for them and I’m better because of them.”
Brittny has been cancer-free for over a decade and she still continues to live a healthy lifestyle including healthy eating and regular exercise. “I still get it in,” Brittny smiles. “I don’t take life for granted and I’m here to live my best life with my family.”
She still has dreams of having a family of her own: husband, kids, laughter, and more. Thanks to early detection and commitment to positive changes, that dream remains within her reach.
