September 29, 2024 Update

September has been a busy month.  Today marks 6 weeks since Lauren’s stepdad Irv unexpectedly passed away.  It’s still hard to think that he is gone, our Sunday dinners and visits to Lauren’s parents’ house are different.  Everyone experiences different punches in their life and when they come, you learn how to adjust and cope to your new normal.  We continue to remind ourselves how fragile life is and how important it is to make the best of the one you are given because you never know when your next punch is coming.  We talk about Irv every day, have him present in our home and are doing the best we can as a family to move through the days of losing a husband, dad and grandpa.   

Amongst all the chaos, we were able to take some time and celebrate Chris’s younger sister, Tamara, as she got married in Colorado last week.  It was a beautiful wedding set in Marron Bells, Colorado.  What was to be a 2.5-hour commute from Denver to Glenwood Springs turned into a 5-hour commute due to big rigs not knowing how to drive on the I-70…our return trip back to Denver unfortunately had the same issue – our luck in travel was becoming unlucky.  Despite all the traffic, we had a wonderful time and highly recommend a visit to the area, it was really beautiful. Congrats again to Tamara & Jason!  

September 26^th was a huge milestone.  It was 2 years ago that Lauren finished chemotherapy.  It’s weird to think that was that long ago, it feels so much longer than that, but it is all still so vivid in our minds.  As we are gearing up for Lauren’s annual PET Scan, which has been a bit of a shit show to get scheduled, we know that once we see Dr. Vandermolen on October 7^th and he confirms Lauren is still cancer free, we can fully embrace and celebrate being 2 years past chemo completion.  We are reminded at how ridiculous insurance companies are, yet how wonderful they can be at the same time.  2 years ago, they fully delivered on everything we needed.  Now, they are a pain in the ass.  They denied Lauren of her PET Scan, despite it being ordered by Dr. Vandermolen because they did not feel it was medically necessary.  Shocking for them to determine that since they are not doctors and they don’t realize that Lauren is a high-risk patient due to her BRCA2 gene.  Lauren’s PET Scan is scheduled for October 3^rd and we will receive the results from Dr. Vandermolen on the 7^th at her monthly visit.   

The walk for The Pink Journey Foundation is in 6 days!  We are excited to see everyone and celebrate this life we get to live.  We hope you can join us, if you don’t feel up for the walk – come out to The Beach House in Seal Beach and enjoy some breakfast!  If you want more details, check out our previous post from September 2^nd that outlines everything.  We know everyone is busy, but these walks make us really proud but also we feel so comforted to be surrounded by other families who have walked in our shoes and we love to share that with family & friends.  The support of everyone showing up for us means the world.   

 

Stay tuned for the results of Lauren’s PET Scan and for any October updates!

 

Much love,

Chris & Lauren

 

September 2, 2024 Update - Cancer Walk Time!

Hi All,

As BCA month quickly approaches, we wanted to share our plans for 2024.  We are doing things a bit different this year for a couple of reasons.  

1. The American Cancer Society (ACS) has shifted their 'Making Strides Against Breast Cancer' walk we have done the past two years to an exhibit for all cancers.  While we do appreciate the recognition of all cancers, the exhibit experience wasn't really what we are looking for.
2. Lauren has been volunteering over the past year with a few organizations and we want to support them versus ACS because we know that the funds raised will go back to the organizations vs ACS taking out funds for the event itself and employees.
1. Cancer Vaccine Coalition: is a new nonprofit organization with a singular focus: working to move science forward faster, by accelerating breast cancer vaccines to market.  Lauren has been helping CVC with their partnerships and working on exclusive products that will launch between October and the rest of the year, with funds going back to the first trial for metastatic triple negative breast cancer.  
2. The Pink Journey Foundation: is a nonprofit organization in Orange County committed to providing breast education to all women, peer mentoring to newly diagnosed breast cancer women, and mobile mammography for underserved communities.  Lauren is a Survivor Peer Mentor for their Angels Survivors program and has been leading the charge on their 1st Annual Walk.  Additionally, TPJF spotlighted our story back in February.

This year, we are asking for you to decide what YOU would like to support in terms of donations.  The above 2 organizations are obviously very important to us for different reasons, so we'll let you decide how you like to support if possible!

• Please note that if you donate for CVC, they do not currently have a place for denoting who you are donating on behalf of - we are hoping it will be added soon.
• If you do want to support either organization, please let us know as we'd love to not only thank you for donating but also let the CVC and/or TPJF team know as well! 

As mentioned, Lauren has been working hard to launch the 1st Annual Pink Journey Foundation's Hope in Every Step Walk, we'd love for you to join us as we dip our toes in the sand on Saturday October 5, 2024 in Seal Beach, CA.  If you can join us, please sign up using this Google Form  (or scan QR code below) and denote that you will be a part of the team, 'PINK CHICKENS.'  While you have typically seen us use TEAM LOLO, this year the chicken reference is in honor of Lauren's stepdad who unexpectedly passed away on Sunday, August 25th.  He loved his chicken references and so our team name is a nod to him and the synonymous color for breast cancer.  You can learn more about the walk by going to this link (or scan the QR code below).  If you can join us, please sign up by Sunday September 15th as we are not sure if we will do t-shirts again this year or something else, so we want to ensure we have enough time to provide everyone an update.

Thank you so much for supporting our journey the past 2.5 years.  Lauren has a PET Scan at the end of this month that we know will be clear as she makes her way to being 2 YEARS CANCER FREE this November!  We will be sure to update everyone once we have the good news from Dr. Vandermolen.  We hope to see you on October 5^th! 

Much love,

Chris & Lauren

Sign up by scanning
this QR code

Scan this QR code to learn
more about the walk

July 29, 2024 Update

Chris here, for what seems like an eternity since the last time I posted an update in the blog. 

Thought I would share some brief updates since the last update in June.  With the postings on Instagram and blog posts, it’s no secret that Lauren is no longer with Revolve.  I am so proud of what Lauren became at Revolve.  Lauren started her career at Revolve as an intern, working harder than anyone that I know to end her legacy as Chief Merchandising Officer.  I will be forever grateful for Michael & Mike at Revolve who put their faith and trust in Lauren.  I firsthand witnessed the company grow from about forty to fifty people when Lauren started, to being a publicly traded company with thousands of employees.  With Lauren’s memories of Revolve, I often shared them with her with the many Revolve events and the relationships she garnered along the way.  I too worked at Revolve for a short period of time and will never forget the people there.  What I will never forget is the Revolve family going above and beyond to constantly support Lauren but even check in on me when Lauren was at her worst.  So, thank you Revolve from the bottom of my heard. 

 

What’s next for Lauren, well let’s just say something is in the works, but right now she is focusing on herself, volunteering with various breast cancer organizations, but living life and baking cookies and treats, is paramount.

 

Dr. Vandermolen visit last Thursday was another monthly routine visit where he checked Lauren’s blood panel, tumor markers, and the area where lymph nodes were removed.  Everything continues to trend in a positive stable manner.  It’s always a bit unnerving going into the monthly Dr. Vandermolen visit, you just never know if something is going to pop up during the visit but seeing him always seems to bring a sense of calmness and hope that if something does happen, Lauren will be in good hands.  We will continue to always take a new “normal” test result as a win in our books.

 

Dr. Vandermolen scheduled Lauren to have a PET scan in September.  Going into the test, it will be a totally different set of feelings and a sense of nervousness and anxiousness.  We know in the back of our mind, things will be just fine, but again, without knowing the unknown, it’s hard not to worry but we just take things as they come.  We will be sure to post an update as soon as we get information.  This test is simply routine (annually) and not because of any concerns Dr. Vandermolen may have.

 

Since the last posting in June, Lauren and I spent some time in Coeur d’Alene.  Although I had to work, Lauren was able to show her mom and stepdad around the town since it was their first time up there.  Did a few finishing touches to the place like assembling the replacement dining table and most importantly, for me 😊, wiring in a ton of lights in the garage.  It was damn warm up there, but manageable since the humidity never peaked over 30%, and the lake only about 15 minutes away from us.  For Lauren’s first time, we rented a jet-ski and roamed around the lake.  All this the week after Lauren left Revolve and leading to her appointment with Dr. Vandermolen.  The trip was well needed.

 

Lake Coeur d'Alene Sunset

Until next time, and thank you for following along.

 

June 28, 2024: Quick Update

Yesterday morning, I had my monthly visit with Dr. Vandermolen to get the results of my recent MRI, all was clear, thank goodness and which was to be expected (this MRI was of my tailbone and spine to see why my leg has been going numb when I fly - more to come once I see a back doctor next week).  

When I had told my parents the good news (they were of course happy too), my dad then told me that a family friend had passed away yesterday morning from cancer.  I grew up watching him play hockey with my dad and I remember his big smile, his friendly disposition and that he was always cursing!  He was very religious and his cancer was terminal and he knew it, so praying was really important to him.  When I got sick he’d message me all the time, telling me how proud he was of me, that I was doing great and that when I was done with treatment we’d get together and pray. I was supposed to go visit him with my dad a couple weeks ago, as his doctor had moved him to hospice because his treatments had stopped working. Unfortunately I got sick and could not go, but my dad was able to visit him and send a hug from me and to thank him for always praying for me. My dad told him how well I’ve been doing and he cried tears of joy; he knew his time was coming to an end but he was happy for our family and me that I was doing so well.  

Days like yesterday remind me how this disease can be full of so much sadness but then also so much joy.  I’m sad that life can be taken from you in the blink of an eye (even if you don’t have cancer), that cancer is one hell of a disease and that we lost a good guy yesterday. But, while I let the sadness settle, I also live in the happiness. Happy my MRI was clear, that my tumor marker continues to remain normal and that I am alive.  Mark’s cancer was very different than mine, but cancer is cancer, no matter what kind you have and it was a day full of highs and lows with this thing called 'cancer' that I’m just grateful to be in a good place.

Drink some beers, play some hockey and laugh a lot, Mark. Thank you for always cheering me on.

MRI 6.24.2024 - my hair is getting so long!

June 2, 2024 - National Cancer Survivors Day & Latest Updates

It’s been a minute since we have posted any updates here, mostly been sharing and updating on all the various organizations that have been so kind to share our story and my journey.  But, today is National Cancer Survivors Day so it felt fitting to provide some updates.  

We celebrated two years from my diagnosis day on April 7th.  Chris and I spent the day together doing the things we love the most – riding our bikes, spending time with family and enjoying life. I’ve tried very hard to turn all the bad days into good days and see the other side of the days that changed our world.  A few tears are always shed but I accept them and then work towards finding joy in the fact that I am alive!  We also celebrated my 40^th birthday 3 days later.  Chris and my sister threw me a surprise party at one of our favorite restaurants and it was so fun to see family & friends come together to celebrate another year.  All I wanted for my birthday was a trip to our favorite place, Maui (which we took a few weeks later) but this surprise party was so fun and just made my heart so full.  Apparently, I had told my sister a while back that I wanted a surprise party one day, so I got my wish.  Maui was perfect and exactly what we needed after a busy month of celebrations.  We took a trip to our house in Coeur d’Alene over Memorial Day weekend and got to enjoy the house, the weather and our neighbors – that place is really special and we love being there.

Our last night in Maui, until next time!

Morimoto Night

Near the lake by our house in CDA, Tubbs Hill.

April 7, 2024 - Bike Ride - 2 years from diagnosis day.

A really big change is coming July 12^th and I am so excited (of course a little nervous) but it just feels so right.  I have resigned from the company I have been at for 16 years.  I am so grateful, honored and proud of everything I was able to accomplish there, from Intern to Chief Merchandising Officer, there are a lot of memories and a lot of accomplishments that I will take with me forever.  Cancer changed me and everything I thought was important in a career just isn’t there anymore – my drive and motivation are very different now than what they were before cancer.  I hear this happens a lot with those that go through a life changing event like cancer and it did just that for me.  I am not sure what I am going to do next, but I know that to figure it out, I need to spend some time just living life a little.  

My health has been great.  Every month I go to see Dr. Vandermolen and get a blood draw (we always try to make him laugh – he’s very stoic so it’s like a game every time we go) and he tells me I’m doing great and my tumor marker looks good.  Our appointments are quick but those 5-10 minutes of seeing him each month give us great peace of mind and reassurance.  I saw my plastic surgeon in March and my breast surgeon in April – both were pleased with my progress and remind me of all the progress I’ve made the past 2 years.  Dr. Vandermolen has ordered for me to have an MRI the end of this month as the past 2 times we have flown I have experienced some numbness in my left leg – he does not think it is anything but I appreciate that he doesn’t ignore the things I bring up to him.  I am still in physical therapy and go once a week, I have made such huge progress and am so thankful to our trainer and my therapist – the combination of working with them has gotten me back to pre-surgery capabilities.

Visiting Dr. Vandermolen on May 30th.  My hair is finally in a ponytail again - with lots of bobby pins.

We are celebrating Chris’s birthday on Tuesday.  It’s weird to think back 2 years ago, it feels so long ago, that we were home and had a private chef over because I was in treatment to celebrate his 40^th.  We have another trip planned for July to Coeur d’ Alene and are just excited for all the things to come.  

As mentioned in the beginning of this post, today is National Cancer Survivors Day.  This is a BIG day.  To me this day has 3 meanings.

1. I was diagnosed with a disease that changed the meaning of life for me.  It is precious, it is a privilege, and it is my most prized possession.
2.  Chris and I are quite a team.  We’ve gone through tough events, but this takes the cake, and we came out of it stronger than ever.  We really both survived cancer, in very different ways and I will never forget that and will always remind people that he is a survivor too.
3. I now have an unwavering desire to educate, empower and give others a glimmer of hope when they are faced with a cancer diagnosis.   This is what I am trying to figure out how to continue to push forward over the coming months and years – more to come!

Ultimately being a survivor comes with fear but when those thoughts come up I let them simmer and then return my focus back to the above 3 meanings because that is what it means to me to be a survivor and it is one of my greatest titles.  

Hope everyone has a wonderful Summer!

 

XO,

Lauren

Susan G. Komen Blog Post: April 1, 2024

Lauren’s Story: Educating Others About BRCA Gene Mutations & Breast Cancer Risk

Just before her 38th birthday, Lauren Yerkes learned she had breast cancer. Genetic testingwould reveal she had the BRCA2 inherited gene mutation that made her at higher risk of developing breast and ovarian cancers. “My experience has made me want to educate people about inherited BRCA mutations and to push for genetic testing, because people don’t really talk about it,” Lauren said. “I had no idea I was at risk.”

Several months before her breast cancer diagnosis, Lauren felt a lump in her breast. She immediately went to the doctor, but because she wasn’t yet 40, they didn’t think it was anything, however her doctor went ahead and set up a mammogram and sonogram, just to be sure.

“They didn’t find anything,” Lauren said. “They said to come back if anything changed or once I turned 40.”

Then, about two weeks before her diagnosis, Lauren woke up one morning and noticed yellow stains on her shirt. Later, she realized it was discharge coming out of her nipple. Lauren went back to the doctor, who sent her for another ultrasound and then a biopsy.

“I was at home when I got the phone call. I remember the first thing they said – are you sitting down or driving? And I thought oh no,” she recalled. “I heard the radiologist say,  ‘you have breast cancer.’ He said invasive ductal carcinoma and it didn’t really register what that meant. Then I realized carcinoma means cancer. My first reaction after that was, I’m going to die. My connection to cancer at that point is what I’d seen on TV or in the movies.”

Lauren’s diagnosis was stage 2 triple negative invasive ductal carcinoma. It was three days before her 38th birthday. “I realized later it’s not a death sentence and that gave me hope, but at that moment, all I could think was the worst.”

Lauren had already started chemotherapy when genetic testing revealed she had the BRCA2gene mutation, which led her to deciding on a bilateral mastectomy with reconstructive surgery. “My breast surgeon was the first person to ask me anything about genetics. She said she wanted to test me based on my background, on the fact that I am an Ashkenazi Jew. Even though I was raised Jewish, it didn’t register to me what that meant,” Lauren said.

The BRCA2 inherited gene mutation increases a risk of breast cancer among Ashkenazi Jewish women and men; about 1 in 40 have a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation. Lauren’s gene mutation put her at a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer, as well as other types of cancer.

“I think learning I had a BRCA2  mutation helped give a reason as to why I got cancer, especially considering my age. It gave me a reason as to why this was happening,” she said. “It showed there was nothing I could control because I can’t control my genes. In the beginning, I was upset – why did I get this and why didn’t anyone tell me about risk before?  I wish I would have known I had a genetic mutation, so I could have potentially gotten ahead of the surgeries.”

Lauren’s chemotherapy treatment proved to be difficult. She was originally supposed to have a total of 16 rounds, but ultimately only had 14 rounds. During round 12, she started vomiting. “I’d dealt with nausea, but never that,” she said. “It was 5, 6, 7 times a day. I couldn’t keep anything down.” Two weeks after treatment passed and she still couldn’t keep anything down. She lost 35 pounds. Her doctor sent her to a gastroenterologist for an endoscopy, which showed ulcers in Lauren’s esophagus and stomach. She ended up getting a feeding tube, which she had for three months.

“My husband and I celebrated our 10th anniversary on the day I got my feeding tube,” she said. “During treatment, somebody told me ‘you’ll get your life back’ and I held on to that every day because treatment was really hard for me.”

During this time, a friend of the family who is a therapist gave Lauren coping techniques to use. “Whenever I was overwhelmed or at a breaking point, I’d sit and tell myself I’m sitting in a chair and I’m breathing, and it calms me down,” Lauren said. “I still use those techniques even now.”

Lauren’s husband helped her stay the course during treatment. “There were days when he’d say, okay, you’re going to take a walk today, even if it’s just around the block, or okay, I need you to fold laundry today. He gave me something to focus on other than just sitting and dwelling on what I was going through,” she said. “He was amazing.”

Because a mutation in the BRCA2 gene is inherited, several of Lauren’s family members also had genetic testing after she received her results, including her sister, maternal grandmother and mother. While her sister and grandmother did not test positive, Lauren’s mother did, and she chose to have a preventive hysterectomy and double mastectomy. One of her mother’s brothers also tested positive for the BRCA2 gene mutation and will now have screenings for breast cancer and prostate cancer. Additionally, his two young daughters will be tested in the coming years.

This past December, Lauren also had a preventive hysterectomy. “This reduces my chance of getting ovarian cancer, and I want to do whatever I can to prevent cancer from being a part of my life. What can I do so I’m not going to get cancer again,” she said. “I tell people if you are given the opportunity and you have the means to get genetic testing, do it. You want to take control of your health and the next steps.”

Read about family history risk factors and learn about your risk of breast cancer.

The Pink Journey Foundation Spotlight - March 2024

 

Following along with the topic of Gene history, testing, and its role in our current research for breast cancer, we continue our chat with Lauren Yerkes and her breast cancer journey from our February newsletter.

Lauren's call for help is not for herself, at this point, but for others who may walk the same cancer journey she was on. Her call for help is for the many who are diagnosed with breast cancer before the age deemed by insurance companies to get the scans and procedures needed to save lives. Lauren's own struggle with getting her first mammogram, began at the age of 37 because she wasn't yet 40 (recommended age to start mammograms for women without a history of breast cancer) even though she felt a lump. She was told by a doctor and radiologist that she shouldn't worry especially since she didn't have any family history of breast cancer. Her mammogram was clear, ultrasound was clear, and the radiologist didn't feel what Lauren felt. Lauren was so sure there was something more going on and couldn't get the thought out of her mind. Four months later she woke up to nipple discharge, but once again nothing was showing in imaging. It wasn't until the radiologist felt what she was feeling and did a biopsy did she find out she had breast cancer. Lauren's amazing breast surgeon asked her if she came from a European decent, nothing she had thought of before. She did a blood test for genetic testing where she found out she is a BRCA carrier. This was when Lauren's sharp mind started to further question the rules set forth in the health industry for genetic testing, mammograms and more when a woman doesn't fit the criteria of getting a mammogram or being tested. "At no point in my years as an adult did any doctor ask me about my family history or question if I was of European decent, despite filling out paper forms that asked my history," shared Lauren.  She asked herself, "Why isn't it an option for every person to get a blood panel at the age of 18 or 21 to determine if they are a carrier of certain genetic mutations? We can vote at 18, drink alcohol at 21, but we can never know how to live a long and healthy life?" Frustrated, Lauren shared that had she known in her early 20's that her chances of getting cancer were so high, she would have been put on screening sooner and would have started to reevaluate her own health to prevent cancer from forming in her own body. "They say knowledge is power and I wholeheartedly believe that to be true. If someone had told me prior to April 7, 2022, that I would get cancer, I would have been as proactive as possible to do everything I could to try to prevent it from forming," said Lauren. She didn't want others to go through what she did if they could avoid it. Cancer does not know your age...but if you have preventative measures to avoid it wouldn't that be the best route? "I promised myself that I would educate others on the things to watch for, the importance of fighting for yourself and to give back to others who were newly diagnosed and maybe make them feel a little less scared or give them a glimmer of hope," promised Lauren.  Chris (Lauren's husband) and Lauren knew they wanted to pave the way for others, even if they were only able to help one person...fast forward and they have helped several women with their outreach. They have started their outreach to various executives at health insurance companies and government agencies asking them to require that genetic testing be done (or at least offer it) at their annual physical. "I've emailed over 30 individuals, a few bounce backs, and I've gotten two responses," shared Lauren. In her follow up emails, she has included the most recent news about the increase in cancer diagnosis for individuals under the age of 40, with breast cancer being the second most common cancer.  Lauren and Chris are not discouraged, they will continue with their persistency, determination, and time...their hope is it will change. "Everyone wants to have the choice to take care of their own bodies, and I believe we should have the control to choose if we want to try to reduce our chances of getting cancer, especially if we learn we have genetic mutations," stated Lauren from experience.

Facts that Chris and Lauren learned and found that most people don't know about BRCA: What does BRCA stand for?  BReast CAncer gene Every person has both BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, but not everyone has a mutation Having this mutation carries an 87% risk of developing breast cancer; 67% risk of developing ovarian cancer; and a higher risk of pancreatic and prostate cancers Most people don't know that the BRCA gene mutation can be inherited from either parent

If you would like to follow Chris and Lauren in their continued focus to educate, promote early detection, and their outreach to medical professionals and politicians who have the power to make the changes for age limits to determine if genetic mutations exist please follow them here: Chris and Lauren Yerkes

Hereditary breast cancer is caused by genetic mutations passed down from your parents. Five to 10% of breast cancer cases are caused by inherited gene mutations.  Let's say hello to Lauren's mother, Rochelle, and walk with her through her journey surrounding breast cancer.

As told by Rochelle: I am an Ashkenazi Jewish woman, and I had never heard of the gene or an increased breast cancer risk. I have always kept up with my health and I am a member of temple sisterhood groups. How it began... I write this first as a mother of a daughter diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 37. I unknowingly had the BRCA gene and passed it on to my daughter, Lauren; I was 60 years old. With Lauren's diagnosis, my successful, beautiful, fiercely independent daughter had a problem I couldn't fix. I had never been this heartbroken and scared. What we learned... Lauren's diagnosis has potentially saved the lives of other family members. Early on we learned that Lauren's cancer had a genetic component, BRCA2. With all Lauren was going through, she immediately encouraged our family to speak to their physicians regarding genetic testing. Through the genetic testing it was determined that I was the carrier of the gene passed down from my father. It was also determined that one of my brothers was also a BRCA carrier. What we did... I will start with my brother who we learned will now be at a higher risk for prostate, breast, and pancreatic cancer due to the results of genetic testing. He now gets routine checks, and his young daughters will soon receive genetic testing. As for myself, early on, it was determined through increased screening that although I was a carrier with increased risks, I showed no sign of cancer. With this knowledge, my priority continued to be Lauren's battle. Fast forward and where we are now... Lauren is cancer free and using all her powers to get the word out about the importance of genetic testing! I have since had prophylactic (elective) surgeries, a full hysterectomy and bilateral mastectomy.  Due to the results of the genetic testing and elective surgery my risks of developing breast or ovarian cancer have been reduced by 90%.

Rochelle and Lauren hope that with their story others will be proactive in genetic testing and have the benefit of making life saving choices before a cancer diagnosis.

The Pink Journey Foundation Spotlight - February 2024

 

We had the honor to share our story with The Pink Journey Foundation for the month of love, February!   Spotlight- Lauren and Chris Yerkes

In February we reflect on how love in our lives strengthens, guides, encourages, and provides that human need of being loved.  It doesn’t mean it will be easy or that we take it for granted,  as every day is a gift.  It is how we choose to live it,  hoping for many more days ahead, as if it is our last. The love story of Lauren and Chris Yerkes represents all of this and their journey through Lauren’s breast cancer treatment, together,  and are moving forward post treatment.

Lauren's creed I am a woman, a wife, a daughter, a granddaughter, a sister, an aunt, a friend, a niece, a cousin, a boss.   I am a warrior and member of multiple teams.   I serve myself, my husband, my family, my friends and all those I encounter.   I will always place the mission first.   I will never accept defeat.   I will never quit.   I will never let my strength go.   I am disciplined, physically and mentally tough, willing to learn and adapt to anything I encounter.   I will always maintain my gratitude and love for life.   I am a strong, proud cancer survivor.   I stand ready to fight off fear, uncertainty and anxiety for whatever comes my way.   I am the guardian of my life, and my husband, family and friends are here to cherish life with me.   I am a woman, a wife, a daughter, a granddaughter, a sister, an aunt, a friend, a niece, a cousin, a boss.

The Power of love  and their fight to survive  Facts: Diagnosed on April 7, 2022 Age: 37 Family history: none Type of breast cancer: Triple Negative, Stage 2 Immunotherapy: 7 of 9 rounds of Keytruda (too weak to complete) Chemotherapy: 14 of 16 rounds (too weak to complete) Hyperbaric treatment: 30 rounds (due to nipple necrosis) Surgery: Bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction Side effects: Nausea, vomiting, ulcers, weakness Result of side effects: GI tube placement Gene disorder: BRCA 2 (gene testing) Surgery: Preventative hysterectomy Pros: Self-exam discovered a lump; later nipple discharge Persistent follow up with mammogram, ultrasound, biopsy Great insurance Great doctors, nurses Great family and friends support Cons: Shock, fear, life changing news Dr said, “You aren’t 40 yet, you don’t need to worry about breast cancer.” Under 40 Vomiting Loss of weight GI tube Ulcers Weakness (wheelchair bound during this phase) Unknown factors (what does a diagnosis of cancer bring to you) Cancer does not know your age In 2021 after Lauren found a lump in her breast followed with eventual nipple discharge, she went to her doctor and found she had a normal mammogram, normal ultrasound, and even with follow ups with these tests showing normal results.  During this four-month period, Lauren and Chris knew something wasn’t right. With Lauren’s persistence she insisted on further testing with a biopsy. This was after she was told, by a doctor, she was “too young” to have breast cancer.   The biopsy confirmed her suspicion that she had breast cancer. She was right!  She found out she had Stage 2 Triple Negative breast cancer which launced her into her cancer journey. The year 2022 was supposed to be a year of celebration for Lauren and Chris....milestones of their 10-year wedding anniversary, Chris' 40th birthday and their newly remodeled home along with visiting their favorite "go to" relaxing place, Maui. “I was raised in a family that accepted challenges and along with being in the military I learned that giving back, fighting for what’s right and not giving up was how we were going to get through this. Were we in shock and scared, yes, but we weren’t mad or sad, just that we had a fight on our hands and no money or time would deter our focus on conquering this through our optimism,” shared Chris. As the caretaker of someone going through breast cancer one takes on a different role than the patient. It is not always the easiest role to manage. Loving someone prior to any true health challenge takes on a new meaning and puts you to the test of what that commitment is to that person crossing over to a health diagnosis.  Some marriages are challenged by a cancer diagnosis, some end in divorce or are changed forever in a way that is unexpected. Chris, being the co-survivor had a different role to play in their cancer story. For him it only made his love for Lauren even stronger. To see Lauren go through the challenges and struggles of cancer were heart wrenching and painful. Both knew their marriage commitment would withstand this battle no matter what it brought.  Lauren had her own thoughts, “Initially we cried and hugged each other, Chris called our family and friends to give the news in hopes of finding support, comfort, and advice on our next steps. All I could think was people die from this and I’m not going to make it to Christmas. I was only 37! I needed to live; to live for myself, for Chris, for my family and friends. Chris was my biggest source of encouragement. We have plans to grow old together and we were not going to let cancer get in the way of that,” said Lauren. “Before breast cancer (bc) we never thought about a serious health diagnosis, we have a large family and many friends whom we spent time with and shared wonderful memories. But we were too young to worry about anything beyond enjoying our lives,” Chris and Lauren said together. Leaning on the doctors and cancer team to do their magic and move Lauren through her bc journey became their focus. Trying to maintain a sense of normalcy by continuing to work became a challenge for both Chris and Lauren.  “My company was wonderful, but I realized my self-care was important and I had to move my energy to overcoming the many ups and downs in this journey,” said Lauren. Chris supported Lauren by attending appointments with her, caretaking her medical needs, balancing work and family needs. This all jumped to the top of the priority list for him. Their daily routine quickly changed to treatment plans, scans, surgeries, and doctor appointments. Normal conversations went from planning family events and vacations to talking to those who have walked in their steps and hoping to find comfort in their knowledge.  Questions ran through their minds…with so much technological advancements in medicine why were so many institutions focused on the magical age of 40 for mammograms? Gene testing is still not utilized as a normal routine testing for women getting mammograms. Lauren had gene testing to find out she is a BRCA 2 carrier. “If we knew that Lauren was going to develop breast cancer years ago, we could have taken the necessary steps to get ahead of the breast cancer diagnosis…..vs Lauren having to be her own advocate and fight to get the scans, tests, and treatment she needed,” shared Chris. We are learning that many women are being diagnosed with breast cancer  under the age of 40. Yet many national organization guidelines, including American Cancer Society, suggest starting annual mammograms at this age, 40. American Cancer Society Recommendations for the Early Detection of Breast Cancer Lauren’s cancer journey was one tough battle. It included chemotherapy, immunotherapy, bilateral mastectomy, breast reconstruction, a GI tube, many days of sickness due to her lack of strength and ability to keep food down, time in a wheelchair, a hysterectomy….all of which threw her in to menopause in a very short period of time which normally occurs over a 10-year period….all before she was 40! Fast forward (and no disrespect to the process in getting there) Lauren and Chris have pure gratitude to the doctors, the medicine and research, the nurses, their family and friends all who supported and contributed to Lauren’s cure.  Celebrating………. In October, Lauren gathered her friends and family to support her participation in the American Cancer Society Breast Cancer walk. The year before Lauren was in a wheelchair and unable to participate, this year she walked, and she raised over $10,000 to provide support and hope to others.  Redefining how Lauren was going to live her life as a cancer survivor and Chris as a co-survivor became their focus. Being on the other side of their cancer journey; helping others as they begin their cancer story is part of what Lauren and Chris want to do to pay it forward. Not a day goes by where they don’t think back to the struggles and the unknown, but the feelings of pure pride, joy, happiness, and love move past the hard parts. Sharing their story in a blog has allowed them to inform their family and friends and hopefully educate those who may be newly diagnosed.  They call it: The Lessons We Learned as Husband and Wife.   Blogging became a therapeutic outlet for both, they wanted to share a step-by-step process through their cancer journey, turning it into a book someday. Lauren’s words of wisdom include, “It’s going to be okay; you don’t know everyone’s outcome, tomorrow is not guaranteed. Don’t try and control it, have trust and faith in those around you…family, friends, and medical staff.” Through the blog posts, they have engaged with others on their cancer journey and continue to focus on making a difference on their progress. “If we can help one person, we have made a difference,” shared Chris.    New normal post cancer diagnosis Some days it hits Lauren hard and everything that has happened to her catches up to her and she must take a minute to talk it out, cry it out or write about it. For Lauren the old “me” is gone, it has all changed. It is the fear that comes, the anger, and the crying goes on and on, but she continues to find something that brings it back to a place of optimism, a silver lining that helps her to keep moving forward. “Life is getting back to ‘normal’ or the ‘new normal. This includes constantly seeing doctors, scans, blood work, etc. but we are okay with it, as long as the news is good, and it has been. I am stronger than I ever thought I would be and much braver than I ever wished to be…my husband, family and friends were right beside me the entire way. I’m finally able to think about the things I miss and grieve the loss of the things I know will never come back or won’t come back in the same way. I hate the grief, but it helps with the growth, so I take it in stride.” reflects Lauren. November marked a few milestones for Lauren and Chris…they celebrated their 11-year wedding anniversary, one year from Lauren’s bilateral mastectomy and ONE YEAR BEING CANCER FREE!A perfect month to celebrate the many things to be “thankful” for on their journey. Lauren and Chris smiled and passed a look to each other that only their bond and love story understands, sharing that they are “dedicated to each other, that patience truly is a virtue, that acceptance is imperative to keep moving forward, that pride goes beyond the things you own, and that appreciation is the greatest gift when it comes to the life you get to live as a husband and wife.  You can read more about Lauren and Chris' story in their blog here: Lauren and Chris Yerkes cancer journey blog

Lauren and Chris met over 23 years ago (married over 12 of these years) and through many events in their life together took this life-threatening challenge on with the commitment of ..."from this day forward, for better for worse...in sickness and in health, to love and cherish always..."  2022 was supposed to be a year of celebration for Lauren and Chris-normalcy took on a new look! Family events, vacations, and "normal" routines were quickly replaced with doctor appointments, scans, treatment, surgeries, and so much more! “I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to the old me. Cancer comes quick and it gives you no time to mourn the loss of what you have; the only thing you can do is focus on staying alive,” says Lauren. Support comes in many forms....Chris didn't have to do much to mirror Lauren's hair loss!  "We had a fight on our hands and no money or time would deter our focus on conquering through this with optimism," shared Chris. “Life is okay and I’m going to be okay and it’s my time to live happily ever after-so grief and worries, step aside-I’ve got a lot of love to give. I am alive, I am healthy, and I am living,” expressed Lauren.  Chris and Lauren are on the other side of cancer and are paying it forward by sharing their story on their blog as well as getting back to the "new normal" by visiting family and favorite vacation spots once again.  "We are going to grow old together!" Embracing the Journey- In shadows cast by doubt and fear,  A glimmer of hope begins to appear. Through battles fought and tears we've shed,  We find strength to face what lies ahead. The journey's path may seem unclear, But united, we'll overcome, my dear. With love and support, hand in hand, We'll navigate this foreign land. Together, we'll embrace the fight, Illuminating darkness with our might. With hope as our compass, we'll find our way,  Conquering breast cancer day by day. -Unknown

Next month we will follow Lauren and Chris and their continued outreach to various executives at health insurance companies and government agencies asking them to require that genetic testing be done, or offered, at a woman's annual physical.