What happened, in summary

Keely first felt a lump in her left breast on March 4, 2023, while away for her daughter’s soccer tournament. She had never routinely checked her breasts, but that night she felt strongly prompted to do so. On April 17, biopsy results confirmed poorly differentiated invasive ductal carcinoma. The report described a Nottingham grade 3 tumor that was ER-negative, PR-positive, HER2-negative and measured 1.9 cm. Keely describes facing the diagnosis at age 40.

The news brought intense fear, but faith became central to how she approached treatment. Keely chose to focus on what she could control—her attitude, how she showed up each day, and her trust in God.

Her treatment included a mastectomy followed by 6 months of chemotherapy. She describes the tumor measuring about 2 cm initially, then 1.5 cm and finally 1.2 cm when it was removed before chemotherapy. Treatment brought major practical and physical demands, including a chemotherapy port and loss of her hair, eyelashes, and eyebrows.

Keely is now taking a daily medicine planned for 10 years. She continues to frame the experience through faith, gratitude, and a commitment to share her story with others facing uncertainty.