What happened, in summary

Melissa Angiolillo was 35 and raising three young boys when a biopsy confirmed Stage III breast cancer in January 2015. The diagnosis immediately brought fears about her children, her future, and how much of their life together she might be able to share. Over the next 8 months, Melissa underwent a double mastectomy, completed 8 rounds of chemotherapy, and finished 25 radiation treatments. The physical changes were difficult, but the emotional side of cancer was just as challenging. Melissa found an important source of support through SoulMates, a Dana-Farber program that paired her with a breast cancer peer mentor who had already completed treatment. The relationship gave her a place to speak openly about fears that were difficult to share elsewhere and helped her approach daily life one day at a time. By the time she wrote about her experience, Melissa had completed the major treatment steps and was reflecting on how cancer had changed her sense of vulnerability, strength, family, and connection with other patients.