About me
My name is Tarot, and I am an e-commerce entrepreneur in my early thirties, with a passion for travel, fitness and food! My mother is Irish-Canadian and my father is Jamaican. I was born in Jamaica and raised in Toronto. I completed my degree at Wilfrid Laurier University and moved to Los Angeles in my early twenties to pursue a career in sports marketing. I spent 8 years there, starting a clothing line and later pursuing my California real estate licence. That was until my cancer diagnosis at the early age of 29. I’ll never forget the day I found out. My first thought was, how, still in my 20s, could I possibly have breast cancer!?

My breast cancer story
One morning in 2020, I woke up and noticed that my left nipple was irritated, as if I’d worn a sequined shirt that had rubbed against it (happened before) so I shrugged it off and continued on with my day. Days turned into weeks, weeks to months, until one day I decided to google “irritated nipple”. To my horror, it was listed as a leading symptom of breast cancer. By this point a painful mass had started to form and I feared the worst. I immediately saw my family doctor in Los Angeles and she told me that it was likely a cyst because breast cancer tumours are typically painless. I requested a mammogram and ultrasound, which proved otherwise, and immediately flew home to Toronto for further testing. In January 2021, a biopsy confirmed that it was Grade 3 Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (breast cancer), at age 29.

An emergency lumpectomy followed and chemotherapy and radiation were scheduled. My cancer diagnosis was hormone-receptor-positive, meaning estrogen-induced, therefore treatment would require early menopause. Wanting to preserve my fertility, eggs had to be retrieved, prior to risking reproductive damage. With this in mind, I underwent self-administered daily hormone injections and a very distressing egg extraction procedure, all while recovering from surgery. Following the retrieval, I started the hormone suppressants (monthly injection and daily oral pill) in preparation for chemotherapy. Despite the misconception, cancer treatment and medications are not fully covered by our healthcare system and the unexpected medical expenses, along with the necessary fertility costs, were a daunting financial and emotional burden.

Chemotherapy during COVID was lonely, as companions were prohibited. I would look around the room at other patients, much older than I, some of whom did not have much time. The thought of them spending their final days alone in that room was heartbreaking. A month into chemo, having just lost my hair, I noticed that my nipple was still irritated. This was strange because I was told that the initial surgery had been successful. Once again, in that moment, I knew I must advocate for myself. Upon consulting my oncologist, she ordered another biopsy. Boom! Cancer. How was it missed? What would have happened had I not said anything?

Four months of chemo (8 rounds) was followed by a double mastectomy, at which point I felt as though I would be stripped of my womanhood. It definitely took some time to recover and come to terms with my new physical reality. However, breast reconstruction and the amazing support of friends and family made me feel confident and empowered. My natural breasts may be gone, but I am grateful for my new ones! (Nipples or not)
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Today, I am 3 years into remission. I am continuing hormone suppressant treatment, requiring monthly hospital visits. My excitement for a future family gives me hope. Reflecting on my cancer journey, I understand that despite the loss I felt at the time, the experience helped shape the woman I am today. She is kinder, stronger, more empathetic and understanding – a lover and a fighter. I have gained a new perspective on life. That being said, I would not wish this journey on anyone and encourage everyone to advocate for one’s health, conduct self-exams and get regular check-ups. We are never too young!