About me
Hi, my name is Nina! I?m a big fan of fashion, photography, social media, travelling, and trying new restaurants. I?m of mostly German and British descent. Professionally, I have spent almost 10 years working with a firm that focuses on accounting and finance recruitment. I currently lead a successful team in downtown Toronto. I’ve been lucky to achieve global recognition for our performance on multiple occasions in my career. At 32, I faced a breast cancer diagnosis but refused to let it derail my work or life, pushing through it all. Now, at 34 and getting closer to 35, I sometimes wonder how I managed it all, how I still do. I share a home in Toronto with my partner of many years, and while we?re eager to start a family, cancer has affected that timeline and what it may look like. I have a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Master of Arts in Public and International Affairs. I?ve always been passionate about human rights, and now I?m equally passionate about breast cancer advocacy.

My breast cancer story
In June 2022, at the age of 32, my life took an unexpected turn when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. The journey to this diagnosis was fraught with frustration and a sense of being dismissed. Despite experiencing clear symptoms, I was initially met with skepticism and told by one breast centre that I would need to wait nearly a year for a mammogram and ultrasound, as if my age made my concerns less valid.

Determined not to be silenced, I took matters into my own hands, calling multiple centres and persistently seeking cancellation appointments. When the diagnosis finally came, I was devastated but also relieved that my self-advocacy had led to early detection. Trusting my intuition, despite being made to feel like I was overreacting, proved crucial.

My treatment regimen was gruelling: neoadjuvant dose-dense AC-T chemotherapy, a lumpectomy, and a sentinel node biopsy. When the biopsy results were inconclusive, I underwent a complete axillary node clearance as a precaution, followed by 20 rounds of radiation. I am now on a five-year course of endocrine therapy, including Zoladex and Anastrozole, with one year and a bit already completed. Additionally, I have finished one year of Verzenio with one more to go.

The side effects of my treatment have been challenging. As my cancer is estrogen receptor-positive, I am in medically induced menopause, causing joint and muscle pain, and vaginal atrophy. The uncertainty surrounding my fertility weighs heavily on me. Emotionally, I grapple with the possibility of not being able to carry children and the relentless anxiety about recurrence. Yet, I find strength in my resilience, even though the exhaustion from long-term treatment can be overwhelming.

Physically, I strive to stay active, proud of how I am managing despite the fatigue. I am fortunate to have continued working throughout my treatment, supported by an understanding team. This allowed me to avoid the financial strain that many face, especially at a young age. My career remains a crucial part of my identity, and I refused to let cancer take that from me during my prime years.

Hope has been a constant companion, largely due to the community of women I have met along the way. Their strength and courage inspire me daily. The losses within this community are heartbreaking, yet I feel blessed to have connected with such remarkable individuals. This is the silver lining in my journey.

Cancer has taught me invaluable lessons about life. I now see beauty in ways I never did before and understand the importance of cherishing each day. We do not have infinite time, and making the most of each moment has become my mantra.

To other young women, I want to say this: you deserve access to screening if you notice any changes in your body. You deserve to be heard and to have doctors who support you. I will forever advocate for change, ensuring that no one else feels dismissed or invalidated. Trust yourself and fight for your health?you are worth it.