Natarsha McQueen's Breast Cancer Survival Journey

Clarity - “In a strange way, cancer is the best thing that ever happened to me. It put me on the right path, both physically and spiritually.” – Natarsha McQueen

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Clarity - “In a strange way, cancer is the best thing that ever happened to me. It put me on the right path, both physically and spiritually.” – Natarsha McQueen

Beginnings - While in the throes of excitement over a new career and her recent engagement to a handsome fiancé, Natarsha McQueen received news that her mammogram was abnormal. At 33, she was diagnosed with DCIS Stage 1, Grade 3 Breast Cancer.

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Beginnings - While in the throes of excitement over a new career and her recent engagement to a handsome fiancé, Natarsha McQueen received news that her mammogram was abnormal. At 33, she was diagnosed with DCIS Stage 1, Grade 3 Breast Cancer.

Treatment - Natarsha began treatment for the small cancerous tumor in her left breast at St. Vincent’s Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center under the care of her surgeon, Dr. Port.

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Treatment - Natarsha began treatment for the small cancerous tumor in her left breast at St. Vincent’s Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center under the care of her surgeon, Dr. Port.

Guidance - Breast cancer support groups, where women who had shared her same experience could give her wisdom and guidance, became her catharsis.

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Guidance - Breast cancer support groups, where women who had shared her same experience could give her wisdom and guidance, became her catharsis.

Wisdom - Wise, older women in her breast cancer support group encouraged her to stay strong. They told her, “You go through different stages. You have to move on from the self-pity party.”

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Wisdom - Wise, older women in her breast cancer support group encouraged her to stay strong. They told her, “You go through different stages. You have to move on from the self-pity party.”

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Support - With her mom, fiancé, friends and family close, Natarsha stayed positive through her treatment and the surgery ahead.

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Support - With her mom, fiancé, friends and family close, Natarsha stayed positive through her treatment and the surgery ahead.

Life Changes - After enduring hormone treatment, Natarsha decided to visit a nutritionist and change her diet. “I thought, I can sit around and mope or change my lifestyle.”

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Life Changes - After enduring hormone treatment, Natarsha decided to visit a nutritionist and change her diet. “I thought, I can sit around and mope or change my lifestyle.”

The Surgery - Dr. Port and Natarsha decided that she would undergo a mastectomy of the left breast after which she decided to have an implant and reconstructive surgery.

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The Surgery - Dr. Port and Natarsha decided that she would undergo a mastectomy of the left breast after which she decided to have an implant and reconstructive surgery.

New Challenges - While Natarsha was still recovering from her mastectomy, cancer struck again; this time her sister was stricken. Because of her experience, Natarsha was able to guide her sister through the ordeal to a successful recovery.

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New Challenges - While Natarsha was still recovering from her mastectomy, cancer struck again; this time her sister was stricken. Because of her experience, Natarsha was able to guide her sister through the ordeal to a successful recovery.

Breast Cancer Free - Natarsha was declared breast cancer-free in October 2009. She will still undergo hormone therapy for five years.

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Breast Cancer Free - Natarsha was declared breast cancer-free in October 2009. She will still undergo hormone therapy for five years.

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Encouragement - The strong survivor currently volunteers at children’s cancer hospital wards, encouraging young patients to stay positive through their journeys.

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Encouragement - The strong survivor currently volunteers at children’s cancer hospital wards, encouraging young patients to stay positive through their journeys.

The Advocate - Natarsha completed the Susan G. Komen Walk this year to increase awareness and raise money for the cause.

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The Advocate - Natarsha completed the Susan G. Komen Walk this year to increase awareness and raise money for the cause.

Sharing Her Story - Natarsha is a breast cancer awareness advocate, and shares her story of survival with other young women. “God felt I was strong enough to handle it, so I can. I feel like I’ve been given a fresh start.”

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Sharing Her Story - Natarsha is a breast cancer awareness advocate, and shares her story of survival with other young women. “God felt I was strong enough to handle it, so I can. I feel like I’ve been given a fresh start.”