The Warrior Girl

My name is Andrea and I am a 2 time breast cancer WARRIOR.

My journey is not just one of overcoming adversity; it's a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of resilience.

MY STORY

My story begins with the shock of the first breast cancer diagnosis in 2013 when I was just 42. The whirlwind of emotions and the fear of the unknown was daunting. Somewhere in the chaos, there was a flicker of determination within me – a determination to fight and emerge stronger than before. 

I completed a double mastectomy In October of 2013 and learned the cancer had spread to a nearby lymph node. Chemo was necessary.

THE CHEMO FAIRY

While I was undergoing chemotherapy, I received anonymous gifts from the "chemo fairy," one for each round. 16 gifts of thoughtfulness that actually made me not dread chemo days so much. These empowering cancer gifts were accompanied by poems and uplifting words that gave me the hope and strength I so desperately needed.

Once I completed treatment, my "chemo fairy" emerged from hiding. I was so surprised and delighted to learn that a group of my dear friends had joined together to make it their mission to brighten my days during such a dark time.

I recovered physically and emotionally from treatment over the next several years and life went on as usual.

NEW CANCER

Unfortunately, this abruptly ended in March of 2021, right in the middle of Covid. I was again faced with breast cancer, a completely NEW and UNRELATED tumor.  Because of its aggressiveness, I started chemo immediately. 

After attempting 2 different chemo regimens and immunotherapy, we had to call it quits in September as the cancer was not responding. I had a lumpectomy (weird since I already had a double mastectomy!), radiation and took a chemo pill for a year.

TODAY

Now, here I am today, a 2 time cancer WARRIOR, wife, mom of 2 daughters and a miniature dachshund, and now proud owner of Warrior Girl Gifts. I created www.warriorgirlgifts.com for so many reasons but primarily to bring laughter, strength and inspiration to women. 

I try to live each day with gratitude, appreciation and love (and a little sass... not gonna lie!).