"When I was 28 years old I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Due to the incurable nature of the cancer I had, my doctors decided it would be best to do a complete double mastectomy with reconstruction surgery."
Looking back, now 5 years in remission, it all feels like a dream. And the perspective I had gained was so invaluable. After my diagnosis, I vowed to myself that I would appreciate every single day. You never know when your time will run out.
The experience served as an awakening in how I wanted to conduct my life in the time I have left.
I’m so blessed to have recently become a mother to a sweet baby girl. I had always wanted to breastfeed, so the fact that I could not breastfeed my baby girl was difficult for me to come to terms with.
However, we are so lucky to have met two very generous local women who donate milk to us every few weeks. My gratitude to these beautiful women extends beyond words. I never would have imagined that I would be able to exclusively feed my baby breast milk after a double mastectomy.
With every feeding I’m reminded just how thankful I am for this life and the community I’m surrounded by." — Holly Gerson
Thank you, Holly, for sharing your story with Nesting Days. With the help of their village, Willa and Holly can spend their days skin-to-skin and heart-to-heart in their "second womb," building the bond that will last a lifetime ... and beyond.
Please write us with your stories and pictures in your Nesting Days carrier. We are beginning a new series called, Moms Who Inspire, and would love to hear about your journey.
Warmly,
Julie
Julie Arvan
Chief Mother Officer - Nesting Days
Leave a comment (all fields required)