Lauren's Story

Hi! My name is Lauren Gritt, and I was diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, Breast Cancer at the age of 19 years old. I am BRCA 2+ as well as HER 2+.

I found a lump on my left breast in October- November of 2021. I let it go because I thought it would go away, almost like a bruise would. It grew in size, and I immediately went to my mom and asked her what a lump felt like. She took me to my PCP, and I was checked out by my doctor. My PCP told me that I definitely needed an ultrasound ASAP. I left her office, and within seconds she called me and said, “Head to the hospital now!”

I had an ultrasound done and was told it was nothing. The radiologist told me that it was common in younger women my age. He said to come back in six months. That didn’t sit right with me or my mom. We decided on a second opinion.

December rolls around, and I’m meeting with the genetics team and a surgeon. The surgeon examined me, as well as went over my ultrasound images with me. He told me that he could save me from multiple surgeries and just do a lumpectomy. So, it’s now December 28th, and I have a lumpectomy.

Now, it’s a waiting game. I now have not one test but two test results to receive.

It’s now January 3rd. I got a call that no one wants to receive, especially not a 19-year-old. I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. My world was flipped upside down.

I did six months of chemo (TCHP), seventeen total cycles. Counting the eleven cycles of Herceptin and Perjeta. I started a new medication called Kanjinti.

I have had a lumpectomy, a port placed, and a double mastectomy. I have had my tissue expanders removed, my port removed and I am going flat. I think flat is just as beautiful!

I am now 2 years cancer free! Breast cancer doesn't discriminate. It doesn't care about your age, race or religion. Neither does WVBHI. Might I add, WVBHI found me, contacted me and has helped me more than I could ever describe. They helped me find my people who no longer make me feel lonely in a crowded room. They helped me with travel expenses and much more. More importantly, they became part of my family and I am definitely a part of theirs.