Lindsay Worrell was only 29 years old when she was diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer.
In 2020, Lindsay was breastfeeding her son and felt a lump. She had it checked and at the time was told it was likely a clogged milk duct. When the lump showed up the next year after ceasing breastfeeding, she knew something was not right.
What started out as a small lump had tripled in size. In July of 2021, Lindsay was diagnosed with stage IV, triple-negative metastatic breast cancer and was given three years to live. Triple-negative breast cancer accounts for about 10 percent of all breast cancers, tends to be more common in women younger than age 40 and grows and spreads fast.
Despite hearing this news, Lindsay was determined to do what she could to fight for her life.That was not the only hurdle Lindsay now had to face. Shortly after receiving her diagnosis, her husband left her, leaving her a single mother to care for her son. She was working two jobs, and Lindsay had to quickly learn how to navigate her new life and diagnosis.
Lindsay persevered. Her treatment was aggressive, but she was willing and open to try anything.
Dr. Irvin was fantastic,” she shares. “I was his first patient with this type of diagnosis, and he was straightforward, to the point and optimistic.”
She immediately started chemo treatments, and said the hardest part was losing her hair.
“Chemo is a mindset,” Lindsay states. “I had to accept the fact that cancer is in me. You cannot let the illness take over you. I get myself ready every day and try to look as feminine as I can. My faith in God, having a positive mindset and the support of my family and friends and my son is what got me through the days.”
She continues, “I could not be more thankful for the nurses and staff at Bon Secours. They became like family as I was with them regularly for over two years during my treatment.”
Lindsay also connected with others through a Facebook group she created – “Let’s get it off your chest” – where she is an advocate and promotes the importance of getting your mammogram. This channel has created a community of support with other breast cancer patients, and she hopes it can be beneficial to others.
The work that she has put in for her treatment – never giving up and staying strong – in her faith has showed her that God isn’t done with her yet.
“I was told that I may not make it, but miracles do happen,” Lindsay shares.
Lindsay has been cancer-free for four months now. She and her son are doing well, and hopes she can help spread awareness about the importance of self-checking as well as routine checks with your doctor.
She has had 56 rounds of chemo so far and will continue to receive treatment through the rest of the year.
Learn more about breast cancer as well as the cancer care services we provide at Bon Secours.
