Erin Murray was diagnosed with Stage III breast cancer at age 29 when she was six and a half months pregnant with her son Evan.
“It was the biggest shock of my life, since I was feeling healthy and ecstatic about having a baby!” Erin recalled. “The following months were a blur of heavy decisions, multiple tests, and many consults. I started chemo while I was pregnant and was induced when I was 36-weeks along. My son was delivered perfectly healthy and I continued my cancer journey.”
Once chemo was completed, Erin received a double mastectomy, then radiation. For the next two years, she had to go back for reconstruction, about every six months. She dealt with early-onset menopause, side effects from various medications, impacts to her cardiac health and ultimately, a total hysterectomy to minimize hormonal impacts.
“The weekend after I delivered Evan, there was a group of people who were participating in a Relay for Life event on my behalf. I was overwhelmed knowing there was fundraising and dedication happening for me, even when I couldn’t be physically present,” Erin said. “A year later, a friend asked if she could create a team in the ‘Making Strides Against Breast Cancer’ walk in my honor. Once again, I was humbled that my story impacted people and they wanted to walk on my behalf. Cancer is the club that no one wants to be a part of but it was incredibly heartwarming to know I wasn’t fighting the battle alone; there were others donating money, volunteering their time and physically moving, to help fight for my cause.”
Fourteen years ago, Erin thought her diagnosis was a death sentence.
“But with the help of research funded by the American Cancer Society, therapies are being developed every day that are enabling women like me to fully recover from cancer and live incredibly healthy and full lives,” she said.
Now a mom to three boys, wife to Brian, and dog mom to two vizslas, Erin can continue to be the daughter, sister, and friend she has always been … cancer-free.