Christina Miner’s Story: Breast Cancer Advocacy
Disclaimer: Know Your Lemons deeply values and respects the experiences and stories shared by breast cancer patients. The advice, statements, or facts presented in these narratives may not necessarily align with medical expertise or be universally applicable to every individual’s situation. Breast cancer is a complex and highly individualized medical condition, and while these stories offer valuable insights and emotional support, they should not substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for personalized guidance and decision-making regarding breast cancer diagnosis, treatment, and management. Know Your Lemons encourages a collaborative approach between patients, caregivers, and medical professionals to ensure the best possible care and outcomes for those affected by breast cancer.
Christina is 47 years old and currently living in Prince George, Virginia. She founded Christina Miner Enterprises, LLC, and the Our Scars Speak podcast. She is also a transitional coach who assists people who have experienced a transition that has caused them to re-evaluate their life, including the seven dynamics of wellness.
Additionally, she’s an advocate/activist within the breast cancer community, a registered qualified mental health professional with the Board of Counseling in Virginia, and a Christian minister. Aside from her busy work life, Christina enjoys hiking with her husband at various state parks. She has also had the privilege to meet former President Obama!
When asked what she was most proud of in life, Christina said,
“I could name my degrees, titles, and recognitions, but I’m honestly most proud of changing as an overall person. Considering the life I once had and the traumas I’ve endured, statistics have shown that I should’ve been dead or incarcerated. Through my faith in God and time, I chose to change and have continued to do so throughout my life, and those are my milestones. My personal change positively impacts the relationships closest to me, making me a better mom, daughter, wife, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. Serving as I evolve is my greatest achievement.”
Christina wanted to share her breast cancer story to help inspire others to take action regarding their breast health.
These are her words...
Hi, my name is Christina Miner. I am here to share my breast cancer journey. I’m not going to say that I had breast cancer in my 20s, but I will say that I started having breast complications in my 20s. After I had my second child at 25, I realized that my breasts were totally different than when I had my first child years prior. So, with that being said, I knew there was a problem. I had inverted nipples and discharge, but I kept hearing that I was completely fine, “this can happen sometimes; you’re fine.” Later, I found out in my late 20s that I had fibrocystic tissue and dense tissue, but yet again, they told me I was too young to have breast cancer, and everything was great. It’s nothing to worry about. You’re probably having pain from the fibrocystic tissue. In 2015, when I was 40, I had a mammogram done because I had a pulsating vein that was hot to touch on the left side. It was engorged, and the nipples were still inverted and not popping back out. Previously, I was informed that as long as the nipples came back out, they were okay. My doctor referred me for a mammogram and ultrasound of both breasts, but the radiologist denied my ultrasound two times, which I felt was negligence.
In 2019, at the age of 44, I ended up going back to the doctor because I found a lump that sat in the palm of my hand. It was similar to the size of a golf ball, and that’s what took me back to the doctor. Additionally, the symptoms were:
Severe pain.
Inverted nipples that were not popping back out.
Pain in my back.
Itching.
Rapid enlargement of my left breast.
Pulsating veins.
This time, people listened, and people moved. They did multiple 3D mammograms and ultrasounds. After having a benign biopsy, they wanted to monitor two suspicious areas for six months, but I advocated to return in two months. Upon my return, the areas in question had grown. The doctors realized those areas could be cancerous, and the radiologist completed a second set of biopsies. They were successful, and I was diagnosed with DCIS stage 0, ER/PR+, and it was a grade 3.
I chose to have a double mastectomy with reconstruction. However, after enduring breast implant illness and capsular contracture from the expanders, they were removed, and I remained flat.
This life experience reminded me of the significance of advocacy. If you cannot advocate for yourself or have issues advocating for yourself, find someone to help you. So now that’s what I do. I share my story wherever I can, whenever I can. And I’m so proud to do so. I even started a podcast where I share my story and the stories of other breast cancer survivors and thrivers.
Through advocating and networking, I found Know Your Lemons through TOUCH. I remember thinking I must be a part of this organization because the art was alluring, and the mission was dynamic. So I’m a Lemonista, and now I can teach other women with the beautiful artwork that Know Your Lemons has created. Please ensure that you check your breasts, remember that you know your body best, and make sure your voice is heard.
