COLUMBIA, S.C. — Meghan Nichols never expected that she would become a healthcare advocate.
At 37 years old, she was living an incredible life as a wife and mother of three boys. However, on June 14, 2022, her life would take a turn that would put her in a fight for her life.
Nichols says that it all started six months earlier when she went for her annual exam. She's always suffered from fibrocystic breast but something seemed suspicious so she talked to her doctor about it. At that time her doctor told Nichols based on her age and family history she likely didn't have breast cancer.
Six months later, still concerned about an indention in her breast Nichols pushed for more testing and was diagnosed with breast cancer. "Don't think that because you're under 40 it can't happen to you," is her message to anyone willing to listen.
Doctors found a 5-centimeter tumor, invasive ductal carcinoma that had spread to 7 lymph nodes, stage 3A. Her treatment plan would include surgeries, chemotherapy and radiation.
Through it all she depended on the strength and encouragement she received from her family and friends,
Nichols wants women to know that breast cancer is not a death sentence. Early detection is the key to saving your life. She also encourages women to acknowledge and act on the feeling that something isn't right.
On April 17, 2023, Nichols was able to ring the bell that symbolized the end of her treatment and the beginning of her journey as an advocate.
Remember to call your buddy and remind them to perform their monthly self breast exam.