We discussed being diagnosed with stage IV metastatic breast cancer at the age of 32, right after her son turned two and she celebrated her 5th wedding anniversary. She was also trying to get pregnant which she learned would never be an option. As a matter of fact, she had a complete hysterectomy 2 1/2 weeks prior to our interview.

In her words:

I’m Emily, a lawyer, wife, mother, and cat lady, living outside of New York City. I was a collegiate swimmer and completed the 2011 New York City Marathon. Professionally, I am an elder law and special needs attorney, whose practice focused primarily on adult guardianships, capacity issues, care management, and public benefits. When my son was born, I left law practice to stay home with him. In the same week that I celebrated my fifth wedding anniversary and my son turned two, I was diagnosed with metastatic (stage IV) breast cancer at age 32.

I am documenting this new life from my diagnosis to treatment, through all of the emotions and logistics of life with a young child and a metastatic cancer diagnosis, because I believe in education, empowerment, and the creation of community so that no one feels alone even in the darkest corners of this diagnosis and cancer life.