Young journalist beats breast cancer diagnosis; freezes eggs for motherhood aspirations

At the young age of 30, Shenae Craig had to face the harrowing reality that she had breast cancer. This began an arduous journey, testing her resilience and grit like never before. But with her unwavering determination and support system, Craig emerged victorious, beating cancer and proving herself a true fighter.

Fast forward to two years later, following months of grueling treatment, including chemotherapy, radiation, and a double mastectomy, Craig stands cancer-free. However, she acknowledges the profound toll that surgery took on her mental and emotional well-being, prompting her to seek medication. “The weight of it all took a toll on me mentally and emotionally,” she shared, reflecting on the need for depression medication to navigate through the aftermath of her battle…post-surgery was the most challenging part for me…because my body was not what it was. I was a person who loved my body and never thought about changing it, so now that it was out of my control,” she explained.

The turbulent storm in Craig’s life began shortly after the tragic murder of one of her cousins in 2022 amidst the turmoil of the pandemic. Like many, she found herself grappling with the heavy burden of depression stemming from these dual challenges. While navigating through this dark period, Craig, while doing her regular self-examination, discovered a lump in her breast, prompting her to seek immediate medical attention. Within a week, her worst fears were realized as the diagnosis confirmed her suspicions.

Shenae Craig rings the bell after completing cancer treatment. Photo courtesy Shenae Craig

Craig’s commitment to her health has been unwavering, particularly after witnessing the loss of one of her aunts to breast cancer in Jamaica. This experience prompted her to undergo a cancer genetics test, hoping for reassurance. “I took the test, and the results showed it’s not in my genes,” she revealed. “But it’s clear to me that better testing for these conditions is necessary.”

She made the difficult decision to freeze her eggs before beginning cancer treatment, driven by her deep desire to become a mother someday.

“My cancer was brought on by excess estrogen…my doctors advised me that they would need to suppress my ovaries, essentially inducing a pre-menopausal state temporarily. It led to the decision to freeze my eggs, marking the beginning of a rigorous process. I had to undergo daily shots to prepare my body for egg retrieval, which was physically and emotionally draining. The procedure involved daily vaginal ultrasounds to monitor the progress. Two weeks later, the procedure was successful, and they got a lot of eggs for when I’m ready to have a family,” she noted.

Shenae Craig celebrating her Jamaican heritage. Photo courtesy Shenae Craig

Craig is preparing for her final surgery, during which her expanders, inserted after the double mastectomy to stretch her skin, will be replaced with permanent implants. Reflecting on the process, Shenae explained, “After the double mastectomy, expanders were placed to stretch your skin. You go every week to fill them with saline until your skin reaches the desired size. Now, I’m eagerly awaiting my final surgery to exchange the expanders for actual implants.”

Today, Craig is a beacon of strength and resilience, advocating for breast cancer awareness and women’s health. Her journey underscores the importance of early detection and proactive healthcare measures, urging young women to prioritize their well-being and advocate for themselves.

The journalist eagerly anticipates her bright future and is determined to make up for lost time by embracing all life offers. Despite her ongoing journey, including the final surgery to switch expanders for implants, Craig remains optimistic about the future and looks forward to catching up on missed opportunities. She advises young women to trust their instincts, advocate for themselves, and not hesitate to seek medical attention if they suspect something is wrong.

Craig’s story powerfully reminds us that resilience and courage can lead to triumph in the face of adversity, inspiring others to embrace life with renewed vitality and purpose.