My name is Melinda, a Jersey girl and retired professional wrestler (Alicia), who faced her biggest opponent yet: Triple-Negative Metaplastic Breast Cancer.
Diagnosed on October 1, 2024, (ironically, the same day Breast Cancer Awareness month starts!) at 37, my journey included a double mastectomy and intense ACT chemotherapy.
I’ve gained a profound new perspective on life. Now, I am contributing to studies and ensuring greater Metaplastic Breast Cancer Awareness, aiming to reduce unknowns and improve outcomes for others.
I truly see this chapter not as a burden, but as a powerful fresh start, fueled by the incredible support that surrounded me. My purpose is clear, to ensure that my journey contributes to a brighter, more informed future. ✨
Finding Strength in the Unexpected
Cancer taught me resilience.
My body is miraculous—truly like having nine lives. It’s been through more than I ever thought it could handle, and yet, here I am. Still going. Still growing.
The key lesson? You are number one.
Your health is paramount. Without it, you have nothing. That realization shifted everything for me. I no longer see self-care as indulgent—it’s essential. It pulled me away from the hustle of “doing it all” and brought me back to what actually matters: my peace, my body, my well-being. I started prioritizing rest, joy, and balance in ways I never had before.
Taking It One Moment at a Time
On the toughest days, I find strength by taking it one moment at a time—sometimes even one second at a time.
There are days when the heaviness feels like too much, when the future feels blurry and overwhelming. In those moments, I pause. I breathe. I remind myself that even if I feel physically alone, I’m never truly alone. There’s a quiet strength in knowing that others have walked this path too, and that somewhere out there, someone understands exactly how I feel.
What Support Really Looks Like
Please, what helps most is your presence! Just be with us. Sit with us in the silence, in the confusion, in the uncertainty. That’s enough.
My Nana used to say, “Tomorrow never comes”—and she was right. So many of us just need someone to be here today. We don’t need you to fix anything or come up with the perfect words. We’re still figuring out what to say ourselves.
Please don’t withdraw because you’re afraid of saying the wrong thing. Your presence matters more than your perfection. We remember who stayed.
Owning My Path
My extremely rare breast cancer diagnosis—the 1% type!—came nine months ago.
Now I’m 38, single, and learning to fully own my path. At first, I thought I had to keep up with the “expected” timeline: the job, the relationship, the goals. But this experience stripped all of that away and left me with something even better—freedom.
I let go of the “could’ve” and “would’ve” and started asking: What do I want now? What brings me joy?
This whole journey, as painful as it has been, has also been incredibly empowering. I’m finding myself in the letting go.
A Warrior’s Reminder
You are stronger than you EVER imagined.
Even when it feels impossible. Even when you're unsure. Your mindset is over 90% of this battle, and that’s something I’ve held onto tightly.
Be the warrior of your own journey.
Forge your unique path with courage. Speak kindly to yourself, especially when things feel uncertain. And never forget: you are not alone.
You always have me. 🫶
Bill Howze
June 30, 2025
Keep fighting Melinda!!!