Survivor Stories: Falon
Falon was 29 and breastfeeding her one-year-old son when she found the lump that changed everything. What she hoped was a harmless nursing issue was confirmed to be Stage 2B triple-negative breast cancer — a fast-moving diagnosis that sent her into treatment almost immediately.
What unfolded next was a year of weekly chemotherapy, immunotherapy, multiple surgeries, and ultimately the decision to go flat — not just for survival, but for peace. But the hardest part wasn’t the medical side. It was the isolation. The shock of being so young in a space where no one looked like her. The fear of opening herself up to advice she wasn’t ready to hear.
In this interview, Falon shares the unedited truth of that season — the loneliness, the unexpected sources of strength, the rituals that helped her feel in control, and the moment she finally realized she was not alone after all.
Name: Falon
Age at diagnosis: 29
Cancer type & stage: Stage 2B Triple Negative Breast Cancer
Can you share a little bit about your cancer story—your diagnosis and what your treatment looked like?
I was diagnosed in October of 2021 just before my son turned one year old. I was breastfeeding at the time and felt a hard lump in my left breast that wasn't going away. After going to the doctor and getting a biopsy, it was confirmed that my lump was cancer. I quickly had to start chemotherapy and would do 12 rounds of weekly Taxol with Keytruda (an immunotherapy) every 3rd week, then 4 rounds of AC and Keytruda every 3 weeks, then a double mastectomy with tissue expanders, 9 rounds of Keytruda every 3 weeks, then surgery to exchange my tissue expanders for saline implants, and about 6 months later I removed my implants and had an aesthetic flat closure. I did chemotherapy and immunotherapy for almost exactly one year. I decided to start with chemotherapy because my cancer type was very aggressive and my team suggested that starting with chemotherapy would give me a better chance at having a more complete response to treatment.
What was the hardest part of that time for you, and what helped you get through it?
The hardest part for me was feeling really alone in the beginning. I was so young, with a one year-old son, and everyone I saw at my treatment center was much much older than me. It truly felt like I was the only one in the world dealing with this so young with a baby. I kept myself isolated on purpose in the first part of my treatment plan because everyone has different reactions to their medications, and I was worried if I talked to people they would start sharing all the terrible things that happened to them and I would be even more scared. After about 5 months I finally felt ready to look on social media to see if there was anyone else with a similar situation.
Did you have any support systems (family, friends, community) that played a big role in your journey?
My biggest supporter was my husband. He was incredible and at the time he was still in the Marine Corps working in an office, and they were extremely accommodating and understanding. He was able to work from home for my entire year of treatment, was flexible if he needed to step away and take care of me or our son, and we even had some of his colleagues make us meals weekly and drive me to treatment. My best friend also drove down and stayed with us for a few days when I had my surgeries so she could be with my son so my husband was able to be with me in the hospital and helping me recover at home. After about 5 months I found The Breasties community and that was so incredible to finally connect with other young people going through the same thing.
If chemo was part of your treatment, what were your “must-haves” for infusion days?
I carried a backpack with my binder of medical information for my nurses, as well as a stuffed animal, snacks, water, notebooks for Journaling, and some coloring books.
Did you have a favorite outfit, accessory, or comfort item that made treatment feel a little easier?
I liked to be comfortable so I wore a tank top with a zip up jacket so that my port was easily accessible and the same pair of comfy rainbow sweatpants.
Were there small rituals or routines that helped you feel more in control during treatment?
I liked to dress comfortably, but I always wore makeup every infusion day to make me feel good, especially when I started to lose my hair.
Looking back, is there something you wish you had known before starting treatment?
I wish I knew that I wasn't actually alone in my journey.
Do you have any tips for others just starting treatment?
Make sure you are always open with your nurses and medical staff, since everyone reacts to treatments differently. Know yourself, and if leaning on others feels good, then do that, but don't feel pressure to reach out to people if that doesn't feel good. If you need help, make sure to be specific. Most people who haven't experienced cancer might not know what to do and don't want to do the wrong thing, so suggest something tangible like food, meals, gift cards, specific gifts or items you need, rides, etc.
How did you take care of yourself—physically, emotionally, or mentally—during treatment?
I met with a therapist every 2 weeks, and I really tuned into my body depending on how I was feeling. I also started an antidepressant that really helped me.
What’s one piece of advice you would give to a friend supporting someone going through a cancer diagnosis?
Check in often, but ask them what support they need. Sometimes it feels good to feel normal and gossip like normal friends, but other times you really need to vent about how much this sucks or the pain you are in. Follow their lead and support with love and not solutions unless that's something they are asking for.
What was the most meaningful or helpful gift you received?
I made an Amazon wishlist before my surgery and sent it to my friends and family. That was so helpful because I got exactly what I needed.
Are there any organizations, resources, or communities you’d recommend to others in treatment?
- The Breasties
- Bright Spot Network (organization for parents with cancer)
- TNBC Thrivers
- BreastReconstruction.org (website with great information on all Reconstruction options)
How has survivorship changed your perspective on life?
The biggest shift for me was I realized how important it was to take care of myself and my body. I have always been someone that struggles with relaxing and rest, feeling like I always have to be productive. During treatment I physically couldn't do that. It was really hard at first, but I learned that everything was okay if I wasn't constantly doing things and that it was okay for me to take care of my body if I needed it.
What’s something you’re proud of when you look back on your experience?
After I got more confident, I proudly walked around bald.
What does survivorship mean to you today?
Survivorship is something that still feels weird for me. Some days, I almost forget that cancer happened to me. And other days I go to the doctor and have anxiety attacks or constantly check My Chart for bloodwork, or cry that I have a new pain and think my cancer is coming back. It's something that was a huge part of my life at one point, and now it's only part of my story, not the whole thing.
Falon’s story is a powerful reminder that survivorship isn’t a linear ending — it’s an ever-evolving relationship with the body, with fear, and with self-trust. What began as isolation slowly unfolded into community, confidence, and a deeper understanding of what it means to care for herself without apology.
Today, she walks forward not as someone defined by cancer — but as someone shaped by it in a way that made her more grounded, more awake, and more free.
We’re honored to share her story as part of this series — a space to hold the real, not just the polished.