Faith Over Fear: Breast Cancer Survivor Becomes Advocate

The following story was featured in the Fall 2018 issue of the OneSpirit Magazine.

Kristin Dunn, labor and delivery nurse in Hot Springs, decided to follow her mother’s advice. After a day of performing several breast exams at work, she did an exam on herself that afternoon. What she found would have a dramatic impact on her life and health – and send her and her family on a journey they never anticipated.

“I was diagnosed with breast cancer on Oct. 6, 2016 at 29 years old. I was just two months away from getting married to my high school crush, Addison,” remembers Kristin. “It was devastating to think about breast cancer at such a young age – I felt like I had my whole life in front of me.”

“My sister was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 39, and I lived in fear that I would be next. I had always encouraged Kristin to get regular mammograms, perform self breast exams and be aware of her own body,” says Kristin’s mom, Teresa, who has worked as a nurse in surgery for more than 30 years. “When she called to tell me that she had discovered a lump in her breast, I couldn’t believe the news. Nothing prepares you to hear that your daughter has cancer.”

Because of this family history, Kristin decided to have a bilateral mastectomy to avoid the possibility of the cancer returning. After the surgery, she couldn’t even lift her arms to put on her clothes or do her hair. Even though her husband was incredibly supportive and caring, there’s no one like your mom to take care of you.

“My mom took off work for a month when I had major surgery. I was also planning a wedding, and my mind was so consumed with all that was going on that she planned nearly every detail. She was there for me and there with me for everything,” says Kristin.

“Even though she’d already been through surgery to remove the cancer, it was such a joy to see her in that dress and looking so beautiful on her wedding day,” says Teresa.

After her initial surgery to remove the cancer, Kristen also had three additional reconstruction surgeries. As part of her extended treatment she was put on Tamoxifen, a drug that helps reduce the risk of the cancer returning. But it could also interfere with Kristin’s ability to have a child, something she and her husband desperately wanted. She made the very difficult decision to come off the medicine after only six months to remove the toxins from her body in hopes that she could get pregnant.

“I was advised to wait one year before getting pregnant because of what my body had been through in fighting the cancer and the recovery,” says Kristin. “Exactly one year later, I discovered I was pregnant. We are so thrilled and can’t wait to meet our daughter!”

Through it all Kristin has continued working and going to school to obtain her doctorate degree as a nurse practitioner. She’s also excitedly preparing for the arrival of her daughter, Dorothy. Although she questioned why God placed this on her, Kristin decided it was so that she could be an advocate, share her story to help other women in similar situations through their journey, and to raise awareness in hopes of helping women avoid a similar path.

“I believe God gives you trials and circumstances that make you stop and put your focus on him, and I’ve learned so many things during these last few years. I hope and pray that I’ll be cancer free and be able to live a normal life with my husband, daughter and parents,” says Kristin. “Some people have wondered how I stayed so positive through it all. I believe my strength comes from my relationship with him and the support of my family – it’s why I’m here today.”