In 2014, at the age of 43, I was diagnosed with Mucinous Carcinoma Breast Cancer. Mucinous Carcinoma is a subtype of IDC, and rarely diagnosed in women under the age of 70.  Mine was found during a routine mammogram. My tumor was 1.2 cm; usually these are not found until much larger and unlike typical IDC.  I would have never felt a lump because the mass is mucinous.  At the time, I had just retired from my career with the state and was enrolled as a full-time college student.  I was excited to begin and enjoy a second career.

My support from ACS was incredible.  The people who had traveled this walk before me, encouraged and supported me to continue my education and endure my treatment. My life dramatically changed during all of this as my husband of 21 years at the time had his own emotional breakdown with my diagnosis.  We divorced almost 2 years later.  I’m very happy to say that I am in remission.

I graduated from Campbellsville University Cum Laude in 2017 with a BSBA-HRM.  I enjoy a successful 2nd career as an HR Consultant to Therapy Group Practices across the United States.  Mental Health is extremely important to me, and this is one way I can give back.

My name is Laura Phelps from Somerset, Kentucky.  I remarried in 2020 and am blessed with an amazing husband, James, who understands my cancer and my passion to help others.   It is a wonderful feeling to walk recently diagnosed women through the initial stages of the diagnosis.  I had people who held my hand in those early moments where I had no clarity.  It’s an honor to be able to return that.