Trapp retains hope and courage through grief, treatment
Cancer Awareness
“It was totally unexpected,” Trapp explained. “So, I focused on my mom and her care, my son, my home, my job and my health.”
That same year, a routine mammogram brought more unexpected news.
“They called it Stage 0 DCIS (or ductal carcinoma in situ),” said Trapp, noting that a lumpectomy was rescheduled several times over the course of the year due to COVID. “I finally had surgery on Dec. 28.”
After completing radiation treatments in April 2021, Trapp said a follow-up mammogram later revealed microscopic remnants of breast cancer but no evidence of a lump. In July 2024, however, she discovered a new lump during a routine self-examination.
“The next mammogram showed a suspicious tumor, and the biopsy showed Stage 3 cancer,” Trapp said. “Chemo started in August… I literally had 28 days to figure out all the ‘next steps’.”
‘A journey of the unexpected’
Throughout the treatment process, Trapp said there were, understandably, many times of uncertainty.
“Cancer is a journey of the unexpected… Each person is unique and we don’t always fit into the pegboard of standard care,” she said, emphasizing the importance of self-advocacy. “And because it’s not easy to talk about, sometimes questions are missed, but the right medical personnel can listen and guide you and give you strength.”
Trapp added her faith and support system of family and friends, including those she met in treatment, were essential in retaining strength, hope and courage.
“Having faith in God and the faith in my son and friends all kept me going,” she said. “Remarkably, it is the other people in treatment that give you so much hope because each story is unique. And no matter what you’ve been going through, someone else’s story is much tougher. So, they give you hope to manage your small journey compared to theirs… It’s very humbling.”
Trapp also found strength by getting involved with Cancer Support Community East Tennessee (CSCET), a Knoxville-based organization committed to uplifting those impacted by cancer.
“From my first phone call to learn about their offerings to now, CSCET and their entire staff have been part of my everyday living,” she said.
In fact, with a variety of programs and services designed to “support all the aspects and stressors that come with a cancer diagnosis,” the organization quickly became not only an integral part of her life but also gave her something to look forward to each month.
“The programs provided by CSCET bring knowledge, important discoveries in cancer solutions and offer intelligent opportunities to learn and grow as you become a survivor,” she said. “They provide an opportunity for self-care and teach stress management, which sadly becomes a ‘new normal’ for cancer patients and survivors.”
The organization ultimately served as “a safe haven” for Trapp, allowing her to access a group of supportive individuals who understood the emotions and challenges related to the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
“You can laugh, you can cry; you can share or choose not to,” she said. “No matter the type of cancer or the circumstances, you will find hope, peacefulness and respect. And you will always feel welcome… CSCET is an amazing resource; we are so fortunate to have them.”
