Seek The Uniq Founder Mikka Padua Opens Up About Her Battle With Breast Cancer

What do you do when doctors break the news of a life-threatening disease to you? Mikka Padua, wife, mother, and founder of popular local online shopping site Seek the Uniq says she squeezed her husband’s hand.

 

 

 

 

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I haven’t updated my byline since I signed up on IG until today. Yep, found myself a new #sidehustle. Last Dec 2018 a lump on my left breast threw a coming out party in the wee hours of the morning. I started madly googling cysts, lumps, malignant, benign, all those key words just kept popping up. I went to see a doctor the next day. Fast forward to 1 sono, 1 mammo, and 1 biopsy later, he asked me to go see him first thing in the morning on a Saturday. I already knew something was up, and it wasn’t good. Stage 2 Breast CA: Happy Holidays to me! Life as I knew it, fell apart in one fell swoop. I didn’t cry as I heard the news, I squeezed my husband ‘s hand and immediately felt sorry for him and my daughter. Never mind me, I’ve lived a good life but them, they’re all I could think of. They need me ?? I can choose to keep quiet about this immensely personal journey. But why would I when the very reason I quickly snapped out of self-pity and resentment were the strangers-turned-friends at the oncology center of St. Lukes (my new hangout!) who openly shared their inspiring stories to me at my lowest point? Perhaps sharing is truly part of the healing process. I take comfort in knowing that maybe the little voice I have will reach out to women esp those with young children to get themselves checked. You probably heard this before but early detection is the easiest way to beat this. You see, I had no known family history of the disease. I eat well. I work out. I don’ t smoke. I don’t have an abusive lifestyle. My work may not be stress-free but I absolutely love what I do. The only reason my doctor can give me, is that because, I’m a woman. It was devastating hearing that then but in hindsight, that was actually quite empowering. If that is the only reason I have, then there is no reason why I cannot beat this. After all,I’m a woman and a strong one at that???? Took me 2 months to open up and now FOOS (fear of over sharing) is slowly creeping in. I have a lot more to say. Will save for next time. And save your sympathy. I’m actually enjoying this time of slowing down, finding purpose, and still seeking the uniq. But today I will learn how to tie turbans??

A post shared by Mikka Padua (@mikkapadua) on Feb 3, 2019 at 6:47pm PST

“Life as I knew it fell apart in one fell swoop. I didn’t cry as I heard the news, I squeezed my husband’s hand and immediately felt sorry for him and my daughter. Never mind me, I’ve lived a good life, but them, they’re all I could think of. They need me.”

Mikka recently shared this news online via Instagram and also changed her bio to include “#cancerwarrior (currently battling stage 2A breast CA)." She says she first kept the news for two months; she was diagnosed in December 2018, but soon found strength and encouragement via her new friends at St. Luke’s oncology department who openly shared their stories and journey “at my lowest point.” It quickly snapped her out of “self-pity and resentment”.

 

 

 

 

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Still reeling from the overwhelming response and support I got since my breast CA reveal. I’ve never felt so loved by many near and far, most of you I haven’t even met ?? . . Only a handful of you though mentioned that you will get yourselves checked. I urge you to schedule that appointment today for you or for your wives/ girlfriends. . . NOT A FUN FACT: 1 out of 8 women with no family history of the disease is at risk. And 1 out of 6 with family history is at high risk! . . I’m grateful I caught mine at an early-ish stage and my only hope is to use this experience to spread awareness and maybe save lives. I’m new at this but there has got to be something good to come out of this right? I just refuse to believe that it’s all bad. . . So please do me a favor, get yourselves checked, ASAP. As I would hate to have these beach posts be all in vain. #breastcancerawareness ??

A post shared by Mikka Padua (@mikkapadua) on Feb 5, 2019 at 9:52pm PST

“Still reeling from the overwhelming response and support I got since my breast CA reveal. I’ve never felt so loved by many near and far, most of you I haven’t met,” Mikka shares in her most recent post a day ago.

With it she shares important facts, perhaps one of the reasons why she’s also chosen to speak out about her journey, that other women reading her posts should get checked. She says 1 in 8 women with no family history—like herself—is at risk, while 1 in 6 women with family history is at high risk.

“I’m only grateful I caught mine at an early-ish stage and my hope is to use this experience to spread awareness and maybe save lives. I’m new at this but there has got to be something good to come out of this right? I just refuse to believe that it’s all bad...,” she says.

Mikka ends her caption to encourage other women to get checked ASAP.

 

 

 

 

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Indulge me for a hospital #ootd. I got cleared for chemo round ??? #breastcancerawareness

A post shared by Mikka Padua (@mikkapadua) on Feb 7, 2019 at 1:30am PST

Our prayers and well wishes are with you and your family, Mikka! Thank you for speaking up so courageously.

Find out more about early detection here: http://www.icanservefoundation.org/#feat1

Photos from @mikkapadua