Today we’d like to introduce you to Krystal Zimbaldi.
Hi Krystal, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was diagnosed in May 24th, 2023 at 33 years old with Stage 2 ER+ invasive ductal carcinoma. I did not have any typical symptoms of cancer such as fatigue, pain, weight gain or loss. I was very healthy, with no family history of cancer. When I went for a routine physical in 2022, the doctor felt a small lump so sent me to a radiologist, where they did an ultrasound and told me it was just dense breast tissue and said I was completely fine. 1 year later I move to a new city, Miami, FL and go for a yearly physical and again, the new doctor sent me to a radiologist down here due to the same lump. Doctor said it looked like nothing concerning but wanted to do a biopsy for a peace of mind. A few days later I received the phone call that changed my life forever. I felt like my entire world was shattered. Cancer? I barely knew anyone who had cancer and I was living in a brand new city with my family miles away. I turned to TikTok where I found amazing breast cancer survivors, like Amanda, who were going through the same thing as me! Even though she lived across the country I looked up to her and thought “if she can do it, so can I”. A true inspiration! Super grateful I came across her page and so happy with the impact she has made in the cancer community!
Within 8 Months, I had a lumpectomy, did a round of IVF and had multiple rounds of chemotherapy. I decided to then undergo a bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction. I woke up the next day with a melon size hematoma on my breast so I had to go back into surgery immediately. A month later I got a staph infection in the opposite breast, so underwent surgery again to clear it out and was hospitalized for 5 days. The recovery was longer than anticipated due to my complications. I had JP drains hanging out of my body for an abnormal amount of time (about 12 weeks) so I had to base my life around them (what I could wear, activities I could attend, shower etc). A few months later I went in for what I thought would be my 8th and last surgery to finalize breast reconstruction, but unfortunately, I contracted capsular contracture. December 2024 I had my 9th surgery to deconstruct and reconstruct my breasts again.
I am now in my healing girl era and on hormone therapy (anastrozole & zoladex to put me into a chemically induced menopause) as well as Kisqali and zometa to try and prevent a reoccurence. My new life purpose is to mentor others on their cancer journeys and to educate the world on how early cancer detection can save lives. I started a podcast/support group with another local breastie where we provide mentorship for cancer patients/survivors and host events all over the country.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
9 surgeries, chemo and chemically induced menopause for 5-10 years
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
For my full time job, I am the Associate Director of Admissions at Keiser University, where I oversee the admissions process, support enrollment initiatives, and guide prospective students through their educational journey.
I also run a support group in my free time called TalkBreastie2Me where I provide a safe space, sisterhood, and support for women going through their cancer journey. I also run a health food page called Krystal’s Klean Kitchen where I guide people on what to eat and healthy choices.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I have not drank alcohol, eaten fast food or processed meat since my cancer diagnosis in 2023
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @krystalzimbaldi, @talkbreastie2me, @krystalskleankitchen
- Facebook: @Krystal Zimbaldi
- LinkedIn: @ Krystal Zimbaldi
- Youtube: @Talkbreastie2me
Image Credits
The 3 professional pictures can be credited to Jenna Ruocco
