As a mother of four kids under age 10, Gina Schweppe had become accustomed to the unexpected.
From the occasional spill to a last-minute homework assignment, she thought she could handle it all. But a breast cancer diagnosis? This came entirely out of left field, and was far scarier than any everyday mishap she could have imagined.
She was only 36 years old when she found the first lump in her breast, which she initially brushed off. But after further testing and a confirmed diagnosis, she entered her new reality.
One where she was fighting not only her breast tumors, but also an amplified sense of insecurity that had plagued her for most of her life.
How is the Southern California paralegal working to overcome these personal struggles, power through, and become her healthiest self again? Read on to see….
At only 37 years old, Gina is one of the youngest Surthrivors that Prime has ever featured. So much so, that she and her doctors had their doubts about a breast cancer diagnosis when she first made an appointment over a year ago. She was an avid runner who jogged roughly four times a week when she wasn’t chasing her children. It’s natural for the average person to wonder; how could somebody so fit be diagnosed with cancer?
“My surgeon was straight up with me and said: “You're young, I don't trust your breasts. I think we need to do a double mastectomy.” Then, he told me about the third option which would take more work, but I think it's going to be the best fit for me.”
Sadly, it’s not that simple. This disease can happen to anybody due to a multitude of factors — which Gina learned when she became part of only 9% of women under 45 to be diagnosed with breast cancer in the US. While seeking answers from her loved ones, she came to find out that this condition ran in her family. Her great-grandmother, great-aunt, three cousins and one of their daughters had all been diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.
“I had an appointment with my surgeon. [I got] surgery to remove the breast tissue on my right side. But I have a family history of breast cancer.”
Do you have a family history of breast cancer, just like Gina, or know someone who does? In this case, it’s essential to begin receiving mammograms and preventative treatment as soon as possible. The age you should start has been debated by doctors — with some claiming that it’s 25 or 30, and others recommending you get checked out 10 years earlier than the age your youngest affected relative was diagnosed. You can visit your doctor to determine a treatment plan that works for you; but never assume that you’re too young to be affected!
“I hate that I even have to mention this, but I am terrified of losing my hair because as a woman, I feel that my hair is like an identity for me,” Gina told Newsweek in an interview back in August 2023.
“To ease myself into this, I'm going with my mom and my brother to a hair salon to get a pixie cut first, to get used to having short hair.” While the definition of femininity has become more fluid over time, most associate long, luscious locks with the power of womanhood. And Gina was no exception.
“My hair has always been a huge deal for me. I've had long hair, short hair, brown hair, platinum hair but I have never had no hair. Shaving my head was one of the HARDEST things I have ever done.”
Having struggled with insecurity most of her life — whether it was due to being overweight as a child or about her nose — Gina knew that chemotherapy would be a challenge. And despite enduring “one of the hardest things she’s ever done” by shaving her head, she came out on the other side feeling strong and supported. By openly expressing her worries, both to herself and her loved ones, she created an honest communication that helped make her breast cancer journey go more smoothly.
“If I am being honest I have always been insecure about my nose. But then I got cancer and survived. My nose is perfectly made for me.”
Since finishing her treatments, she’s even begun to notice her hair growing back, and Gina can’t be more thrilled! Her story also draws attention to one of the less-talked-about aspects of cancer — those who equate losing their hair or even their breasts with a lack of womanhood. And even worse, are made to feel ashamed about these things. We’re here to remind you that your feelings are 100% valid, and you should never be sorry about your desire to feel beautiful and feminine, even during a valiant battle with cancer. It’s perfectly natural!
While some may try to tell you that aesthetic changes during cancer are unimportant, we’re here to remind you that nobody gets to decide this for you. Sure, beating this disease is always the end goal, and Gina did it flawlessly. However, you’re allowed to feel any way you’d like about the less glamorous side of treatment. In Gina’s case, it was not only her hair, but also her skin changes.
"My favorite routine is wearing no makeup at all. When I was going through chemotherapy I had AWFUL acne, terrible! During chemotherapy I embraced my bare face.”
She developed severe acne during chemotherapy, which caused her to skip a full face of makeup and opt for the PrimeSkin Beauty Water, instead. You can’t go wrong with this skincare essential-meets-makeup remover! Deeply hydrating, non-greasy, and designed to protect the delicate moisture barrier, it was exactly what her complexion needed during a delicate time. And it could also become your holy grail.
“My favorite product is the Prime Skin beauty water! The formula is gentle and takes a full face of makeup away without irritating my skin.”
Do you love the no-makeup makeup look as much as Gina does?
There are quite a few Prime picks that may just transform your life. Brown makeup is the best for a subtle-but-striking soft glam look, which you can achieve with the PrimeLash Mascara in Dark Brown or PrimeEyes Glide Eyeliner in Wood.
Meanwhile, you can immerse yourself even deeper into the skincare world, just like Gina, with PrimeEyes Hydrate.
This eye cream is made to diminish fine lines and wrinkles, puffiness, and dark circles while helping you become your brightest and most beautiful self. And we can’t think of anything better for a silver queen.
Facing breast cancer is never easy, but Gina has fought with everything she had since being diagnosed in 2023. She’s only halfway through her 30s, after all, and still has so much zest for life.
The avid New Kids on the Block fan hasn’t even had the chance to meet Donnie Walhburg, yet!
Along with documenting her journey on Instagram, she’s also created a safe space for other women with this disease to share their stories. Whether they’re struggling with self-doubt, insecurity, or back pain from the chemo — all things that Gina knows all too well — she’s there to lift them up and remind them of the light at the end of the tunnel.
“When I go to scans again, I'll be thinking: Is there going to be cancer somewhere else? Is there a 1 percent chance that cancer will come back in my breast area? Is that possible? I'm going to have that for the rest of my life. And that is a big pill to swallow.”
That being said, Gina has also been open about her fears post-diagnosis. She acknowledges that her cancer journey will always be a part of her life, and has practiced open communication about how she feels, what she needs, and everything in between.
Other women battling cancer should consider doing the same; as you’ll never understand otherwise just how many people are there for you! The cancer experience isn’t for the faint of heart, but Prime is here to help you stay strong from the very start.
To our queens currently fighting cancer…we and Gina love you!
We’re all in this together!
Follow Gina on Instagram through @momspinkproject, or email
info@primeprometics.com for general inquiries.
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