Happy Anniversary
August 16th! My one-year anniversary of being CANCER-FREE! I must say that this has been quite a journey. BUT GOD…
This time, last year, I had a right-sided mastectomy. As I reflect back to that day, I am filled with tears of joy. God has been more than good. He’s been more than great. There are no words that can describe His ability to heal and deliver.
I’M AT PEACE
Being in a “happy-space” feels so much better. I still have my emotional moments, but, I don’t cry as often as I did while going through chemo. Back then, I found myself crying a lot. I was a crybaby. I cried alone with each cry at times being for something different. I cried because I was frustrated and felt weak. I cried because I was sad. Sometimes I cried for what felt like no reason at all. I cried because I felt alone and that no one understood what I was going through. I cried because everyone assumed that I was okay just because I looked like I was fine. I cried. Some of those times, I longed for a shoulder to cry on. It was during those times that God was my refuge and I relied on His Words to help bring me through. And today, I’m at peace.
I’M SURVIVING!
By the grace of God, I’m still here. I’m surviving. I completed oral chemotherapy at the beginning of April. Yet, still, four months later, I’m still not 100%. Will I ever be? Side effects expected to occur while on chemo manifested after I completed therapy. And I continue to feel the residual effects. But, I’m not complaining. I’m in a space of happiness and appreciation. It could be worse.
MY REASON TO FIGHT
I remember when I was down to my last couple of chemotherapy sessions. I had began to feel very anxious about going because of the way the medicine was making me feel. Chemotherapy was breaking me down. Although I looked fine on the outside, internally, my body was doing some things. From body aches to the most concerning, chest pains. After each session, something else was added to the list of things happening within my body as treatment progressed. After I had taken my last intravenous chemotherapy, I was ready to have surgery. It was more a feeling of relief than a feeling of anxiety. I went into surgery surrounded by loved ones and prayers and then waking up to more of the same. They were my strength. I remember my granddaughter, Keelyn, coming in giving me the biggest hug. Seeing all the people who have loved and supported me through this and understanding their roles in my life and my roles in theirs, I realized they were my reason to fight. That’s what you have to do. Find a reason to fight.
KATHY’S STORY
I’m amazed at how many people I know that have fought or have been fighting this battle. I found out that another one of my aunt’s had been through this battle when she reached out to me to support her in a breast cancer awareness event she was participating in. Since her healing, she has been a spokesperson for the cause. This is why I write. I want to be able to inspire others by giving them a sense of hope.
How old were you when you were diagnosed?
I was 56 years old when I was diagnosed.
Did you get annual breast exams?
Yes.
Did you do self-breast exams?
I did not do self-breast exams on a regular basis.
Was this a routine exam or did you find a lump?
It was my annual physical exam where my primary Dr. detected a lump.
What type of cancer were you diagnosed with? Breast Cancer
What treatment plan did you decide on?
Really, my doctors decided on my plan. Chemotherapy, surgery, radiation, Herceptin treatments, and Arimidex meds for 5 yrs.
What other options did you have?
There were no other options. It was either the treatment plan that I went with or no treatments at all.
Why did you choose the treatment plan you used?
It was a matter of following the best survival plan as recommended by my 3 doctors.
Did you get a second opinion?
I got a third opinion and they all said the same thing. So, I selected the Dr. that was closest to my house and had the most supportive team for my care.
How did you feel about your diagnosis?
I was scared, but I was confident in God, the doctors I chose, and the plan that was laid out for me.
Did you do genetic testing? Yes
What were the results? There were no genetic indicators that there was a defective gene in my DNA.
How did the doctor/s respond?
The doctors suspected this cancer was not gene related.
How did you feel about your treatment team?
I felt like I had the BEST treatment team. They were always first and foremost looking out for my care, comfort and mental well-being during these treatments. They did what was necessary to support and encourage me especially on my hard treatment days when I was so uncomfortable and wondering if the treatments were ever going to end.
Did you make any dietary changes? Some, but it wasn’t a major overhaul.
How did your family respond?
My family was so supportive. My husband was sick himself so there wasn’t a lot he could do to help me during my treatments. My sister took time off of her job to come and take me to my treatments. She stayed with me during the entire 4 hours of treatment. She then brought me home and then went to work and after work school, because she was working on her Bachelor’s Degree.
How did your friends respond?
My friends were also supportive.They kept me on their prayer list and I had friends that would come to my home and cook and clean up for me.
How would you help someone else through?
I volunteer to be a supporter with the American Cancer Society especially for Afro-American women. I also participate in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk every year.
What is one take away from your journey?
My takeaway from my journey is NOT to keep it a secret. Be open. When I opened up and told people what was happening with me, I found MANY women who had been diagnosed but were afraid of the treatments and in trusting the doctors. When I shared with them my journey, they all saw how well I was doing and they weren’t afraid anymore because they said if God did it for me, he certainly could do it for them. I urged them to get second opinions and be sure to get with a reputable hospital. I also urge that they find a doctor that works with a team of people because 2 heads are better than one head.
How long was it before your health was totally back to normal, or has it gotten back?
Well this was NOT something that you got over quickly. After my initial treatments I was on the medication, Arimidex, for 5 years. I didn’t really completely feel like myself till I was completely off ALL medications. So, I would say after 5 years for me.
RIGHT NOW
There is something about going through life-altering traumatic experiences. I say traumatic because this was a little traumatizing for me. And unless you have been in similar situations, you couldn’t even begin to understand. I look at life differently, now. I appreciate it more. I take nothing for granted. When I have an opportunity to do something that will put a smile on my face, I do it. I no longer make excuses as to why I can’t.
Right now, I’m loving on me. I am a registered nurse. My job is to care for others. So, not only am I caring for people at home, I’m caring for them at work. That was the majority of my time. When did I have time for myself? Now, I’ve been taking time out for ME and doing things that I enjoy doing. I’ve been traveling. I’ve been doing more. I’ve made some lifestyle changes. I’m a pescatarian working my way to become a vegan. I drink more water. I’m exercising. I promise you I can feel a difference. I’ve been getting more rest. The body needs time to replenish, to restore itself, which can only be done by getting rest. I’m nursing myself back to health. I’ve stopped stressing over things that I have no control over. I’ve been granted serenity. Otherwise it was going to kill me. Finally, the most Important thing I had to do was forgive those who hurt me deep. Harboring unforgiveness can be detrimental to your health. To see how forgiveness and health relate, you can follow this link. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/forgiveness-your-health-depends-on-it
Until next time…