I WON

Revelation 12:11 states that we overcome by the blood of the lamb and the word of our testimony. In other words, We overcome by faithful commitment to God and by declaring His goodness in our lives.

In 2022, I was getting routine hormone replacement treatments. I was 41 years old, less than 6 months out from having a radical hysterectomy. I hadn't had my routine mammogram when I turned 40-largely in part because I was dealing with my reproductive issues. After my third hormone injection, the nurse told me that in order to have my next treatment, I would need to have a mammogram. I scheduled the appointment at the mobile site to "check the box" so that I could continue treatments. Four days following the scan, I received a call that I would need to come to the hospital for a more comprehensive scan and that I would have the next steps before leaving the hospital. After those scans, I was informed that I had areas of concern on both breasts, and a biopsy was scheduled for the following week. Six days following the biopsy, I was notified that I tested positive for right breast cancer: specifically, Stage 1 Estrogen Receptive Positive Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. I received the call around lunch time while I was at work. I felt numb. I immediately went to find my sister who was teaching at the same school so we could call our mom together. I was in such shock that I didn't even consider leaving for the day. My sister demanded that she take me off campus and meet our mom at Target. I didn't know how I was going to tell Jordon and Brice that their mom had breast cancer. How would they respond? Who would take care of me if I didn't make it? My mom and sister made phone calls for me because I couldn't bare to say those words again- I was diagnosed with breast cancer.

I had felt anxious all week waiting on the results and once I got them, it was like a weight was lifted...it was the weirdest thing.

Even though this was not the outcome my family and I had prayed for, we were grateful for early detection.

After several tests and blood work, it was determined that I was a candidate for a partial mastectomy (lumpectomy) and a bilateral oncoplastic procedure (breast reconstruction) followed by four weeks of radiation.

I had a successful surgery on April 14, 2022, my specialist was able to remove all of the cancer cells and confirm negative margins-which meant it had not spread to my lymph nodes. My healing process was painful and emotionally draining. Two weeks after surgery, my plastic surgeon removed my stitches. By the next week, the skin under my breast began to literally separate and become infected. I'm sure I kept Walgreens in business because I was buying band aid brand gauze at least twice per week. Showers made me dizzy and I feared that because radiation kept being delayed that I was going to die.

After nine weeks of weekly appointments to cut out the infection and pack the wounds, my skin had finally healed. I completed 20 rounds of radiation with no need for chemotherapy. My plastic surgeon did such a great job of making my breasts look like twins, but because of radiation, they now look like cousins. I celebrated my last treatment with my family as I rang the bell on July 27, 2022.

The journey has been tiring-follow up appointments and daily hormone blocking meds to reduce the likelihood of reoccurrence. I, unfortunately, had another abnormal mammogram during Thanksgiving week of 2023. The mental trauma caused me to be so distracted that I could hardly enjoy the holiday week. But by God's grace, my specialist called me the day before Thanksgiving to tell me that I was in the clear.

Although my 3 week anticipated time off resulted in extended weeks of FMLA, I felt God's hand every step of the way. I had no lack in my finances or other resources. My sorority sisters rallied together to create a meal train for weeks so that my family and I didn't have to worry about dinner or groceries. Other friends and families ensured that I didn't have to lift a finger, kept me company, and kept a close watch on my boys. My mom has never left my side, my dad came from California and has been a constant supporter, my best friends came from Georgia and Alexandria, and my sister regularly reminds me of how strong I am. There aren't enough ways to express my gratitude to my village.

I am now on the other side of the diagnosis. However, I am managing a condition called lymphedema due to the removal of a lymph node and the effects of radiation caused fluid to build up in right my breast. As a result, I had to complete roughly 18 weeks of physical therapy, to regain the range of motion in my right arm, that included weekly lymphatic drainage massages (those were my favorite appointment days :)

Although I'm still in the healing and grieving process, I believe that God has helped me to accept my diagnosis and begin to minister to others about His goodness and mercy.

God continues to make me strong! He has placed the most wonderful medical team, family, and friends in my corner. My sons are thriving and closer than ever and now they have become over protective of me; reminding me to get fresh air, move my body, and reduce my Dr. Pepper intake (still working on that one).

I have used this experience to start my own community of survivors and supporters called "Soul Survivors." We began meeting in December to share our diagnoses and healing journeys. Our supporters are able to share how they feel being a part of our journeys as our support system. This month we are reading a book, The Things We Leave Unfinished, and will discuss during our March meeting.

If you are a cancer survivor (of any kind) and/or have supported a loved one through their journey, we would love to have both men and women join our group. It's a fun and safe community.

Click the email option and send me a message so you don't miss the next meeting!

And as always, your comments are welcomed and appreciated.