I began 2013 planning my 60th birthday bash. It was an absolute blast
with family, friends, food and plenty of fun. I was truly blessed to have
so many people I’m close to travel from various states to help me
celebrate this milestone.
Oh, what a difference a few months can make! I noticed something
unusual one morning but could not allow myself to believe something
was amiss. After all, I had already been through quite a bit – multiple
kidney surgeries and eventual kidney removal, brain surgery to remove a
tumor, major foot surgery that resulted in a permanent plate with six
screws. Surely, there was not something else. However, the next
morning when I got up, again I noticed something was not right. Less
than a month had passed since I had a mammogram come back negative.
Nonetheless, I woke up with a bloodstain on the front of my nightgown.
My mind couldn’t process what I was seeing. It took two nights of the
same thing happening before I realized I needed to call my primary care
doctor.
After listening to me describe my symptoms, my doctor referred me to
an oncology breast surgeon who ordered a biopsy. It came back
negative. However, my surgeon did a second biopsy because of how the
tissue looked which came back positive in October 2013. I was
diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). God made sure my
youngest brother John was with me when I got this news. As we left the
doctor’s office, John’s strength (he fought his own cancer battle) and
God’s presence kept me unusually calm and at peace
with this devastating diagnosis.
There were many more doctor visits as I made decisions about choosing
a treatment plan, a radiologist, a medical oncologist and a plastic
surgeon. I also met with the Tumor Board which consisted of six doctors
specializing in various aspects of breast cancer. My surgeon (with my
permission) brought my case to them to review, study and offer insights
on the best methods to treat my type of cancer for the best possible
outcome. (The things you learn on this journey.) I discussed the pros and
cons of various procedures and medications including Tamoxifen, which
I opted not to take. While this is a good option for many, it was not for
me.
After weighing all the information, I decided on a mastectomy with
reconstruction because of the potential lower risk factors than radiation
and chemotherapy. This was another jarring process that included three
additional surgeries throughout the month of December. It also included
adjusting expanders and placing an implant in the non-cancerous breast
for symmetry.
My first post-op was on December 23. During my hospital stay, it was
discovered that I have a sleep disorder. The detection saved my life and I
have gotten some of my best sleep in years. A daily pill for six years was
added to my treatment. After a few months of debilitating side effects
including acute bone pain, I consulted my oncologist. She didn’t think
my situation was severe enough to warrant a change. I continued my
daily routine, enduring more bone pain, until it began to impact my
quality of life. I began to research alternatives. I also spoke with other
women who had endured breast cancer and had experience with various
medications.
As I did more research on my medication, I worried about potential side
effects, including back fractures. I armed with the information I had
accumulated. But before I could share my findings, my oncologist
informed me that we should try Exemestane, an estrogen blocker which
might slow or reverse the growth of my type of breast cancer. I was
extremely pleased with this recommendation, as it was the same one for
which I had planned to ask. I had little to no side effects. Along this
journey, I’ve learned many lessons. One that was reinforced for me, is
that you have to be an advocate for yourself and seek the expertise of
others.
Through highs and lows, faith and family have been my strength. My
cousin Joan, my medical go-to person most of my life, has always been a
reassuring and loving personal and professional voice that I trust. My
church family at Bethany Baptist Church supported me throughout this
journey and the support has not stopped. Time and again, my pastor
declared I would be healed, and he was right! My son James-Brian (JB)
is my rock. My parents instilled strength and resilience in me, but JB is
the reason I continue to be strong and filled with hope. The child shall
lead them – Isaiah 11:6. While I was in the hospital recuperating, JB
encouraged me to eat a more healthy and organic diet, including more
fruits and vegetables and less red meats. He is influencing me on a more
vegan way of eating. Routine exams continue to come back negative and
I’ve never felt better. Through it all, I am grateful to God for sustaining
me through many trials and tribulations. My pastor often says, “You
don’t look like what you’ve been through.” I’m nine years thriving.