Tell us about your survivor journey.
I was diagnosed March 2016. That whole year is still a blur. It consisted of diagnoses, chemo, surgery and radiation all done with swiftness and precision to erase the 5.3cm tumor that had grown in my right breast. From then to now I have gained strength mind, body and spirit. I realize that I will always be on this journey….as soon as I was diagnosed I became a survivor. What I do along this journey is what’s important.
What has been the biggest source of support through your journey?
The biggest source of support for me has been my family. My husband and children were by my side every step of the way. I drew strength from them to feel better and be better each day. Also my church family supported us by providing prayer, meals, transportation and a whole bunch of love.
What are some lessons you have learned throughout your survivor journey?
Never give up….every morning that I woke to a new day I believed that it was going to be better than the day before. Don’t shoulder the experiences of others….it causes fear and anxiety. Each persons situation is different.
Do you have any advice for a newly diagnosed survivor? What would that advice be and why?
Find a doctor that you trust and follow his/her orders. Take time for yourself…you might have cancer but cancer doesn’t have you!! Don’t discount the fact that you have cancer but don’t let it consume who you are.
In the space below, feel free to add any additional information like extra stories, lessons to live by, meaningful life quotes, advice or unique factors that contribute to your survivor journey.
I sing with the Praise Team at my church. The whole time I was going through chemo and radiation I continued to sing even after I lost my hair. Many people in the congregation had no idea what I was dealing with. I wore scarves or hats to cover my head and they thought I was making a fashion statement. I never wanted to appear “sick” and God honored that.
