Melanin & Pink Ribbons

An appointment for a routine mammogram in May 2016 changed my life forever. I was scheduled for a traditional mammogram but given the option of a 3D mammogram. At that moment I had no idea what a 3D mammogram was but I asked for an explanation. After it was explained what it was and what it entailed then, I decided to pay the extra money that my health insurance did not cover and take that enhanced test. The difference between a traditional mammogram and a 3D mammogram was explained to me like this: it is like viewing a tv picture from 5 years ago versus a high definition tv of today. Both have a clear picture but the high definition tv is a much clearer, sharper image with better definition.  After submitting to the 3D mammogram, I was told a new mass was showing up on my films, something that was not there the previous year and I needed to follow up with a breast surgeon. Concern set in but I tried to remain calm until I had all the facts.  So off to the breast surgeon I went with my husband in tow and copies of my mammogram

Once at the surgeon’s office she showed me the new/current mammogram and the previous one and I clearly saw the new mass. A lump formed in my throat, but I kept on listening and asking her questions. I felt the need to be informed as I could of every possibility associated with this diagnosis. I literally had a pen and paper full of questions to ask and get answers to. It was extremely helpful to have a second set of ears and eyes with you. No matter how prepared you think you are the shock of being told you have cancer is frightening. You cant hear or think of everything so one tip I have is to bring a loved one with you.

The next step was a biopsy of my right breast that revealed I had cancer, the words no one ever wants to hear. However, the good news was the cancerous mass was very small and confined to the milk duct of my breast.  The bad news was the form of cancer was aggressive, so it needed to be removed immediately. Thankfully my treatment options were clearly explained to me with patience and care. I asked questions as did my husband and I walked away feeling knowledgeable of the upcoming process from an intellectul level. I literally asked my doctor to explain the options before me on a Sesame Street level so evn being in the midst of the emotional storm I was in it would be easy to understand. It was decided a lumpectomy and lymph node removal followed by radiation would be the most effective treatment plan.

The surgery itself was surprisingly routine as per my surgeon and I went home the same day with strong painkillers in my handbag. The pain was tolerable but steady and it was uncomfortable to find a relaxing position. I had plenty of pillows that aided me in this. Two weeks later I met with my oncologist and received my radiation treatment schedule that was 5 days a week for 6 weeks. A total of 30 treatments! Now that was the scary part for me, and the tears began to flow as I sat in the parking lot of the radiation center. I finally let go of all the emotions I was feeling and boy did it feel good. I was concentrating on being strong and pushing through and I was neglecting my emotions and my spirit. I dont recommend this to anyone. This was really happening to me and I felt very overwhelmed by it all. I turned on the gospel music playlist and allowed the message and the music to soothe me. Music is one the the things that transforms my mood in a healthy way. Find your calming tool and keep it at the ready during your journey, it will be of great use to you.

The facility I attended for radiation  does all it can to explain and inform you as what to expect and even goes so far as to do a dry run of everything I would go through so my anxiety was less.

So, in early August 2016 I received my radiation tattoos and did my dry run of my treatment. Despite their best efforts the first day of radiation was one of anxiety followed by relief the first of thirty was over. The second day I began radiation and tried not to cry on the table. I began to pray as I lay on the table and this quickly became a part of my daily routine and a self-calming mechanism. For the next six weeks I endured the treatments with mixed emotions. Thankful I had the health insurance to receive quality care and nervous of when the pain and fatigue would appear. Watching the changes to my body wasn’t easy but I knew the changes were temporary and what I had to go through to get to the other side. At the conclusion of my 30 treatments I had delays that icluded the medical equipment breaking down and waiting for it to be fixed but I rang the bell when I finished my treatment. It was an overwhelmingly joyful feeling.

Early on in my diagnosis I decided to be proactive and I began to journal as a healthy outlet for my feelings, I began to make thankful statements daily so I could keep the blessings I was experiencing in the forefront, I increased my prayer time and I accepted help from my loved ones. My support system was key to my positive attitude. I could not have made it as well as I did without the love and support of my husband, daughter, family, friends and sorority sisters of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.