Tell us about your diagnosis
My battle with breast cancer began on July 3, 2015 at a routine doctor’s appointment where I shared with the doctor that I had pain in my right breast. On September 3, 2015, I saw Dr. Ian Grady of the North Valley Breast Clinic, at which time I had a small lump on my right breast, and proceeded to have a mammogram, an ultrasound, and a biopsy. Finally, on September 8, 2015, Dr. Grady informed me that I had stage 2 breast cancer.
What was your first thought when diagnosed?
One of my first thoughts after hearing the diagnosis was to pray. Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” This means we can draw strength from God.
Tell us about your journey
I began chemotherapy on October 8, 2015. On January 12, 2016, Dr. Ajay Verma informed me that the tumor was smaller in size, but that surgery was inevitable. Dr. Grady performed surgery on March 14, 2016, during which I had a mastectomy on my right breast, along with 20 nodules being removed under my arm. I underwent physical therapy during the month of May 2016 to prepare my body for the coming radiation treatments in June and July.
What is your most vivid memory of your cancer journey?
You cannot forget the havoc the treatment and cancer do to your body. My whole body was affected to some degree. I remember the aches and pains, the soreness in my gums and throat, and having to gargle with baking soda. I remember the discoloring of my fingernails on both hands, the rash on my arm that required me to go to the dermatologist, and the numbness in my feet. I am so thankful for the love and medical care throughout.
What would you share with someone else who is on this journey?
Don’t think twice about praying to God and asking him for strength. I did and you can too.
