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Wow! 9 years of survivorship! I was diagnosed at the age of 28. I lived cleaned, ate right and worked out. Needless to say, I was shocked when the doctor said, “I’m sorry baby doll, you’ve got cancer” But since cancer wasn’t the first adversity I would have to overcome, I knew I had the character of a survivor. My treatment involved a radical modified mastectomy, chemotherapy (CAF), 35 radiation sessions and a 5-year chaser of Tamoxifen. Since the cancer had spread to 24 lymph nodes, I qualified and was accepted into a clinical trail for women with a high risk of reoccurrence. The trail involved getting a bone marrow transplant (autologous stem cell replacement). I thought after 6 rounds of chemo, the BMT would be a breeze, but it’s like moving for the minor to major leagues. It was a literally and figuratively a live transforming experience. My mother-in-law makes fun of me because I have a huge to-do-list with more than 200 items. Being the overachieving, fun-loving person that I am; it’s only fitting. But I drew a lot of strength from that list. When I was afraid during my treatment, I would joke to myself saying “I can’t die yet; I’ve got too many things left to do”. Learning how to ride a motorcycle was one of them. Since my recovery, I’ve reduced the list down to what’s really important. I felt I better work double-time and take a “no better time than the present” approach to getting things checked off my to do list. So as soon as I was strong enough, I took the motorcycle safety course. The first time I didn’t pass. The old me would have been embarrassed and over analyzed the failure. But the new (and I like to think, improved) me signed up again and asked my husband to take the class with me. We had a blast and got our licenses. I purchase an old bike and got it restored. It’s funny, the mechanic said he was going to get rid of the cancer (the rust), flush the systems and replace some parts. In a way, that’s how I could describe my own cancer treatment After my treatment, I relied on organizations like Reach to Recovery, LBBC, Sisters In Touch, and Hope Afloat Dragon Boat Team. I was able to give back through telling my story on my local KYW-TV (CBS), appearing in Amgen video about the BMT, and guest speaking. I want to increase my involvement in advocating breast cancer issues, especially in young women. I continue to spread the message that it’s important to be your own advocate. If I turned away from any of the many obstacles I faced just to get diagnosed! I may not even be alive today. I found my own lump through a self-breast exam. Early detection was key for me. African-American women, have a higher mortality rates, typically because their cancers are detected in later stages. Many days when I was in hospital, I couldn’t watch T.V., listen to music or read because of the effect the chemo & medication had on my concentration. My memories are what got me through what seemed like never ending days. I would reminisce about the times spent with my family and friends. The most memorable times were those spent outdoors. I really wore out a lot of memories so its time to create new ones! What a great opportunity to show the world and young survivors that there’s a whole lot of living on the other side of treatment. I would like the ride I did with Amazon Heart to be one of those new memories! When I’m on that Harley, I’ll be screaming in the wind with joy and riding to make sure our message gets heard! Click Here to Donate Now!
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