In August of 2010, I scheduled my annual physical examination with my doctor. My test results came back with some concerns that needed to be addressed immediately. Never having a sick day in my life, I was not afraid, but adamant about getting to the bottom of what could possibly be wrong.
In November of 2010, I discovered a nodule under my left armpit. Not overly concerned, I contacted my doctor and was given antibiotics in an attempt to reduce the swelling and inflammation. The antibiotics had no affect on the nodule – in fact, it appeared to be getting larger. Around the same time, I began undergoing numerous tests for cervical cancer.
It was determined in December of 2010 that everything was fine with my cervix. In January of 2011, I was given a second mammogram. Within six months the lymph nodes in my armpit had grown twice the size as they were in August.
I was scheduled for an ultra sound within days of the mammogram results. When the radiologist looked at the ultra sound, he immediately asked me to get my physician on the phone. Two days later the nodule was biopsied, and the results came back malignant for breast cancer.
I was unaware at that time that I had stage IV breast cancer. I didn’t have time to have a pity party, or question “why me?” My attitude was to get rid of the cancer by any means necessary. I wasn’t afraid, I simply wanted to be cancer free. The next four weeks were full of different doctors, blood tests, CT scans, bone scans, PET scans, MRI’s and medical information overload. Never having any direct contact with breast cancer, I didn’t know what to expect. I quickly found out that prayer, faith, family, friends, and alkaline water would play a vital role in my total recover and victory over my cancer.
Eventually, I had to undergo 20 weeks of Chemotherapy, a double mastectomy, and finally 31 radiation treatments all in less than 8 months. Keeping a positive attitude about the entire situation and asking God to keep my care in His divine order gave me the victory to overcome my illness.
Today I am cancer free treatment free, and I don’t take any medications to maintain my optimum health. What Satan did for my harm, God made for my good! I survived this life-altering event emerging more dynamic, confident, and radiant than I was before I was diagnosed. God has allowed me to be a walking miracle willing to tell my testimony to all that will listen. He has given me an awesome story to tell in a book called Bee Stings, Bumble Bees, and Butterflies.
God has sent me to be a blessing; for this I am grateful. I am healed by His stripes. I pray that my book will encourage others who have been diagnosed, treated, and survived breast cancer.