Survivors Share Their Testimonies of Victory
Elaine
11 Year Survivor
I was working full-time and running a local food pantry in Pennsylvania. I had survived a terrible car crash by an impaired driver 5 years earlier. I got a call at work and honestly was so busy with my work. I think I said I don't have time for this. My dear friend had been diagnosed with the same thing 2 weeks earlier. well, I made time for cancer. It was a fearful time, but I met lots of new people, and learned lots about my body. Didn't wear a wig because it was too hot and itchy. My colleague shaved my head in the work bathroom. I still don't like pink. I feel very blessed and want to reach more people with screening and early detection.
Wanda
18 Year Survivor
You need to go get that lump checked, my husband would say to me for almost 2 years. Finally I listened and went and had a mammogram done. Upon my arrival there was 5 or 6 other women who soon left others came and left. The doctor need to see you, the nurse said to me. In that moment I found myself all alone because everyone else had come and gone and here I was sitting in what seemed like eternity waiting to be seen by the doctor. In my heart I knew I had cancer but I was hoping that I didn't. What could have been a tragedy then is an 18 year later triumph and I give God all the glory for what I call my amazing story.
Yes I was diagnosed with breast cancer and my lump was the size of a gulf ball. I had a mastectomy but to God be the glory the cancer didn't spread. The doctors was in awe because they said it should have spread to my lymph nodes because of the size of the mass; but it didn't. So I faith walked and faced every challenge and embraced every victory no matter how big or how small. My hair came out and it never grew back my breast got taken and it's never coming back..but I'm alive and well and beautiful to God and myself. 😉
Arnetta
2 Year Survivor
I a breast cancer survivor, celebrating my 2-year mark. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in July of 2020 and began my chemotherapy treatment in August of that year. I'm 43 years old and a mother of 5 and grandmother of 2. God has been by my side through my whole Cancer journey. It has been a challenging journey, but I have been blessed with the unwavering support of my family, friends, and church community.
I want to express my deep gratitude to God for being with me every step of the way. I am also incredibly thankful for my pastors, Tyrone Nance Jr and Wanda Nance, for their words of encouragement and prayers. Additionally, I want to acknowledge the kindness and support of First Lady Tiffany Nance and Minister Brit Bradley, who have provided comfort and a listening ear during difficult times.
Through it all, I give all the praise to God for giving me the strength to face this battle and for guiding me through chemotherapy, surgeries, and radiation. I am an overcomer, and I truly believe that my God is amazing.
Cheryl
10 Year 2X Survivor
In 2011, a non cancerous mass was being monitored by a breast specialist and twice yearly breast sonograms and yearly mammograms. While doing a self breast screening in May 2013, I noticed that the mass felt different. I scheduled an appointment with my breast specialist and advised her of my concerns that the mass felt different. Sadly, my physician was extremely dismissive of my concerns. She advised me to have my mammogram as scheduled in July 2013, and then if there was anything found we could discuss it.
I had a mammogram as scheduled in July 2013, and immediately following the mammogram, the radiologist told me to stay for a breast sonogram. Immediately following the breast sonogram, the radiologist told me that I needed to schedule an appointment with a breast specialist/surgeon as soon as possible. I knew that there was something wrong.
I scheduled an appointment with a breast surgeon that I had previously seen. My doctor immediately completed a breast biopsy in her office. The next day I learned that I had breast cancer.
Six weeks after my diagnosis, I had a bilateral mastectomy with removal of 4 lymph nodes. I learned that my cancer spread and I had to have another 16 lymph nodes removed. I had overuse cysts and my maternal aunt died of ovarian cancer. I was advised to have a hysterectomy with ovary removal prior to beginning chemotherapy.
God sent the most brilliant and caring oncologist, Dr. Sandy Kotiah at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore. I went through 6 grueling rounds of chemotherapy, 28 rounds of radiation therapy, a blood transfusion, breast reconstruction surgery, and 9 months off from work.
I am blessed to have the most amazing family, work family, and friends that supported me through the entire process. I also gained an appreciation for life, and every single day is a blessing and a gift! I am thankful and blessed that I celebrated my tenth breast cancer survivor anniversary on September 13, 2023! To God be the glory for the things He has done!
Angela
7 Year Survivor
January 2016 I felt a pea size bump in my right breast which I thought was an acne bump. So my husband talked me into getting it checked out. February 2016 I had a mammogram done and had to come back a second time because they saw some abnormalities and that same day I had to do a biopsy on what they saw. This was on a Friday and on Monday (Presidents Day) I got a call from the Doctor telling me that I have breast cancer and I had to quickly be set up with a team that will assist me through my journey. This left me numb. I did not pray or anything. Then I finally got out of how I was feeling, which is hard to explain and started praying. I was told that what I have is an aggressive stage 2 cancer and that I have to have a mastectomy done. So I chose to have a double mastectomy, because it could be a chance for the cancer to return.
After the surgery, and the all pain I was suppose to go through 6 rounds of chemotherapy, but I only did 4 rounds because the chemotherapy was making me really sick and literally killing me. Two days after every chemotherapy I was admitted in the hospital. So they stopped the full blown chemo and I ended up getting one whole year of a lesser dose of chemo. I kept the faith through the whole journey and the confidence in knowing that God’s got me and I am already healed no matter what my situation looked like. I have some permanent damage from the cancer, but I thank God that I am here, through it all. I also don’t take what I’ve been through personal. This is not about me, but it is to help others. I encourage others to stay positive, keep the faith and fight a good fight!
Carolyn
2 Year Survivor
My breast cancer was hidden for 5 years in my right breast and never moved or grew. It was so small and I had a lumpectomy to remove the lump. I went thru 24 rounds of radiation from June 28, 2022. I completed my treatment on 08/01/2022. and rung the bell. I drove myself to every session. I feel good most of the time, but sometimes I am weak. and tired. I take one pill a day for the next 4 years. I am so thankful to God for his goodness and mercy to me. I give God all of the glory and for the faith and trust I have been given from God to be a survivor. Praise the LORD.
Anglea
7 Month Survivor
At age 35 I was diagnosed with Tripe Positive Stage II Ductal Carcinoma In Situ. I discovered a lump in my left armpit, which was later identified as a cancerous lymph node. After a total of 18 rounds of chemotherapy, 26 rounds of radiation and 5 surgeries, God healed my body and I was deemed CANCER FREE March 9th of this year. Unfortunately, having lost my older cousin at the tender age of 44, January of this year to Stage 4 Metastatic Breast Cancer. I vowed to take root in activism, raising awareness and being an overall blessing to other young black and brown women who share my unfortunate circumstance. Although the journey was difficult and the grief of my cousin’s passing is a heavy burden to bear, I thank and praise God for his grace and mercies each and everyday.
Sandra
3 Year 2X Survivor
I consider it an honor to celebrate this third milestone of being cancer free. Amid my diagnosis in January 2020, my only recourse was to walk by faith in the midst of COVID. My daily reminder was, “No weapons formed shall prosper, that I was more than a conqueror!” God granted my strength (when I was weak) courage (when I didn’t feel BRAVE) to persevere through what I thought was cancer in only one breast, which resulted in a double mastectomy. It was the constant prayers, unconditional love and support of my husband (Dr. Brooks), my daughter, son and son-in-law….Three years, cancer-free I stand beside in solidarity and in prayer for those diagnosed, in treatment, fought it and those who succumbed. #NoOneFightsAlone #WeAreInThisTogether #EarlyDetection #EndNreastCancer
Brit
2 Year Survivor
We overcome by the blood of the lamb and the word of our testimony. Revelations 12:11October 1st. The start of breast cancer awareness month — and the day I began chemotherapy two years ago. It was just the next step in what had been months of appointments, imaging, and procedures. Add to that the concurrent chaos of life battles: heartbreaks, divorce, transitions, insecurities, work pressures, the grief of healing old wounds, and a divinely orchestrated season of isolation in preparation for elevation (spoiler alert: divinely orchestrated never equals comfortable). It’s said that you come to know the depths of God better in valleys than on mountain tops. That you understand the essence of Christ through the commonality of suffering more than through rejoicing. It’s true. In a season where any one thing (or all of them together) should have taken me out physically, mentally, spiritually — I instead was met with & fortified by a peace, joy, strength, & love inconceivable. I absolutely look like what I’ve been through because what I’ve been through is the goodness & mercy of God! I
I’m living proof…that His grace is sufficient & His power is made perfect in weakness; that all His promises are Yes & Amen; that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me; that the joy of the Lord is my strength; that He is close to the brokenhearted & saves those who are crushed in spirit; that He is my refuge & strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble; that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus; that blessed is she who believed the Lord would fulfill His promises to her; & that nothing is impossible for God! In the name of Jesus, Amen!!
Lenora
1 Year Survivor
In October 2022 I discovered a lump in my right breast. After a mammogram and biopsy I was diagnosed with stage one invasive ductal carcinoma. Thankfully, after two surgeries, nineteen rounds of radiation and much prayer I am cancer free!!!!!
LaTosha
11 Year 2X Survivor
I'M a SURVIVOR....THE END.
Joyce
13 Year Survivor
In short on Good Friday 2010 I was called back to my Oncologist to get my results. I was told I had Breast Cancer and it was caught at an early stage which was treatable . Good Friday I now also call my Good News Day because my cancer was diagnosed early! Now 13 years later I’m still Thriving Praise the Lord!!!
Ruth
13 Year Survivor
Blessed to be free after so many years with no other complications 😁