MY LIFE Matters - Health Literacy - 10

Powerful Patient Stories BEATING THE ODDS
I received a call the next day to come in for my surgery. I still
tremble when I think about that experience. I learned a few
things from that office visit. First, doctors can get blinded by
what they do as they see the same thing daily. But they forget
that each person's journey is that of their own. We all deserve
to be listened to no matter the circumstance. This could have
possibly been avoided. When I first detected the infection
and asked for help, I wonder if my outcome would have been
different if the infection did not have the opportunity to grow
for another week?
A few weeks later at my follow-up appointment, my advocacy
kicked in. Before the doctor began her examination I asked if
she would mind if we chatted. I began to speak of my experience
and how she made me feel that day. Through my tears I held
nothing back. When I was done, she thanked me for expressing
my concerns and apologized. I was even offered to transfer to
another plastic surgeon, which I declined. It wasn't about me
transferring, it was about her changing. And not just changing
for me, but for all the patients she will treat that come after
me. I ultimately needed several surgeries and have watched her
evolve into an amazing communicator.
One of my fears is that of recurrence. When you are lucky
enough to hear the words NED (no evidence of disease), you
feel relieved, but I am sure I speak for many breast cancer
Survivors and Thrivers when I say the fear of progression or
recurrence is real. Many Thrivers never get to hear the words
NED, and need to constantly navigate, stay educated, and
advocate for survival. This is why it is so important that we
support each other. It's important as you are going through
your journey to remember that YOU know your body better
than anyone else. Never allow anyone
to make you feel inadequate when it
comes to your care. You have a right to
ask, question, and inquire as much as
you need to. You have a right to LIVE!
The first time I was declared " cancer
free' I started referring to myself as a
Survivor. A Survivor of a disease that
takes the lives of so many. I had beaten
the odds. I realized then that I have been
beating the odds my entire life. The truth
is that I had a hard start to life. My early
years were shaped by parents who suffered
from addiction, becoming a single
mom on welfare, homelessness, and obstacle
after obstacle. No one would have
thought that I would become a college
graduate, a member of a divine nine sorority,
and have a successful career with
a wonderful family of my own. My life is
amazing. Looking back through all the
adversity, I never gave up on myself. Instead,
I explored every opportunity to be
better, do better, and learn how to make
the most of every opportunity. I can truly
say the path I was born into is far from
the life I live today. You can change your
life's path, you can get through anything
if you focus on God and trust that he will
never leave you. Every obstacle and all
the adversity shaped me into the woman
I am today. Resilient in every way. I am
a living testimony.
In February of this year, I found a second
lump in the opposite armpit. My fear
had become a reality. I was diagnosed
with TNBC for the second time in less
than two years. I am still full of emotions,
even as I type this article. But this time
I am happy, I am informed. This time I
know the questions to ask. This time I
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MY LIFE MATTERS
HEALTH LITERACY ISSUE | SUMMER 2023
MY LIFE Matters - Health Literacy

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