As many of us know, October is the month for Breast Cancer Awareness. In the continuous fight for the cure, I wanted to share a personal story about my experience with breast cancer.
First off, I did not have breast cancer. However I was affected very closely by this. My grandmother, a few years ago was diagnosed with breast cancer. I remember coming home to the news that they had found a tumor in my grandmothers left breast, and that she was to start chemotherapy soon. Luckily my grandmother was very good about getting checked regularly so the doctors caught it early enough. The unfortunate thing was that she had breast cancer and would have to undergo the treatment.
At the time I was still going to school full time, so I would take my grandmother every week to receive her chemotherapy. With good attitude my grandmother took her treatment like a champ. It was amazing to see my grandmother so strong through all of this, even though it was making her sick at times and I could see there were times she was afraid, and it would get harder for her to get up to go to therapy. But her faith in God kept her strong, and with the love and support of our family, she was able to keep pushing herself to treatment and stay up to date with all the other medications and appointments she had to endure leading up to the surgery.
In light of early detection, the doctors were able to get all of the tumor out of her breast tissue before it spread. Following surgery, there was a year of monthly check ins to make sure that the tumor wouldn't grow back. There was a point where we thought it was going to start showing up again, but eventually, after a year she was in the clear. I remember her coming home with a big smile on her face that she was officially cancer free! Tears of joy came to my face, and to think that just a year ago I knew it was a possibility that I was going to lose my grandmother.
Cancer is a scary word and not many woman who are diagnosed with breast cancer survive. Those who get through their treatment are so strong. In honor of my grandmother being a breast cancer survivor, I dedicated my very first tattoo to her. A cancer ribbon that ties into a heart with her initials. When I showed my grandmother she teared up and I was happy to still have her in my life. Even though my tattoo is dedicated to my grandmother, it also symbolizes the faith and support for past, present and future breast cancer patients.
So for October reach out to a survivor, or give your part and support The Fight Against Breast Cancer. Not just this month, but all year round.
I know I will never forget how it affected my family, and we are stronger for it.
CLICK THE LINK TO DONATE>>Susan G. Komen For the Cure