It shocked me to hear those words, "It's cancer" - April 26th 2021. After crying with a friend that was with me that day, I then said, "I gotta fight!!!". My friend immediately began to encourage me. And so my journey began.
Phone call after phone call - family, close friends, church family - I knew that I would need their prayers and support. That night, I went to bed with tears in my eyes, yet knowing that I was in the hands of God.
After my lumpectomy surgery May 18th 2021, I was out of work for weeks and waiting to hear from the doctors if I would have to take chemo. What the oncologist said was Stage 0 breast cancer before the surgery, turned out to be Stage 2A breast cancer; the cancer had spread to some lymph nodes. Based on their findings and the assessment of my breast, I would have to take 6 months of chemotherapy, then 33 treatments of radiation. I sat in that doctor's office trying to hold myself together but as the medical staff gave me a tour of the chemo bay, I began to cry again. I DID NOT want to take chemo. Another friend that was with me consoled me. A stranger, who was sitting in the waiting area heard me crying and he said, "You got me crying, but we are going to look to the man above". YES
"God, what are you doing in all this?", I said in my heart. I mean this in a positive way; because His Word says in Romans 8:28, "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." I believe it! A tough battle was ahead and I knew that I was going to need support - physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
As chemo began in July, while still dealing with the pain from the lumpectomy (and lymphedema), I realized that I can't go back to work any time soon, and that I would have to close my salon. As I told my clients what was going on and that I would have to close the salon, it really hurt my heart. My clients were very supportive. I've been a hairstylist for almost 28 years. But this passion, since I was a little girl, would have to be on hold.
Chemo and radiation was tough. There were days wherein I could barely eat or hold my head up, I was sick and nauseated a lot, and barely had the strength to walk. Along with chemo came the side effect of neuropathy - extreme pain in fingers and toes, in which I'm still experiencing. The radiation burns hurt really bad, and yes, I felt lonely sometimes; But no matter how I was feeling, I would always talk to God about it and He would encourage my heart. There were overnight stays, cooked meals, house cleaning, food provided, financial provision, drivers to appointments, many inspiring text messages and prayers by family and friends. I'm so so grateful!
I've faithfully served in my church for years and have helped other people. Now, people are helping me and showing much love and kindness towards me. God doesn't forget your work and labor of Love that you show towards His people. He is FAITHFUL & MERCIFUL.
My faith and trust is in my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Sometimes one doesn't know the strength one has until you're faced with difficulties. Oh yes, it's been tough but a close friend reminded me as I was about to have a pity party one day, "YOU'RE BATTLE-TESTED", meaning, I've been through hard tests before. Fight again! Cancer, chemo, radiation, neuropathy, lymphedema, along with pain, fatigue, sleepless nights, lack of appetite, infection, hot flashes, medications.….still through it all, the Lord has been good to me!!!
After being diagnosed with cancer, the Lord spoke to my heart that THIS TOO SHALL PASS; that I am to remember this as I go along this journey and no matter how hard it gets, no matter how painful it is, THIS TOO SHALL PASS! This is what still keeps me going!!
Recovery can also be tough and painful; but it's all about perspective. Physically, my body has been through a lot, so it's now going through healing pain. Though my breasts are not the same, I'm still alive!!! Adjusting my bra helps; medicine, ice packs, etc. My walk is sometimes unbalanced and painful because of neuropathy, but I'm still walking!!! Dressing or bathing some days are a challenge, but I take my time and do it! I am in physical therapy and continuing to heal - And THIS TOO SHALL PASS.
I've had to be patient with myself; taking one day at a time, one step at a time. Encouraging yourself with positive thinking is key. It builds you up and lifts your spirits. Celebrating small accomplishments gives me confidence to keep going. Don't look so much at what you can't do (right now), look at what you can do and aspire to accomplish!!! I'm thankful that I have encouraging people around me also. Their positive words also inspire me to KEEP PUSHING.
It was not only my family, friends, clients and my church that supported me, but support came from strangers as well. It's not always who you know that supports you during tough times, but God will bless you with strangers who become your friends. I now have a new community of friendships - my PINK SISTERS - who are encouragers, survivors, overcomers, winners, fighters, & QUEENS. 💪🏽
AND IT CAME TO PASS - CANCER FREE 🙌🏽
2 Corinthians 4:17-18 KJVS
[17] For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; [18] While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
Just celebrated 20 years, April 2022, as owner of Divine Favor Beauty Salon. Thank you all for reading my story; yet there is so much more to say about what God has done in my life.
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