In this section we are honoring and spotlighting the women that have been affected and dealing with Breast Cancer. We will also remember those lost to this disease. If you, or anyone you know, is suffering from Breast Cancer please feel free to email me at JoseyBria@gmail.com. I would love to hear your stories and share them with everyone.
Murray “Lena” Smith
(6/14/1952-7/09/2010) - Lena was diagnosed with stage 3 Breast Cancer in 2005. I was 12 years old at the time and had no idea what cancer was. As years went by I started to become more educated on the topic and understand what was going on. She lost her battle July 9th, 2010. I will never forget that day. Although, she was battling cancer she never once complained or used that as an excuse. Lena was the perfect example of a role model. Even though she is no longer with us her legacy with continue to live on and inspire many others.
Sylvia Duarte
1. When were you diagnosed and what age?
“In 2019, I was 30 years old.”
2. What stage were you diagnosed with?
“I was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer.”
3. Is there a family history of breast cancer?
“There’s no history of breast cancer in my family.”
4. What was the most difficult part of your journey and how did you overcome it?
“The most difficult part was feeling so weak and sick during chemo. I always wanted to just throw in the towel and give up, but my husband was so amazing and helped me with everything. Another thing that was so difficult was not being able to do my mom duties. I couldn’t even brush my daughters hair and it was heart breaking, but with the strong support system that I had they made sure I made it past the bad days.”
5. How was your treatment process?
“Treatment was a challenge. I would get so sick after chemo. I went from 128lbs to 98lbs and wasn’t able to keep food down or have an appetite. Losing my taste had to be the worst. My mouth was so tender that everything I chewed felt rough.”
6. What advice would you give to someone battling breast cancer?
“Keep your prayers high and think positive all the time! Never let the devil get the best of you. It’s a long road but it will all be worth it!”
Zhane’ Hale
1. When were you diagnosed and what age?
“In 2020, at the age of 26.”
2. What stage were you diagnosed with?
“Stage 2.”
3. Is there a family history of breast cancer?
“My grandmother was diagnosed with it a few years ago, and beat it.”
4. What was the most difficult part of your journey and how did you overcome it?
“The hair loss and fatigue was very difficult. I wasn’t able to do activities with my son like I wanted to. I was either too sick or too tired most days but I made the best of things. I had a great support system and a lot of faith in God that I’d overcome this obstacle”
5. How was your treatment process?
“ The first couple of months were the hardest. The aches and pains were sometimes unbearable. The nausea wasn’t too great either. The last few months were better because it was not as intense. My hair started to grow back, and my immune system was getting stronger.”
6.What advice would you give to someone battling breast cancer?
“ Stay positive. Have faith in God and make sure you have a great support system. It may be a rough journey but it won’t last forever. The world is rooting for you!.”
Brooklyn
Cobb
1. When were you diagnosed and what age?
“In 2020 at the age of 28.”
2. What stage were you diagnosed with?
“Stage 1b.”
3. Is there a family history of breast cancer?
“Yes.”
4. What was the most difficult part of your journey and how did you overcome it?
“Being diagnosed March 2020 at the same time the pandemic picked up. I went to every appointment, surgery, chemo session, and radiation therapy alone.”
5. How was your treatment process?
“I did a double mastectomy, 3.5 months of chemo, 6 weeks of radiation, and implant reconstruction. It was tough but I had a ton of support to help me manage.”
6. What advice would you give to someone battling breast cancer?
“I would say that you are not alone. Find your community online that feels like a safe space for you to vent, and connect with other women who are going through the same thing. It makes it all feel less scary.”