It's common knowledge that Breast Cancer Awareness is observed in the month of October. On any given day out of the month, you're likely to see someone donning their best shade of pink in solidarity with someone close to them who is battling the disease. Oftentimes though, they're wearing it because the fight has stepped much closer to home. Many times, they wear it for themselves. That was certainly the case for these brave survivors, who have all seen and experienced all that comes with having this life-threatening disease. Though it can get down-right trendy at times to have on the nicest pink shirt or the biggest pink ribbon in showing your compassion of what the month represents, these women want you to know what it's like to face this beast head-on. While doing so, they want you to understand what it can mean from a survivor's perspective.
Sources such as the Mayo Clinic report that symptoms of breast cancer can include but are not limited to having a lump in the breast, bloody discharge of the nipple or breast. Despite this list, though, in either instance, a medical diagnosis is always required. At its core, breast cancer remains a worldwide public health dilemma. Sources also say that a lifetime risk of developing breast cancer in an American female is 12.38%. However, there has been a decline in mortality rates associated with the disease attributed to constant enhancement in screening mammography and management. Early detection education is also at the forefront of these declining stats, which can shed a brighter light moving forward.
These survivors say that early detection definitely played a huge factor in sustaining their mental and physical health. They say it can be very helpful in discovering anything that feels abnormal or different about your breasts as well. That was certainly the case with Mrs. Debra Thomas of Oakdale, La, who says she first noticed a lump in her chest during a self-exam at home. The lump, first thought of as a calcium pocket, was very high in her chest, so the mammogram was undetected. She says that the doctor ordered the lump to be scanned by biopsy. It turned out to be Triple-negative breast cancer. Debra says that even though she has had surgery, radiation, and chemo, she's still currently fighting her cancer because there is no other treatment for this type of cancer currently. She says that a good support system that includes her family and close friends helps to keep her spirits lifted and her mind clear. She also notes that self-love is important as well. She urges those who are diagnosed to eat healthier and try to exercise when you can. Yoga worked for her during this time, along with biking and walking. Meditation was added to the roster as well as she says eliminating stress is beneficial in relieving tension and stress.
Having yearly mammograms after the age of 40 and performing self-checks on women and men of all ages should be a staple for breast health cites the CDC and many other health sites. One survivor agrees and says she truly believes that this helped her when she received her own breast cancer diagnosis in March 2015. Mrs. Marcia Arp of Yazoo, Mississippi, says she vowed to fight and use all of her available resources. She says that having a strong faith in God and support
from her inner circle helped with her recovery and healing. Mrs. June Bonner Carmel of Oakdale, La agrees and cites her strong faith and spirituality as a grand factor in her survival and recovery as a whole.
Even with the best support systems, though, this disease has been known to "take no prisoners" and can often leave families grasping to put the pieces back together after breast cancer strikes the final blow.
Stephanie Brown Lewis of Sulphur, La says that's what happened when her own mother succumbed to the disease after a lengthy battle. She says that her mother, Mrs. Linda S. Brown, first noticed a lump herself during a self-exam. A mammogram and biopsy later confirmed the diagnosis. The cancer then spread to other areas of her mother's body, making it impossible for her to recover. Stephanie says that her mother, who was an educator and Minister for many years, never lost faith in Christ and stayed upbeat, finding support in family and caring co-workers. She says it despite her illness; it was important to her mother to continue spreading God's teachings. For that very reason, she and her siblings have created a memorial fund and scholarship in their mother's name. The Linda S. Brown Memorial Scholarship picks one senior annually who is majoring in education or any education-related field to sponsor through donors for the foundation. They also lead a yearly "Walk for a Cure" in their mother's name.
Collectively these “Warriors in Pink” say that early detection was essential in sustaining their health thus far.
For more information about the Linda S. Brown Memorial Scholarship or to donate, please go to: Linda.s.brown.memorial@gmail.com
For more info on Breast Cancer Awareness visit Komen.org
(In Loving Memory of Mrs. Linda Sue Brown)
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