Angela Mann

Cont.

My name is Angela Mann. I was born in Kings County Hospital in Brooklyn, New York. I am married to Titus Sr. and we raised three children, Teri, Sue and Titus Jr., as well as four grandchildren, Monica, Kayla, Dejon and Christopher; and two great grandchildren. I lived life to the fullest and I thought I took care of myself by eating right and living by God’s great design.

In December 2011, my life turned into its own 50 Shades of Devastation. I went for my regular mammogram and sonogram, which I faithfully did annually. To my surprise, for the first time in the last 20 years of being tested, my results were different. I got a letter saying I needed to return immediatelybecause of an abnormal reading. It was such a shock that I didn’t think I was going to make it. Hearing the words, “I’m sorry you have breast cancer,” still rings in my head till this day.

The uncertainty of tomorrow and things to come became overwhelming. After all, I was the one that kept all of my appointments. So why me (self pity)? In my head, I planned my funeral and who would and would not attend. Finally, I stopped and asked myself one important question: “Why not you, Angela?”

I decided to make this test my Testimony. Six months before my diagnosis, I had lost my sister Meka to brain cancer, which was never detected until it was in its final stage. I couldn’t believe my family had to go through this again. My sister’s death was still so fresh in everyone’s mind; now I have to break this news. So, my 50 Shades of Angela began with a vengeance.

On February 3, 2012, I underwent a lumpectomy. Two weeks later they started me on radiation therapy for 32 weeks.

Throughout it all my husband and daughter (Teri) were my rock. I am so grateful to them because there were times I wanted to give up, but they wouldn’t let me. Teri made sure she was there for every appointment. She also made sure I walked and remained my regular active self and not sit in self pity. You need that support to help pull you through your darkest hour. I learned how to be a survivor and not a patient.

My other great support systems consisted of my great friends & family, Toshua C., Gwen B., Donna G., Theresa M., Rodney M., and so many more, who were there for me every step of the way and I am eternally grateful.

It is with pride I can say my “Test” has become my “Testimony.” On February 13, 2013, I received the best news ever. One word, “Remission.”

Yeeesss!

Thank you God! We had prayed together and our prayers were answered. Till this day I am still in remission. I give thanks to my Lord and Savior for making this worth the journey!

“Never give up.”