2000 Calendar

There was one year when I just did not go for a mammogram. At this point, I don’t really even know why but next year, when I did go, something showed up. It was funny when the hospital called me to come in again. We actually thought the machine was broken. But, they did find something.

I am a missionary, a member of Mount Hebron Baptist Church in Meriden. I also participate in the nurse’s aide unit there. I am married. I had four sisters, but I lost one, so there are only three left. I cannot recall anyone in my family having breast cancer. My mother did not have it and none of my sisters have had it. I was called in to see my doctor.

I was initially diagnosed with uterine cancer in 1993 at which time I had a partial hysterectomy. During the next two years, I was told that I was cancer free. However, in September of 1996, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I was given the option of having a lumpectomy, in conjunction with eight weeks of radiation therapy.

In May 1999, I had the hysterectomy and lumpectomy. My surgeon stated that, although a large portion of tissue was removed from my breast both during the biopsy and lumpectomy, there were still numerous cancerous cells remaining.

On August 6, 1999 I ended these treatments. September 3, 1999 was the beginning of my six weeks of daily radiation treatments, ending on October 156, and 1999. Again, PRAISE GOD!!

It was really hard to hear the words-you have cancer. I had already lost a very dear friend to the disease, and then I was being told I had breast cancer. Of course, my entire family pulled in even closer. My Dad was right there. All four brothers and my sister joined my mom in the circle of support that continues to surround me.

I was not concerned about the diagnosis or my treatment because I knew God had other plans for me. I became involved with a program called the “Witness Project is a health program for African American women in churches and community centers. It features a group of African American women who each “witness” about their triumph over breast or cervical cancer.

After talking to two doctors at the hospital, I agreed that I needed to have radiation, so I went every day after work for six weeks. After treatment, I went to “I Can Cope” sessions. These are for six weeks and especially for survivors.

I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer during my yearly routine mammogram and at that time finding abnormality, I was then given an ultrasound and was advised to see a surgeon. My surgeon recommended a biopsy that showed that the tumor was cancerous.

I always went to the doctor before going on vacation. This time I felt a lump in the nipple of my left breast. I just knew it would go away. But, my gynecologist said that I had to go for further tests. It was cancer. I was not afraid. As a volunteer hostess in the cancer unit of the hospital in Champaign, Illinois, my job was to meet everyone at admissions.

In December as to normal routine, I went to Yale New Haven Hospital for my yearly mammogram. Approximately one week later, I received a call from my physician to tell me that a second mammogram had been requested.

In the year of 1987, I was stricken with breast cancer. I had many corrective surgeries and received chemotherapy for six months and did not lose my hair. Thank God. In the year of 1991, the cancer had spread to my lungs and I had to have radiation for six months.

I never had to take chemotherapy or radiation, not even an aspirin. I was in the hospital for 12 days, by Wilbur’s orders. I finally left the hospital and by the end of April, I was back teaching in Ridgefield. I finally retired in June 1988.