Linnette Gayle
My name is Linnette Gayle and I was diagnosed with breast cancer in September 2012. I was fifty-six years old. I went for my regular mammogram and a spot was detected on my left breast. It was stage 3, triple negative breast cancer. I was devastated but continued to have faith and stayed positive.
My treatment consisted of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. I had a lumpectomy and the surgeon also removed three lymph nodes at the same time. I then underwent chemotherapy and radiation treatments.
To my knowledge, breast cancer does not run in my family. However, after being diagnosed, I made sure my three granddaughters knew that I had been diagnosed with breast cancer. I continued to take them to school as it made me get out of the house and I want to see them grow into young adults.
My journey was not easy but I am here through the grace of God. I am thankful for the support from my son and daughter-in-law as well as my church family.
Breast cancer has changed my life and made me see things differently. It also has had a negative physical effect on me because I still experience ongoing neuropathy in my hands and feet due to the two sets of chemotherapy and because I also have diabetes. However, I continue to smile and I have been in remission for three years now.
I am thankful to the Lord that I am alive to tell my story.