Norsie Tucker-Hare

Norsie Tucker-Hare Image

Cont.

with breast cancer at age 72 when I went in for my annual mammogram. I received a call stating that I needed to have more testing done. Since this happened every year with my left breast, I was not alarmed. Unfortunately, I received another call for even further
testing, which was for a mammogram and ultrasound. The doctor contacted me to inform me they found three areas in my right breast, one large and two small, and I would need a biopsy. I kept this to myself and went in for the biopsy.

I lost my husband to cancer in 2010. Afterwards I felt very alone. I downsized to a smaller home in 2017 and told myself that this was a new beginning. But now it seemed everything bad was happening to me – first the eye injury, and now the breast cancer diagnosis. I called my daughter, who lives out of state. She booked a flight immediately and was in Bridgeport the next day. She was able to be with me through the preparation of what was to come. Later I shared my situation with a few close friends and my pastor.

I went into the hospital after Mother’s Day. My doctor removed the tumors and lymph nodes under my arm for testing. When I went back for my follow-up visit, I was told that the lab lost my tissue samples and I could not start treatment until the results came back.
Fortunately, they had more of my specimen. It took about a month to get the results.

I was told that I had Stage 1 cancer but would not need chemotherapy. Radiation was scheduled in July and was completed on August 2, the day before my birthday. The radiation made me very tired, so I stayed home for a short period before returning to
work. I am currently taking the oral medication, Anastrozole (Arimedex).

I am a survivor because God is a healer. My faith in Him has and will see me through this battle. When I wake up every morning, I say, “I’m still here.” God has been so good to me. A nurse asked me, “Did you ask God why all these things are happening to you?” I
said, “No. Things happen to all of us in this life’s journey.” I also thank God for my family, my pastor and the Bethel A.M.E. Church Family. They have truly been very supportive. My life has changed but I know that I am blessed. I know that there is a God
and He is watching over me!