No one expects to hear the words “you have cancer.”
November 2021 at the age of 38, as I sat next to my mom, and across from Dr. Jackson in his office, I heard those very words. I asked what my options were, which he explained and offered to give me time to decide. I asked him what he would recommend to his wife if it was her. I had already decided, but wanted to know we were on the same page. I said I don’t need time. Let’s get these off. Both. NOW. We laughed and scheduled my bilateral mastectomy for December 13, 2021 at NRMC.
I was prepared for what to expect by Dr. Jackson, his staff and the team at the hospital. My anxiety was eased. After surgery several nurses commended my bravery for starting this fight the way I did. I said I’m a single mom with a 6 year old daughter. There is no choice. I will do whatever I can to fight this. Like taking a bull by the horns.
2022 began with iron infusions, labs, chemotherapy and many appointments. Eventually meeting with Dr. Richards and LaToya Howard, and the entire radiation oncology team. They kept me positive, talked me through everything, made me laugh. When I finished my 36 rounds of radiation, I rang the fire out of that bell.
As soon as I was able to, I switched to Dr. Aktar for the rest of my care, because after hearing his story, I knew he would really care.
I couldn’t choose not to get cancer. Fighting wasn’t an option. But I could choose where to fight. For me, it was important to be here in Natchitoches.
Thank you to everyone at NRMC and the NRMC Cancer Center for helping me fight the fight