According to the resource BrestCancer.Org, White women are slightly more likely to develop breast cancer than African American, Hispanic, and Asian women. But African American women are more likely to develop more aggressive, more advanced-stage breast cancer that is diagnosed at a young age. African American women are also more likely to die from breast cancer.
However, today there are more advanced therapies and greater outcomes for patients to live longer and have fewer side effects. I had a chance to interview three amazing women who beat the odds of breast cancer and are now helping other women with their journey.
Dr. Missy Johnson, the Reinvention Strategist and Break Free Coach is the CEO of Fearless Women Rock LLC, a platform created for women to share their stories. She is affectionately known as “Miracle Missy” after the doctor gave her a 3% chance of living. Now she travels the world sharing the message to never give up on your dreams, goals or vision. Believe in yourself, have faith and you will conquer anything. Dr. Missy resides in Detroit with her son and husband.
1. Dr. Missy Johnson
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BDO: How did you beat the odds of Breast Cancer?
MJ: I was diagnosed with breast cancer on my lunch break in 2017. It was devasting because I had just come out of a coma two years prior. I was angry with God because I felt like he was punishing me. After many tears, I told God that if you allowed this to happen, I will carry the cross with humility. That is when my sixth sense was revealed and it is Faith. Faith was my secret weapon to beat Stage 3C Breast Cancer and having a mind-shift that I will live and not die!
BDO: What advice would you give to a woman newly diagnosed?
MJ: I had no symptoms of breast cancer. It was an annual mammogram appt when I found out. Get the facts first and follow your doctor's instructions. Get an accountability partner that has experienced cancer, because a strong support system is the key to your survival.
BDO: What is your contact information for people to reach you. This can be your website or social media sites?
MJ: FB IG and Twitter @AskdrMissy
(E) [email protected]
(W) askdrmissy.com
2. Chris-Tia Donaldson
As the owner of natural hair company, Thank God It's Natural or TGIN, Chris-Tia went through her breast cancer journey relatively young. She also had her hair fall out due to treatment at one of the biggest moments in her business. Here's her story:
BDO: How did your diagnosis come about? Did you discover something abnormal during a self-exam?
CD: I was also just 36 at the time of my diagnosis. When I thought of breast cancer, I thought of people like Sheryl Crow, Melissa Ethridge, Joan Lunden, Suzanne Sommers and Christina Applegate.
I never gave much consideration that this was something that could happen to me.
I was actually taking a shower and noticed it then. Initially, I thought it was hormonal-related. I had a cyst removed from my breast in my 20s. Given my age and the fact that I felt perfectly healthy, breast cancer was the furthest thing from my mind.
After two to three months passed, I made an appointment to see my doctor. Although she did not think it was cancer given the lump’s size, shape and the fact that it was soft and movable, she still recommended a mammogram just to be safe.
BDO: What happened when you were first diagnosed?
CD: When I first was diagnosed, my doctor asked me when could I start chemotherapy. I told them I had a big business meeting with Target on 3/22 that I had to look good for.
Based on that, we scheduled my treatments in such a way, that I would be off and looking and feeling good for that meeting.
But, I soon learned that you can’t plan for everything, because we ended upgetting calls to do meetings with Walgreen’s and Rite Aid and I just had to wing it even though I was at my weakest.
BDO: How did you beat the odds of breast cancer and what advice can you share to women who may be newly diagnosed, or have a feeling something isn't right?
CD: Advancements in cancer treatment have come a really long way. If caught early, breast cancer is a treatable disease and is not a death sentence. The important thing is to know your breasts, stay in tune with your body, and talk to your doctor if you experience any major changes.
Lisa Roberson
Lisa Roberson is a Breast Cancer Overcomer, Clinical Massage Therapist, Arvigo Maya Abdominal Massage Practitioner, and inspirational speaker. Lisa is also a wife, mother, businesswoman, friend, and a woman of faith. Lisa is the kind of woman that will give the shirt off her back to help anyone.
BDO: How did I beat the odds of breast cancer?
LR: I did not beat the odds of being diagnosed. But I did beat the odds of how I responded to the treatment of my stage 2 diagnosis. I was positive (I told God I did not want pain and I did not have pain), I continued to work, take care of my grandmother who was in a nursing facility. I had a great team of doctors and a great support group, once they pulled themselves together from hearing the news.
When you first get diagnosed your support group may need a support group from the devastation of the news. I had a mastectomy and reconstruction surgery, 8 rounds of chemo and I never got sick. In fact, I gained weight.
I lost my shoulder-length hair but had a great time with wigs, scarves, and hats. My Godmother told me I had to be cute including lipstick and earrings and no bandanas. She said this would make me feel better and she was right.
Lastly, I made sure to listen to my body. When I was tired I stopped. I developed a mantra" If what I am doing does not bless me or honor me I don't have to do it and I said NO"!
BDO: What advice would you give to a woman newly diagnosed?
LR: Breathe. Take a friend who can be objective and take notes, and or record the visit. Because you will be overwhelmed with hearing the C-word attached to your name. You will miss things that your friend will have on tape or in notes.
- Breathe again and take a moment to process what you are hearing. It’s okay to ask 101 questions. It’s okay to break down just don't stay down.
- If you are not comfortable with
the doctor i.e. bedside manner, not listening to you, or willing to break things down. (my oncologist drew pictures and created flow charts) you have the right to get another doctor.
- Don’t' be quick to share with everyone. Most of your loved ones and friends mean well, but they start sharing horror stories about people they know that went thru the same thing.
- You want to make sure you have the best team, including an oncologist, surgeon, plastic surgeon. You want them to all work together.
- Lastly, your course of treatment needs to work for you and your lifestyle. For example, I continued to work while undergoing treatments. I had my chemo treatments on Fridays this way I could recover over the weekend in case I had any side effects.
When a woman is newly diagnosed it's life-changing. But remember, you do have control over how you react and respond to this new life change!
BDO: What is your contact information for people to reach you. This can be your website or social media sites?
LR: Lisa is an assistant project manager and a licensed clinical massage therapist which was birthed from her breast cancer journey. Her company is Renewing Your Best You Holistic Massage Therapy where her tagline is "Healing health and Changing Lives"
Lisa can be reached by email at [email protected]
3. Angela K. Walker
Angela K. Waller, 46, is a 12-year breast cancer survivor and is dedicated to educating women of color about the importance of overall breast health and the empowerment of patient advocates. Angela currently is the director of community engagement and strategic partnerships for The Loretto Hospital in Chicago’s Austin community where she is responsible for cultivating partnerships in support of the hospital’s mission and vice president/chief consultant for Catering Out The Box, LLC.
BDO: How did I beat the odds of breast cancer?
AW: I found my lump myself and had an amazing care team at an academic medical center and support from my family, friends, co-workers, and church. I was diagnosed at 34 with triple-negative breast cancer, a very aggressive form of the disease. I made sure that I was an active participant in my care. I also relied on my faith with prayer and meditation, trusting God for his will in my life. My favorite scripture was Psalm 118:17-18.
BDO: What advice would you give to a woman newly diagnosed?
AW: I call the time after a diagnosis “information overload” time because you have so many questions and you will receive so much information from the individuals involved in your care. Become educated so that you can make informed decisions but don’t become so obsessed with “Googling” everything.
Allow yourself time to process it all and make sure you always have someone with you during doctor’s visit so that you don’t miss anything. Also, to make sure that you are asking questions and know that you play a role in your care as well as the healthcare team.
Also, that there are resources available to help you with many areas including support, transportation, medications, and even financial assistance. Finally, never give up hope.
BDO: What is your contact information for people to reach you. This can be your website or social media sites?
AW:
[email protected]
Facebook/Twittter @AngelaKWaller
Instagram/Snapchat @akdoubleu1913
As you can see these three powerful women all be the odds of breast cancer because they fought back. They didn’t let breast cancer defeat them or destroy their lives. If these women can do it, so can you.
Priscilla Q. Williams, RN: Author, Speaker, Certified Life Coach, Global Nurse Educator www.priscillaqwilliams.com
