getting 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