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