Annually, October is observed worldwide as Breast Cancer Awareness Month to raise awareness about the impact of breast cancer, educate people about the risk factors for breast cancer, stress the importance of regular breast self-exams or screening at an age that is appropriate for your personal breast cancer risk, and to show support for those affected by breast cancer. Today, we will be talking with a survivor, Ms. Junette Prince, about her journey with breast cancer.
What symptoms were you experiencing that led you to seek medical attention and how were you diagnosed?
I found a lump in my right breast and went to the doctor who sent me for a mammogram which showed that it was an abnormal lump. When I first felt the lump, I had mixed feelings but I was not afraid. I thought that it was either a cyst or cancer and that whatever it was, I was going to deal with it. I had surgery to remove the lump and it was confirmed that it was cancerous. Ten (10) years later, another lump developed in my right breast that was confirmed to be cancerous.
What treatment did you choose and what was the process like for you?
When I was diagnosed the first time with breast cancer, I chose to remove the lump and to have radiation. The second time that I was diagnosed, I again chose to remove the lump but did chemotherapy as that was the only option available to me at that point.
Where are you now in your journey with breast cancer?
Currently I take medication to keep the cancer cells at bay. I also try to live a very healthy lifestyle where I eat well with a focus on eating as much green leafy foods as possible, exercise, and follow up with my doctor’s appointments.
What helps you to cope?
Keeping my sense of humor and not allowing fear to take over my mindset.
What advice would you give to a woman who is experiencing symptoms but afraid to seek medical attention?
Do not be afraid. Breast cancer is just a disease like any other – you need to have it treated. If you do not get help, it will continue to spread and by the time you go to the doctor, you’re at stage 4 and it may be too late. Please do not wait. If you feel a lump, are experiencing discharge from your breasts or any other symptoms, please go see your doctor.
What advice would you give to someone newly diagnosed with breast cancer?
Follow your doctor’s instructions and also make sure to be in contact with the Greatest Physician – Jesus. Also, healing comes in many ways so please make sure to eat nutritious meals, exercise, pray and have a strong support system.
** If you are newly diagnosed with breast cancer and would like to get in touch with Ms. Prince, please send a message to @she.is.lotus on Instagram or Facebook and we would share her contact information with you.
Written by:
Ms. Odelia Thomas
