A Story of Victory While Battling Breast Cancer from a courageous survivor.
My mother passed from ovarian cancer in 1986. Five years later, my older sister, Debra was diagnosed with breast cancer. Later, in September 2013, another older sister, Karen, had a cancerous tumor removed.
In January 2015, I was diagnosed with breast cancer.
After 35 mammograms and numerous blood tests, I was referred to an oncologist. The oncologist requested a biopsy and a genetic test because of my family’s history with cancer
By the summer of 2015, I had the first steps of chemotherapy, but suffered severe reactions to the treatment. My team of doctors decided the best solution was a double mastectomy. After careful prayer, I agreed. It was also during this time that I learned a 3rd sister, Sharon, was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer.
October 28, 2016, was the day of my first breast cancer surgery. My doctors also advised breast reconstruction. I started my journey of reconstruction surgeries in November 2016. I had several procedures of fat transfers to complete my reconstruction.
October 28, 2016, was the day of my first breast cancer surgery. My doctors advised breast reconstruction. I started my journey of reconstruction surgeries in November 2016.
Breast reconstruction presented me with several complications. My lower back pain became extremely painful.
With unbearable back pain, I resorted to occasionally using a walker or cane to walk. After the 2nd surgery, we determined that my problems stemmed from being allergic to
I had several procedures of fat transfers to complete my reconstruction.
On January 7, 2017, my best friend found me collapsed on the living room floor. The EMT’s had to perform CPR to revive me. Later I began to have seizures, severe migraines and was unable to eat or drink.
My new, reconstruction doctor recommended another surgery to relieve my symptoms. This would be my 19th surgery. This time gangrene infection was discovered in my right breast. The surgeon had to remove the expander implanted in my breast 3 years prior.
My Current Situation…
As I wrote this to you in September 2019, I discovered another large cyst in the same right breast area. I had surgery on September 11, 2019. It was successful in that it was not cancerous.
I have now battled cancer 3 times. But thank God, today, I am cancer-free! I have been challenged by my own illnesses as well as the heartbreaking illnesses of my family members.
Debra is still doing well and cancer-free. Karen passed from breast cancer in January 2019. Even more sadly, another dear sister, Sharon, lost her fight with breast cancer in March 2017.
After losing two sisters to breast cancer, I feel even more driven to advocate for breast cancer awareness.
If you or someone close to you is being treated for breast cancer, remember these 3 things: 1) God is in control of your life, 2) Be proactive about your health, and 3) Surround yourself with a supportive team. God is in control of your life.
Let God control of your life.
I am journeying through this process with God as the center of the process. These last 4 years of my life with breast cancer have challenged me medically, financially and emotionally. Yet I still stand strong through it all.
I read the Bible about the woman with the issue of blood and looked at myself. I understood the woman’s journey and why she sought Jesus for her healing. Like her, I turned to my faith. Be proactive about your health.
Be proactive about your health.
I’ve walked this journey with multiple teams of doctors. However, I did not trust my recover entirely up to them or the well-meaning advice of others. With God’s help, I remain in control of my health decisions.
I cannot stress enough the importance of knowing your family’s medical history. Do not ignore the family history facts that could put you more at risk for cancer. Regular breast exams, medical check-ups, and mammograms are crucial.
At age 35, I visited my doctor because of back pain. I was observed to have an enlarged uterus with uterine cancerous cells. As a result, I had a complete hysterectomy.
I cannot stress enough the importance of knowing your family medical history. Do not ignore the family history facts that could put you more at risk for cancer. Regular breast exams medical check-ups and mammograms are crucial. Surround yourself with a supportive team.
Surround yourself with a supportive team.
Besides my doctors and family, there were others on my team. My two best friends, Karen J. and Karen D. along with my church family walked every step with me through this journey.
God also sent another miracle during this journey in the person of Allen G. Barr. Allen has blessed my life completely with his gentleness and loving support.
I AM STRONG
“As I journey through the trials of life, I know that I must battle each season. For
by Tamela Walker
More about Tamela…
Reverend Dr. Tamela Walker lives in Pittsburg Pennsylvania. She is the Chief Visionary Officer of Women Divinely Persuaded Ministries. She also serves as an associate minister at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church in Pittsburg. In addition to all of the above, this adoring grandmother is studying for her second
Dr. Walker is the mother of 3 adult children, Alex, Whitney, Velnice, and daughter-in-law, Annalice, all of Atlanta, Georgia. Tamela has one grandson, Nathan who she calls her “heartbeat” and another special god-grandson, Carter.
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Thanks for sharing your story Tamela!!!! It is very inspiring & encouraging. I had no idea that you had to endure so much!! You are such a strong and courageous woman. Your testimony & story is helping others know that they too can survive with God by their side & by leaning on their faith.
Thank you Glori. I will be sure to pass this on to Tamela.