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CELEBRATING SURVIVORS
SUFFOLKNEWSHERALD.COM FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2016
Your survival stories Every cancer survivor has a story to tell, and some of the participants in our breast cancer survivors’ special shared them with us. Here are the ones they shared.
Bessie K. Newsome I am Bessie K. Newsome, the widow of James T. Newsome. We had a blended family of nine children and an abundance of grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. I reside in Suffolk, where I am a faithful member of First Baptist Mahan, under the leadership of Dr. Steven G. Blunt. I have been a school crossing guard with Suffolk Public Schools for 16 years. Cancer is a dreaded word when you hear that it has invaded the life of one family member. But when a family of three is stricken so close together in time, the news can be a catastrophe. I learned that my 35-year-old son, Tyrone Kee, was stricken with stomach cancer, intestinal sarcoma, in August 1994. Two years later, on Sept. 9, 1996, I was diagnosed with infiltrating ductal carcinoma breast cancer. My mother, Bessie Baker, was diagnosed with colon cancer in April 1997 and with intestinal sarcoma in November that year. On Oct. 3, 1996, I had four surgeries done at one time: a radical mastectomy, a tummy tuck, reconstructive surgery and removal of a hernia. My treatment also included several rounds of chemotherapy, radiation, blood reinfusion and post stem cell
I am Essie Eure, and I’m a breast cancer survivor. On Jan. 25, 2005, a dark cloud entered my life. I was in surgery for nine hours for a double mastectomy due to breast cancer. I had 1,200 staples in me, and I was in intensive care for four days, and I didn’t know anyone. I had five drain bags on and my sister who was a nurse, measured the blood and wrote the measurements down so I could give the information to my doctor. Then, about two weeks later, I had reconstructive surgery, and I felt amazing after everything was put back together again. My faith in the Lord gave me the strength to go on living. I had so many things working against me, including my multiple sclerosis. My doctors were amazing, and I thank God for saving my life. It’s been 12 years, and I’m cancer free. Amen! I give all the praise to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!
infusion. Within two years of being diagnosed, I lost my four closest family members to cancer. On Feb. 15, 1998, my son died at the age of 39. Six weeks later, on April 1, 1998, my mother died. As of today, I am the picture of health and have been in remission 18 years. I give thanks to God for giving me the strength to endure and for healing my body.
Denise Jones
Marion Hardison Sherrod I am a four-year breast cancer survivor. My journey began with my husband, who was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in April 2011. I spent 24 hours a day by his side, but in January 2012 my whole world changed, when I was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer. Why now? Why me? I knew the answer, which was “Why not me?” Still, I couldn’t believe that the both of us were battling cancer at the same time. My husband reminded me that nothing is too hard for God. He said we could make it together, and because of our faith we were going to be just fine. He would quote Isaiah 53:5, which ends with these words: “With his stripes, we are healed.” I had a successful lumpectomy. We both completed chemo, and two weeks after completing my chemo, my husband lost his battle. I knew I had to keep the strength and faith, because I had to begin radiation alone. My husband had taught me how to be strong, as I watched him fight to the end. He was my hero.
Essie Eure
The Lord took my husband for His purpose and left me here for a reason. I don’t know why yet, but I plan to serve Him for the rest of my life. Breast cancer has given me the gift of a new perspective on life. I will live each day as if it is my last. I take nothing for granted and thank God every day for his grace and mercy. He made a miracle out of my journey and he can do the same for you.
One year ago, on Oct. 13, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I am the first one in my family to have breast cancer. Thankfully it was found early with my mammogram last year. I chose to have a double mastectomy as my treatment. After the surgery, I found out I was in Stage 2 because of the tumor’s size. I was sent to oncology. I was blessed not having to have chemo, because the cancer had not spread to my lymph nodes. Later treatments were a full hysterectomy and hormone-blocking medication, because my tumor was estrogen positive. I will be on that medication for five years. Today, I work as a Mary Kay sales director. I lead and train amazing women to be their best and build their own businesses as I continue to run my own business. I love being able to make a difference. I am married to Bert Jones. We have three children and two grandchildren. We are members of Bethlehem Christian Church. I am thankful for my Mary Kay family for their support and encouragement in this journey. I am thankful for my church family and Pastor Winters for
their prayers and support. Especially thankful to my family for their help and support. I am truly blessed. Eat right, exercise, keep a positive attitude and have faith. God will bring you through. And remember to do your breast exams and get your mammograms. Early detection is the key.
A simple message: Be aware BY TARA ASARE
It’s that time of the year again. Leaves are beginning to change, the air gets a little cooler, and there seems to be a blanket of earthy orange surrounding you wherever you go. Though pumpkins, candy corn and lattes are on everyone’s mind, there is another color that happens to stand out in the month of October. October is breast cancer awareness month, and pink reigns in all its glory.
Though there is a month dedicated to this single type of cancer, breast health and education should be happening year ‘round. Here at the American Cancer Society, we make it our mission to ensure that people across the nation are educated, aware and safe. Being knowledgeable about breast cancer is easy, it simply takes being mindful of your body. See AWARE, 3B
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PAGE 2B | FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2016
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Celebrating Survivors
Jenyse White
Jackinah “Kina” Andrews “I am a woman of strength, courage and dignity, a woman who values myself and fights for what I believe in. I am a woman who won’t give up on my dreams, regardless of how many obstacles stand in my way.” Jackinah “Kina” Andrews, lives in Hampton Roads. A native of Pittsburgh, she loves her hometown teams. She is first and foremost a child of God, a devoted mother of two sons, a proud big sister, a fun-loving aunt and a daughter of a coronary artery disease and cancer survivor. At a young age, Kina knew her calling was being the voice for children and families. She has traveled around the world advocating for our military service members, children of all ages and families. In all that she does she strives to always wear her CAP — confidence, awareness and pride, something she learned from one of her mentors, Jean Bryant of the Miss Black Beauty Pageant. This amazing woman of faith has survived many challenges including being a young mother, divorced, diagnosed with cancer (and a few other health-related illnesses) and hit by an 18-wheeler. Through it all, she has managed to persevere and stands tall as the strong-willed survivor.
“No more,” she said. “Not a car accident, cancer diagnosis or any other curve balls life may through my way is going to dull my sparkle. I was designed to shine!” Ms. Andrews believes that “behind every struggle, you’ll find an overcomer.” She will continue advocating and spreading awareness, while uplifting and encouraging others.
I am 44 years old and was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer on Oct. 26, 2015. After two surgeries, six rounds of chemo and losing my hair, I have been cleared by my doctors. I am a survivor, and my story has so much to do with all the people around me. As a mother, the hardest thing about this journey was telling my three boys. In August 2015, my motherin-law lost her fight to lung cancer. After the year we’d had with the “C” word, I was hoping to never have to say it again. My boys said, “Mom, everything will be OK, and you will win this battle. They stood by me, cried with me, held me up, made me laugh, and even shaved their heads when I had to. They taught me to never give up. I don’t know what I would have done without my husband. He was my rock. He was by my side at every appointment, every breakdown, months of chemo, and he held me up when I was having a hard time doing it myself. So many others supported me through this journey. My mom and
Bettie M. Savage “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases.” — Psalms 103:2-3 My name is Bettie M. Savage, and I reside in Suffolk. I am married to George H. Savage and we have three children, seven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. I am a 34-year breast cancer survivor, diagnosed in May 1981 and June 1982. The emotional and physical journey was not easy, but God is faithful. I visited newly diagnosed breast cancer patients for 20 years, offering my support, along with giving them educational materials and information. I am living proof that there is hope and that we must continue to work together to fight for survival, until the victory is won. In October 2015, I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. WOW, what a shock — back to treatments. I had to receive and endured more chemotherapy.
Crystal Towns Crystal Towns was born Dec. 25, 1961, in Carrsville. She is one of seven children born to the late Minister Otis and Josephine Grant. She has two sons and seven grandchildren. She attends Bethlehem Christian Church, where she serves as a missionary by going out and helping the sick. Crystal is a fouryear cancer survivor. Diagnosed in August 2011, Crystal had surgery that following September. She learned throughout her ordeal with cancer that she had to stop mourning and realize that no matter how bad the situation is, something good will come from it. Her testimony is: We have to celebrate life! “Focusing on the past can keep you sick. Through everything, God stood by my side. Down through the years, He has been good to me!”
However, I am grateful for the dawn of each new day and the support of family, friends and faith, which continues to give me strength. He that is Mighty has done great things for me, and His name is Holy.
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dad, sister, niece, father-in law, sisterin-law, Barbara (my at-home nurse and occasional chemo buddy), Hank, Laurie, Jan and the list goes on and on. The women that I have met in the support groups Pink Passion and Beyond Boobs have also done so much to help. Without all of this support, I would not be standing here today, strong, proud and a survivor.
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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2016 | PAGE 3B
Celebrating Survivors
Juel Carr
On Dec. 8, 2015, I was diagnosed with Stage III metastatic breast cancer. My family has been my “Rock of Gibraltar.” They have done whatever they could to help me in my journey. I needed them in my recovery. I attend St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. I worked in the nursery for 16 years, but had not become a member, although many parishioners thought I was. The day I found I had cancer I decided it was time for me to become a member, and I joined in February. My church family has prayed for me, loved me and done so many things to help me. After being diagnosed, I finally got myself together and decided I would do whatever had to be done to beat cancer. I started my first round of chemotherapy, four treatments, and then had surgery. Although I had cancer in one breast, I opted for a double mastectomy. The surgeon removed 30 lymph nodes under my arm. Twenty of them had cancer. I also had cancerous lymph nodes in my neck, but it was too dangerous to remove them. After surgery, I needed a second round of chemo, four treatments, and then radiation, 28 treat-
Latricia Major-Maxfield
ments. I finished radiation in October. I have joined the Breast Cancer Support Group at Obici. I also joined an online group. I have met a bunch of great ladies in these groups. Cancer is a terrible disease. My journey has been easier because of God, my family, my church family, my friends and my Sisters in Pink. I AM A BREAST CANCER SURVIVOR!
Denise D. Thomasson In March 2016, I was diagnosed with Stage 3, triple-negative breast cancer, which came as a shock to me and to my husband of 15 years. As a working wife and mother to a 5-year-old, like so many women, I couldn’t grasp how to grapple with this diagnosis. In addition to breast cancer, doctors also found an unrelated tumor on my left kidney, which is believed to be kidney cancer. After the initial shock of the diagnosis wore off, we got down to business with an aggressive eight rounds of chemotherapy, a bilateral mastectomy and radiation therapy, which wrapped up Oct. 14. This year has been about not letting my diagnosis define who I am and letting God use this season in my life to reach others for His glory. Recently, I’ve been convicted of this by these verses: James 1:2-4 “Consider it all joy, my brothers, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let the endurance have its perfect result so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in noth-
motherapy on Jan. 27, and I received it every other Friday until May 4, 2012, followed by a double mastectomy, reconstruction and oophorectomy. On this day, Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016, I’m happy to announce that I’m now 4-1/2 years cancer-free. When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on. Faith is daring to go beyond what the eyes can see. #FightLikeAGirl
Chilling through chemo
Walters woman fights cancer hair loss with cold BY STEPHEN H. COWLES SPECIAL TO THE NEWS-HERALD
ing.” While I don’t follow it perfectly, my mantra is to count it all as joy and choose joy in this season. It’s only with the amazing support of my husband Wayne, my family, my friends from City Life Church and my faith in God that I able to say, it is well — no matter what — it is well.
Aware: Be educated about cancer Continued from page 1B
According to the American Cancer Society, a woman who is at average risk for breast cancer should have a conversation with her doctor about breast health and have the choice to begin annual mammograms between the ages of 40 and 44. It is suggested that mammograms begin at the age of 45 and should be done annually after that. Women who are 55 years of age or older should get mammograms once every other year. The guidelines and suggestions for women who are at high risk of developing breast cancer are a little bit different. A high risk for breast cancer can be determined these factors, among others: 4If a first-degree relative is/was diagnosed with breast cancer; 4If she carries the BRCA gene (an inherited gene mutation that is commonly linked to breast cancer); 4If she has received radiation to the chest wall between the ages of 10 and 30, which can increase the risk of breast cancer; 4If she has been diagnosed with dense breasts. If a woman is at a higher risk for breast cancer, it is suggested that she have a conversation with her doctor and begin
At the age of 33, in mid-December 2011, I performed a self breast exam and was surprised to discover a small, hard, pea-sized lump in my left breast. I remember pacing the floor and telling myself that I was too young, that it was impossible since my mother had never had cancer, and that it would go away in a few days. Wrong. After a week of waiting for what I thought was cyst to magically disappear, I made an appointment with my doctor. On Dec. 29, 2011, I received an ultrasound and mammogram. By the time I got to my car, the breast specialist (who was on vacation) called me personally and said she wanted me in the office tomorrow for a biopsy. The next day, Dec. 30, I received another ultrasound and a biopsy. On Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2012, while sitting at my desk, I received a call stating that the biopsy results had come back positive for Stage 1, triple-negative breast cancer. Due to the aggressiveness of triple-negative, I started che-
an individualized plan best fitted for her specific risks. Regardless of their age, women should be doing self-breast exams regularly. Self breast exams are suggested to know the differences and changes in one’s breast at all times. Women should notice abnormalities such as lumps, bumps, rash, discharge from nipple, inverted nipples, if skin feels like an orange peel, breasts that are warm to the touch (inflammation), and/ or dimpling. If anything feels abnormal during a self-exam, the best option is to go and see a health care professional. Cancer of all types is no easy thing, and it pays to be educated and knowledgeable on the subject. Visit www.cancer.org for resources and guides. If you would like to get involved with the fight against cancer in your own community, please visit www.relayforlife.org/suffolkva to become a part of the Relay for Life of Suffolk. TARA ASARE is the community manager for Relay for Life in Suffolk. Contact her at tara.asare@cancer.org.
One of the many unpleasant side effects of being treated for cancer is hair loss. Radiation and chemotherapy attack not only the disease, but also healthy parts of the body, such as the hair follicles. Recently, a Walters resident decided not to accept that depletion as a matter of course. Instead, she found a treatment little known in the area that’s helped keep up her dignity and spirits. “I’ve kept my own hair after five treatments,” Barbara Herrala said recently. “I’m thrilled.” Herrala has been receiving chemotherapy at the Virginia Oncology Associates wing in Sentara Obici Hospital. Unlike many who go through such treatments, she has lost only a little of her hair, and she attributes the blessing to Arctic Cold Caps. Herrala was diagnosed with breast cancer on March 15. She had a lumpectomy to remove the lump from her left breast in April, at which time four lymph nodes also were removed. But a second type of cancer developed, Paget’s disease of the breast, so it became necessary for doctors to perform a mastectomy. Six more lymph nodes had to be removed for testing during operation, but only one tested positive. “My finding out about a lot of cancer on my dad’s side created the need to do genetic testing to see if I was a carrier for cancer genes,” she said. “If any of the four genetic tests I had done had been positive, I would have had to have a double mastectomy; all my results were negative.” Herrala said she was “terrified” of chemotherapy. But researching chemotherapy led her to The Rapunzel Project, a nonprofit organization “dedicated to helping chemotherapy patients keep their hair during treatment.” The 68-year-old then learned there are companies that offer a treatment to minimize or prevent major hair loss. She and her husband decided she would try Arctic Cold Caps. Arctic Cold Caps “use super-cooled
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caps to constrict the blood vessels in your scalp, thereby protecting your hair follicles from damage,” the company states on its website. Although Arctic Cold Caps have helped her, she cautioned that they are not for everybody. “It depends on what chemicals are used,” Heralla said. “[The caps] are better for some than others.” Keeping her hair “gave me a little bit of power,” Herrala said. “Yes, my hair has thinned through ‘shedding,’ but I cannot begin to tell you how good it makes me feel NOT to be bald and have the constant reminder of the horrible disease I am fighting. I look in the mirror, and I see myself pretty ‘normal’ looking. No baldness, no wig, no turban. Even my doctors and other medical caretakers have been pleasantly surprised with the results so far. On the last day of treatments, MaryAnne Riddick was there to assist in putting on and taking off the caps. Riddick and Herrala have known each other for years. They met while teaching at NansemondSuffolk Academy. “She’s an inspiration,” Riddick said of her friend and former colleague. Other friends who also made up Team Barbara See CHILLING, 5B
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PAGE 4B | FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2016
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Celebrating Survivors
Miche’ Eyvette Alston
Mary F. Sherrod Whitley I am the daughter of the late Elder James and Frances Sherrod. I have five sisters and four brothers, one of whom is deceased and fought a good fight in a battle with cancer. I grew up in Suffolk, attended Suffolk High School and graduated from Norfolk State University. I have been married to William Whitley Jr. for 38 years. We have three children. I am a nine-year cancer survivor. I was diagnosed March 2007 with Ductal carcinoma in situ breast cancer. What a shock. In August 2007, I had a lumpectomy to remove the mass. At a follow-up that November, they found cancer at the incision from the lumpectomy. This was a Stage 3 cancer, which would require more treatment. In December I began chemotherapy, a total of eight rounds every three weeks, and then 33 days of radiation. Through all of that, my faith and strength became powerful. I continued to work. I would do my chemo treatment at 10 a.m. and return to work by 1 p.m. I continued church functions, sorority, ran the banquet facility and took care of my family. In November 2010 my baby,
Kristen O. Whitley, was diagnosed with a rare form of liver cancer and within a week of the diagnosis she passed away. But through it all God is our Rock and he is good all the time. God has blessed me to be cancer free. After chemotherapy and radiation, I was required to take the cancer pill for eight years. As of today, it has been one month that I have been off the pill.
Miche’ Eyvette Alston is a native of Suffolk. “Nothing less than beautiful, my journey has been. Never mind telling my story, here I will speak it again That day in 2006, never knew what was to be told, But God started my journey, at only 17 years old. Cancer is what they called it, my ears would not hear true, My faith strong, but my heart longed for perfect health that had past due. I’ve been told that I wouldn’t make it, inside my tumors would grow, But my God, my Savior, my Father, they just didn’t know. My parents cried, my sister wept, my brother couldn’t swallow it. I knew God had a path for me I just needed time to acknowledge it. You can pick away my flesh, but my faith will always stand. I held my head high; I never questioned what I could withstand. I stand strong in my confidence almost 10 years down this path I look at my child — she knows no tears — I made sure she smiles and laughs. I don’t claim this thing, it’s bigger than me, and God gave me another way
To leave this world with purpose, they’ll remember my way. I was strong, I was humble, I wasn’t perfect but I endured; This sickness didn’t break me, my need for God matured. I look up to the Heavens and I cry your gracious name. This is my journey, I’m not worried, and my God has the last say!”
Paula K. Sayles I am the daughter of the late Cleophus and Jacqueline Hickman and was born and raised in Hampton Roads. I am a proud Indian River High School Brave and Norfolk State Spartan (B.A. in English; M.A. in communication) who has spent the last 32 years working in school and public libraries. I am a library media specialist at Oscar F. Smith High School in Chesapeake and a parttime assistant at the beautiful Slover Public Library in Norfolk. I was raised in Norfolk’s Shiloh Baptist Church, but I’ve spent my adult years as a member of the Historic First Baptist Church in Norfolk, where I am a member of the Dora Billups Missionary Circle and the Victorious Sisters and Brothers of FBC, a cancer support group. In addition to my church ministries, I hold membership in the great sisterhood of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. I am a past chapter president and current member of The Zeta Pi Zeta chapter. I also hold membership in the Tidewater Chapter of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women. While I don’t have children of my
own, I am blessed with the greatest nephews on the planet, their beautiful and intelligent wives and gorgeous and brilliant children. In addition, two beautiful young women have brought meaning, purpose, motherhood and joy to my life: Fanmentus and Brenda Korlison, currently students at Mary Baldwin University. I was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer in October 2004. After surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and Herceptin treatments, I have been cancer-free for 12 years.
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Celebrating Survivors
Rachel Hatton I was just beginning my new career as a Nurse Practitioner when I was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer in October 2004 at the age of 39. A wife and mother of two daughters, ages 9 and 15, my life would forever change. Would I see my 40th birthday? Would I see my daughters graduate from high school and college, get married and have children? My treatment included two surgeries to get clear margins, chemotherapy and radiation. During my journey, I had a strong support system from my family, friends and church family. Despite all of this, there were times I was on a physical and emotional rollercoaster. I even questioned my faith and God. But at those times, I remind myself that God had promised me that “We will get through it.” Listening to Yolanda Adams’ songs during chemotherapy inspired me and also helped me get through. After completing months of treatment and the doctor’s appointment when I was told I was cancer-free, I had mixed emotions: happy and grateful but fearful of recurrence. Twelve years later, I have remained cancerfree. To God be the glory! My journey showed me amazing strength, how to live and enjoy life,
Erica ‘LaLa’ Morgan
to appreciate every day and never take ordinary things for granted. Most importantly, I have a more intimate relationship with God. I have seen my 40th birthday and my 50th. I witnessed my oldest daughter graduate from Old Dominion University, get married and in 3 weeks will be having my first grandchild. My youngest daughter will graduate from Hampton University in 2017. I am blessed. I am a miracle.
I was diagnosed ductal carcinoma in situ in November 2014. I am the mother of four and have four grandchildren. My mother is my everything! Her name is Dorothy, and she was just as concerned about my ordeal as I was. I am her only child, so it was like she was fighting just as hard as I was. This diagnosis knocked the wind out of me. Anyone who knows me knows that I am one positive and upbeat. But I was not prepared for this! It was only my fourth mammogram, and I had no pain, symptoms or discomfort at all. I had my lumpectomy on Feb. 8, 2015, and started radiation therapy that March. I had radiation five days a week for six weeks. I experienced radiation burns and open wounds on my breast. My family and friends kept me going, kept me sane, and I love them for that. I am in a social club, Ladies of Zaki, SC. My sisters helped me get through it; I love each and every one of them for being there for me. The things that went through my head were heartbreaking. How bad is it? Will I see my son and grandbabies grow up? Will I see my daughters get
married? How long do I have? I knew my life would change, whether I was ready or not. But God was a major part of my life, and I knew He would bring me through this. I was deemed cancer-free in May 2016! Nothing but God!
Tracie L. Knight
Virginia Hunter Dildy My name is Virginia Hunter Dildy. I am the proud mother of seven beautiful children, 12 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. I love cooking Sunday dinner and feeding my family. I am also an active member of Palm Tree Baptist Church. I am a 24-year breast cancer survivor, and I thank God for keeping me alive!
Did you know? Many abnormalities found on a mammogram are not necessarily cancer, but rather benign conditions like calcium deposits or dense areas in the breast. If the radiologist or a doctor notes areas of concern on a mammogram, The Mayo Clinic says further testing may be needed. This can include additional mammograms, known as compression or magnification views, as well as ultrasound imaging. If further imaging is not effective, a biopsy, wherein a sample of breast tissue is taken, will be sent to a laboratory for testing. In some instances an MRI may be taken when mammography or ultrasound results are negative and it is still not clear what’s causing a breast change or abnormality.
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Tracie Knight is the daughter of the late Jefferson L. and Janice B. Knight. She has an older sister, Troi Knight. She is a graduate of Forest Glen High School. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in kinesiotherapy from Norfolk State University and a Master of Science in physical therapy from Old Dominion University. As a licensed physical therapist for 24 years, she has worked for Greensville Memorial Hospital in Emporia and presently is employed with Sentara Enterprises as a home health physical therapist. Tracie has been a member of Pulaski Baptist Church in Carrsville for more than 40 years. She has served on the Usher Board and Seminarian Ministry. She helped to develop the Transportation Ministry to assist members with transportation to medical appointments and is a teacher in Children’s Church. She also continued her mother’s legacy by chairing the church’s Fall Fling. Tracie also helps chair the annual Christmas program. Tracie is a 24-year member of the Zeta Epsilon Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. and has held several positions including past chapter president. She is also member
of the Holland Chapter 162 Order of the Eastern Star, PHA. She is a member of the Suffolk chapter of NSU Alumni Association and the Carrsville Community Day Committee. In December 2014, Tracie was diagnosed with breast cancer. She had surgery in January 2015. With God as her foundation and a strong support system, she persevered through 33 radiation sessions. By the grace of God, she returned to work on May 3, 2015. Because of His healing touch, she is able to help others on their road to recovery.
Chilling: New treatment Continued from page 3B
have included Nancy Blythe, Ann Cicero, cousin Judi Ellal, sister-in-law Charlene Herrala, Peg Lockwood, Stella Payne, Pam Vaughan and Pat Walker, “Additionally, I thank my VOA medical team for allowing me to do Cold Caps and for continuing to research and look into future possibilities for others to be able to do this therapy,” Herrala said.
PAGE 6B | FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2016
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Celebrating Survivors
Shameka V. Woodley
Ruby Evans I was born May 14, 1952, to Joseph Lee and Ruby Brown Johnson. I was the seventh of nine children. I graduated from John F. Kennedy High School and married Eugene F. Evans. We have two children, five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. I have been a member of Antioch United Church of Christ for 25 years and have served in whatever capacity the Lord could use me. I retired from the Virginia Department of Transportation in Suffolk. In 1996, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I felt a lump in my left breast during a self-breast exam. I went to the doctor for a mammogram and it was confirmed. I cried for a few minutes, and the nurse went out to get my daughter. While she was gone, I said, “ Lord help me.” When my daughter arrived, I told her and she began to cry. I looked at her and said, “You can stop crying. I’m not going anywhere. I plan to be around for a long time.” My earthly doctor treated me with surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, but my heavenly doctor healed me in 2002. I was later diagnosed with lung cancer. Again, I received chemotherapy. In 2006, I was diagnosed with
a spot on the wall of my stomach and a spot on each side of my neck. Again, I received chemotherapy. In 2014, I was diagnosed with more spots. Again, I received chemotherapy. Through it all, my trust, faith, and healing were from the Lord. I tell everyone to keep themselves checked and get a mammogram every year. I ask God to use me each day to help someone else.
I found out I was pregnant with my third child on Jan. 20, 2014. The next day, my oncologist told me, “You have triple-negative breast cancer, Stage 2.” My heart stopped, and the tears poured. She explained that I could keep the baby, but there would be complications. She suggested termination, saying I had two other children to live for. I battled with the decision for a month. I discussed it with my husband, prayed with my pastor, talked to my doctor and finally decided to keep the baby. The doctors talked my case through and looked over it thoroughly to see what my best options were. They set me up for surgery on Feb. 28, 2014, to get the tumor removed. Since I was first diagnosed, the tumor had grown tremendously in size, and they told me I probably would have been in Stage 4 by May. My chemotherapy appointments started in March. I could not get some of the drugs that I needed due to my pregnancy and could not start getting chemo until my second trimester. I took five doses of chemo, one every three weeks. As I was heading for my sixth appointment, seven months
pregnant, I began to have labor pains. My husband drove me to the hospital. I had my baby girl without pain medication. She was beautiful, but she could not breathe on her own, so she was given oxygen and taken to the NICU unit at CHKD. My daughter is now 2 years old. I named her “Jaice,” which means “healer” and “God’s salvation.” Now I stand before you a survivor.
Inez Colbert My mother, Inez Colbert, was a breast cancer survivor for 12 years. In 2009, she transitioned from metastatic breast cancer. Hope, fearlessness, peace, strength and undying faith in God with abiding love were on display for all to see on a daily basis. When I was diagnosed in May 2014, I had a true model to emulate — my mother. I have walked this cancer journey with the same qualities as my mother, but with one exception. Humor has always been an integral part of my life and has served me well during the past 27 months. Laughter is good for the soul and is an excellent weapon to fight and defeat cancer. Each time I perceived myself in “valley-experience situations,” I embraced laughter. My family is riddled with cancer (lung, prostate, and breast cancer).
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