Deloris Brand

Deloris Brand's Story Helping Others Along Their Journey

While the color pink signifies many things, to some it is a color of survival and hope. Did you know that one in eight women in the United States will develop breast cancer in her lifetime? On average, every two minutes a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer in the U.S. Deloris Brand became part of this statistic in October of 2005. However, through early detection and extensive treatments, she is also blessed to be called a survivor. Deloris has been diligent in doing self-exams since 1992 in addition to yearly mammograms. Her journey began with fibrocystic breast disease, commonly called fibrocystic breasts. It is a benign (noncancerous) condition in which the breasts feel lumpy. Deloris’s doctor, the late Dr. Ed Lee, removed the lumps one after the other but they would resurface. Deloris continued to administer self-exams through the entire experience, and luckily she did. Like many have encountered, a routine mammogram didn’t catch a lump. While Dr. Lee was explaining the negative results from the mammogram, Deloris asked him to take a closer look at a lump she believed she felt. He immediately did additional testing and the results were positive. Upon the findings, Deloris was told surgery needed to be done right away. The next week Deloris had her right breast removed. “I tell everyone to please do self-exams,” Deloris explains. “Machines are great but they aren’t perfect. If we continue to do self-exams, we can help our doctors see what the machines may miss and can help catch potential threats in earlier stages.” Deloris was diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer. Deloris’s life immediately took a turn. “I kept my faith and continued to pray,” she says. Before her diagnosis, no one in her immediate family had been diagnosed with breast cancer. Deloris was caught blindsided. “My family was also not prepared for what was coming but they became my biggest supporters. My husband, sons, daughters-in-law, and grandchildren were all by my side

“I tell everyone to please do self-exams,” Deloris explains. “Machines are great but they aren’t perfect. If we continue to do self-exams, we can help our doctors see what the machines may miss and can help catch potential threats in earlier stages.”

through the entire experience.” In addition to the physical effects cancer has on your body, the emotional trauma is exasperating. “My husband was my rock. He continued to encourage me, saying I would beat this!” Deloris also sought out a support group called Toni’s Tigers’, a breast cancer support group at MUSC Health Florence Medical Center. The group was named after MUSC Florence cancer patient navigator Toni McGiboney. “I encourage others to find someone who is going through the same situation you are going through. This was the best support for me because I could sit and talk to others about the experiences I was having and things that my family might not understand.” Before cancer invaded Deloris’s life, she was more laid back. Today she is proactive and not taking life for granted. “I try to live every day to the fullest. Cancer doesn’t stop so we can’t stop. My goal now is to help others along their journey. Trusting and knowing the Lord will be by our side is what helps us put one foot in front of the other.”