2 minute read
Casandra Y. Mack
from October 2021
by VIP Magazine
Cassandra Y. Mack
Cassandra Y. Mack has experienced many trials in her life. She was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2009 after fainting in church one Sunday morning and was later diagnosed with stage one breast cancer. Through it all, she finds solace in her faith. Follow along as Cassandra shares her journey with breast cancer.
Q. When were you diagnosed with breast cancer?
A. “I was diagnosed with stage one breast cancer in my left breast during a routine mammogram in April 2016.”
Q. What was your initial impression? A. “I was shocked and a little overwhelmed. I have no family history; my family dealt with heart conditions, not breast cancer. However, having a brain tumor in 2009 helped me be more prepared for the unknown and once again my faith increased.”
Q. What treatment did you undergo? A. “With my breast cancer being stage one, I had two options - a mastectomy (total breast removal) or a partial mastectomy. After receiving all information, I chose option two, a partial mastectomy, and my surgeon, Dr. Keith Player, was in agreement. After surgery, I took eight weeks of radiation.” Q. You have a large family, what was their response? A. “The children were disturbed by the news but I reassured them that I was going to be fine. The youngest, Jadea, took it the hardest but did what needed to be done to assist me through yet another journey. My family support was truly awesome. Not a treatment day went by that I was alone. My husband, mother, and two daughters made sure of that. In addition to my family, my radiation team was awesome as well! My BCBS case manager kept in touch to make sure all of my needs were being met.”
Q. How has this experience changed your life? A. “My faith in God, my Savior, has matured. My journeys have shown me that life is precious and should not be taken for granted. That my trust should always be in Jesus Christ, regardless of how big or small the issue may be. I’ve enjoyed the new relationships I’ve built through this experience. Now it’s my turn to be an encourager. I enjoy being able to use my experience as a testimony.”
Cassandra ringing the bell
Cassandra is 60 years old and married to her precious husband, James. Together they share a daughter, Jadea. She is also blessed with four stepchildren, 13 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren with another on the way. Cassandra is a state retiree where she taught in different areas and supervised in disabilities and special needs. After retiring, she continued to teach 2K at Temple Christian Academy in Darlington where she is serving her ninth year.
Cassandra with her radiation team at McLeod
