Cheyenna was nursing her child when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Her advice is to have a mammogram immediately if you have any signs and symptoms.
My symptoms started in 2021 while still breast feeding
I didn’t notice. I believed the fallacy that if you are nursing you most likely won’t get breast cancer. Little did I know that my child refusing to nurse on one side was the first sign something was wrong. In July of 2021, I experienced a searing pain from under my arm to the front of my breast. It completely took my breath away but was gone as quick as it came. I didn’t listen and a couple of months later it happened again. My ears and eyes were open then and I made my appointment for a mammogram.
I was diagnosed with Stage 2 Breast Cancer – Lobular Carcinoma r2- hormone induced
Much needs to be done from a holistic approach to breast cancer in Cayman.
I was fortunate to have reached out to a cancer survivor for support and she led me to the Cayman Breast Cancer Foundation. The day of my doctor’s appointment where he suspected it was cancer, I was so lost and had no idea what to do or where to go for help.
I knew I could not do it alone. It seemed that the healthcare system in Cayman is disjointed. Starting at your doctor’s office, you get referred to a surgeon for your biopsy then on to an oncologist and then to a P.E.T. scan and MRI, then blood work and medication. It can all be at different locations. I felt like I was never going to make it through having to remember so much and what I had to do and when.
I reached out to the Breast Cancer Foundation, the team brought about a calming peace that gave me the comfort to know that I could get help with only one phone call. They provided me with support that insurance didn’t cover such as a wig, prosthetics, family counseling, support groups, nutritional coaching, and meal plan assistance along with so much more.
The worst part for me was having to leave Cayman for Radiation treatment. This is not provided in Cayman and for 9 weeks I was forced to leave my home to get treatment. I was fortunate to be able to take my children with me and stay with my sister but when I needed the comfort of being at home, I was not able to.
I found the more I spoke about what I was going through the better I handled it. It is a topic that many don’t speak about, but we need to get the word out and especially to those who don’t know where to turn if they are diagnosed.
I was tired most of the time except on chemo days
I was a very fortunate soul. My side effects from chemotherapy were not as severe as I thought they would be meaning I didn’t get really sick from it. Of course, I lost my hair, my anxiety increased, my taste changed (everything tasted so bland but scotch bonnet and siracha did the trick though).
I was tired most of the time except on chemo days and the day after as the steroids hyped me up like the energizer bunny, so I went 48 hours without sleeping. Then I crashed and burned for a day but all in all my side effects were minimal, and I was able to work through my entire treatment. I believe the hardest part was having a full mastectomy and the feeling you have that you are less of a woman.
I created a WhatsApp Group to keep loved ones updated
From the very first day I was surrounded by the love and support of my co-workers, family, and friends. I started a WhatsApp group to keep everyone updated as my journey progressed, and it eased the stress of having to tell the same thing over and over to others.
Get your mammogram, get your mammogram, get your mammogram.
Even if you think you can’t get cancer, still get checked and get the peace of mind to make sure before it is too late.
I feel human again and speak out often about my experience.
Life as a Survivor has been wonderful! I still have surgery to go in January 2023 but the time between my radiation and surgery has been a new beginning for me. I feel human again and speak out often about my experience. Knowing that my story has already caused so many women to get their mammogram brings me peace of mind that I listened to what God has told me which is to spread the word and help others as much as I can.
Choose to live, choose to hope, choose to dream, choose to pray and the rest will all come out ok
I remember clearly hearing the words “Life expectancy” and “hair loss” coming from the doctor’s mouth. I mean I was sitting there, and I had to struggle to focus on what he was saying but I did hear them, and it was really happening. They still ring in my ears like a foghorn. Two phrases that make you think twice about your life and how you’ve lived it.