Meet Keishawn, And Connect With Her Strength, Faith, And Resilience
At the age of 31, two days after losing my dad to colon cancer, I was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. On September 6, 2017, it instantly changed my life, and immediately I knew I had to TRUST GOD.
After watching my Mom and sister (both deceased from ovarian cancer) go through chemotherapy and the surgery, I knew the side effects of chemotherapy and how it would take a hit on my body. I knew I was going to have good and bad days. I was ready to fight and win.
My Treatment Plan
My treatment plan consisted of 16 rounds of chemotherapy, a double mastectomy, and 28 radiation treatments. During chemotherapy, I didn't experience the nausea or vomiting as others do, but I did have body aches, blurry vision, and intense headaches. But even during my hardest days, I TRUSTED GOD! He knew the plans He had for my life. On April 19th, 2018, I lost my breast. I knew my beauty wasn't defined by my breasts, and after realizing these things (that my breasts were trying to take me out), I was immediately set!
I agreed to 28 radiation treatments, and I didn't realize how it was going to affect me. My faith was tested many days, and I wanted to give up. My skin was sensitive, I couldn't be in the sun, and going to treatment Monday-Friday was difficult. Just lying on that hard table for 15 to 20 minutes-I was over it. But faith got me through.
How Did I Get Through It?
I've built a closer relations with God, remained positive, and kept my faith! Sometimes circumstances happen to build and help us become who God wants us to be. I believe this.
After losing many family members to CANCER, I did everything in my power to survive. I listened to my doctors, stayed hydrated, exercised, and listened to my body.
The key is letting your body rest. Give your body time to heal. Also, try to do something you like to do. I enjoy food, so I went on lunch dates every Friday with friends. It helped me feel normal, and it helped me realize creating memories is all I want to do.
My goal is to continue to promote early detection and spread breast cancer awareness, not only in October, but every single day. I want to inspire, empower, and motivate others to not only take their health seriously, but to know your current situation is not your destiny. You will get through it!
Thank you for sharing your story, Keishawn. We love you!
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