Eleven years ago my excitement of getting married was torn down by my moms visit to the doctor to have them look at a lump she felt on her left breast, from her self check. They scheduled a mammogram, then an ultrasound which led to a phone call from my mom. She was frantic and in disbelief and some what in denial about the news she had received from her doctor. The news that no woman ever wants to hear. "We think you have breast cancer" and we want you to drive to Galveston for further testing. The appointment would need to be scheduled right away and there's no time to waste. While heading to Galveston on a hot summer day in June of 2002 to be with my mom, I had so many negative things going through my head. Especially since my wedding was only a month away, plus my sister had just had her first child and she was only 4 months old. There was so much going on in our lives and lots of mixed emotions.
As my aunt and I waited in the waiting room while my mom went back to talk to doctors, all I wanted to think is that the Doctor was wrong and that they were making a mistake. This can't be happening to my sweet mom, she takes care of herself, eats somewhat healthy, and doesn't smoke or drink at all. When my mom came out of her appointment, I'll never forget the disappointment in her face! She had stage three cancer in both breast and would have to undergo a double mastectomy and it needed to be scheduled soon. At that time I just wanted to drop everything I had planned to focus on my mom. My wedding which was taking place in a couple of weeks didn't matter, that was the last thing on my mind. I wanted to cancel my wedding at this point, but my mom didn't agree, she wanted us to go through with the wedding and not let her situation change plans. It was so hard to move forward with the planning and at the same time focus on my mother, my emotions where all over the place.
We scheduled the surgery for the following week and I just remember sitting in the lobby with my aunts and grandmother for hours waiting, and praying. When the doctors finally came out to let us know that everything went well I was so relieved. The cancer had not spread from what they could tell and wasn't fast progressing. Thank God! They had removed the mass and got it all out, they had performed a double mastectomy, along with breast reconstruction. Now the next steps would be to see what other steps were necessary to move forward. Chemo was one of the options.
Three weeks after the surgery we had on wedding of 200 guest in my home town of Huntsville, TX on July 27, 2002. We had a blast in that moment! My mom danced the evening away, although she was in a little pain from her surgery. I remember one of her best friends coming to me during the wedding and asking me to talk to her and have her sit down for a bit. She was so proud to just be able to celebrate!
A few weeks after the wedding once my mom's surgery was at a certain level of healing she would have to start a couple of rounds of chemotherapy. Chemo is not easy on the body that's for sure! I remember seeing my mom miserably sick from it, not to mention her hair started to fall out in patches. I will never forget the weekend I came into town and mom was so exhausted and depressed from the chemo. I washed her hair and it was falling out in my hands. We decided to just cut it all off that day, seeing my mom this way just broke our hearts. She started to wear wigs, just to feel beautiful.
After my moms second round of Chemo, the doctors said she may not have to do anymore. "Praise God" we truly didn't want to see our mom go through anymore of that torture called "CHEMO". Right before Christmas that same year, she was done with chemo, she ended up not needing further treatment. This moment of sadness and disbelief with going through this Breast Cancer journey with my mom, truly allowed me to see life in a different perspective. It's so easy for us to take things for granted, sometimes life's journeys allow you to really take a look around and see the importance of cherishing each moment. I am blessed to have my mom still here with me today!
For the last few years I have found myself being involved in the Susan G. Komen Foundation, whether I am volunteering or taking the time to run the race with my mom. I was blessed to hold hands with her last year and cross the finish line in celebration of her being a 10 year survivor.
P.S. Ladies be sure you do your self checks every month, and go get your mammograms!
Xoxo, Nycia