Ms. November's story is lovingly sponsored by Williamsburg Interiors, LTD
The theme of A Calendar to Live By 2023 is In Her Own Words. All 12 women who grace its pages have honest, inspiring stories written in their own words to share with readers -- as well as words of advice for other young women newly diagnosed with breast cancer. Read on to get to know more about Ms. November 2023.
Ms. November 2023 | Diagnosed at 42 (2018)
I am the youngest of 4 siblings and a single mom to a son in his twenties who experiences some mental challenges. In my free time, I am spending time with my family and friends, dancing, going to the beach, and volunteering. In February 2018, I went in for a routine mammogram and that's when I heard the words that nobody wants to hear - “you have cancer!” “What? no, not me” and the doctor said, “yes you!” I never thought that I would get breast cancer, but no one is exempt from this nasty disease. I was speechless, scared, and alone. I knew that I had a long road ahead of me and didn't know how I was going to get through the journey alone. I lost my mom and #1 supporter, Carrolle, to cancer 8 months prior along with my best friend Dorothy, also a breast cancer survivor, who no longer lives nearby. I was devastated knowing I lacked a strong support system. I was diagnosed with stage 1, ER Positive, Invasive Carcinoma, and my treatment was a lumpectomy with 30 rounds of radiation and 5 rounds of hormonal therapy. I didn't know how I was going to get through this journey alone, but I kept the faith, stayed positive, and I believed I could, so I did! I got connected to H4TG where I met a lot of amazing women and friends [boober sisters] who have helped me through my journey. My support group let me know that I am not alone, no one fights alone, and that cancer does not define me. I know that there is light at the end of the tunnel. I thank God for this journey and that I am still here. It has made me a stronger person and given me a positive outlook on life. I look at life differently now and it has taught me to live my life to the fullest with no regrets. If it’s something that you really want to do that's on your bucket list, then do it and live your life with an exclamation! I am thankful for my STRUGGLE because, without it, I wouldn't have stumbled across my STRENGTH.
ADVICE: My support group let me know that I am not alone, no one fights alone, and that cancer does not define me.