Personal Experience

My journey with breast cancer began years before the official diagnosis. In 2009, after a benign result from a surgical biopsy, a doctor reassured me that I “could just be cystic” and I “didn’t have to take out every cyst I felt.” Years later, I felt a lump in my left breast. Without health insurance and remembering the doctor’s words, I ignored it. The lump grew, my breast and nipple changed shape, and pain set in. Desperate, I secured a job with excellent benefits and finally saw a doctor in April 2022. Within two weeks, I was diagnosed with stage III HER2+ breast cancer. The treatment plan involved chemo every three weeks, surgery, radiation, and then reconstructive surgery along with a pill.

However, a full body scan and another biopsy revealed the cancer had metastasized to my spine, advancing it to stage IV. Surgery was no longer an option, so the new plan included chemo, antibody infusions, and a daily pill for life. Financial constraints halted my IVF treatment, and I began chemo in June 2022. The side effects were harsh: oral thrush, neutropenic fever, and my hair fell out. By October, the worst was over.

Challenges and Perspective

Surprisingly, I was calm when I received my diagnosis. I found out through the hospital’s app while at work, surrounded by colleagues. The word “malignant” stood out. I sent a screenshot to my boss, partner, and friends, and continued working, knowing being alone with my thoughts would be unbearable. My doctor confirmed the diagnosis the following Monday, and my response was a simple “I know.” Had I not read it on the portal, my reaction might have been different.

Cultural Context

My Caribbean heritage played a significant role in my approach to dealing with breast cancer. My mom, the queen of home remedies, believed in the healing power of fresh soursop leaves from Trinidad. Initially skeptical, I embraced the tea after my onco-nutritionist supported it. While I’m not big on belief systems, my mom’s prayers provided comfort. Interestingly, my cultural background didn’t affect the treatment I received from healthcare professionals. I felt at ease with all of them, especially a Jamaican nurse who felt like an auntie.

Advocacy and Advice

To other Caribbean-American women facing a breast cancer diagnosis, I say: you’re not alone, and it’s not the end of the world. Life goes on, and it’s about learning to make the best of it. It’s crucial for Caribbean women to advocate for their health because no one can support you like you can. Ask all the questions. If something doesn’t feel right, ask a nurse or your oncologist. Their job is to support you.

Community and Support

Community support was essential, though I didn’t actively seek it. I depended on those around me for favors, errands, meals, and donations. FTBOU helped me create a sisterhood I didn’t know I needed, providing a group of women with shared experiences to talk to. The Caribbean-American community can better support women by asking what they need, being available, and offering help while maintaining a sense of normalcy.

Raising Awareness

During National Caribbean-American Heritage Month, I want to emphasize the importance of early detection and regular screenings. Trust your gut and get checked at the first sign of something wrong. Even if you feel fine, see your doctors regularly. Social media and online communities can provide the confidence to fight and continue living. I use TikTok to share my journey and experiences, hoping to reach those who need it.

Looking Forward

My hopes and goals for the future focus on staying alive through infusions, quarterly scans, and seeing any specialists my doctors recommend. I aim to reach the next cancerversary. To continue advocating for breast cancer awareness, I’ve created a YouTube channel to share more content and information, reaching those who may not be on TikTok. Through videos, I aim to provide support and education like a friend would.

In sharing my story, I hope to inspire and support other Caribbean-American women on their breast cancer journeys, reminding them that they are not alone and life goes on.