At age 39, Keyla was diagnosed de novo metastatic breast cancer. She’s received fantastic support from her family, friends, and even strangers in her community. With this support, Keyla has decided not to hide in a corner, but to share her story.
What has been your biggest challenge on your journey?
Trying to be myself as much as possible while going through all the different emotions. The emotions of going through the physical pain, the feeling of not being your independent self, the feeling of maintaining a healthy relationship with family and friends.
What are you most grateful for?
I am most grateful for my relationship with God, my family and friends, and having a life. I have fantastic support from my family, friends, strangers, and my community. And with that support I decided not hide in a corner but to share my story.
What keeps you going on your bad days?
My youngest child is nine years old. Our bond keeps me going. He lays next to me every day and displays his love for me. When he sees I’m having a bad day, he lays up under me, and we watch silly YouTube videos and laugh.
What have you learned about yourself on your journey?
I have learned that I am stronger than I could have ever imagined about myself. I tell people all the time that I am glad this is happening to me and not one of my family members or friends. The enemy chose the wrong person because my faith is strong, and I am going to be a witness to all of God’s people to show everyone His glory.
How has MBC changed your perspective on life?
I have learned how not to worry or stress about things, whether they are big or little things. You can’t take back yesterday and tomorrow is not promised to any of us, so I live in the moment.
What do you want the world to know about living with MBC?
It is hard as hell. You can’t even imagine what it’s like on an average day. You don’t see all of the hard parts. You don’t see all the tears, the pain, the surgeries, the complication, the days you can’t walk, get out of bed, the many doctors appts, etc. Be kind and helpful. Let your loved one know you’re there to help. Let them feel comfortable enough to ask.
What advice do you have for early-stagers, some who are afraid to learn about MBC?
You need to research and know all of your options. Ask questions and more questions. Get a second opinion if you’re not satisfied. Get yourself a physician you trust. Know and understand the terminology in your report. You need to make sure you have an understanding of the knowledge that is being told you from your physician. Don’t be afraid to learn about MBC because knowledge is power and that knowledge can potentially save your life or your loved one’s life. I know all our stories are different and I want other women to know to what it’s like when finding out you’re stage IV right out the gate. If I knew back then what I know today things could had been different.
Describe life before MBC in one word? Describe life after MBC in one?
Before MBC- Crazy because it was fun. I was the life of the party. I was active. I was down for whatever. My life with my husband was EVERYTHING!
After MBC- Crazy I use the same word as before MBC it’s just a different type of crazy now. I’m not the life of the party because I don’t even know if I can go to the party lol. Everything relies on how I feel for the day, if I have a doctors appt, my pain level. My life with my husband is he’s my caregiver. We still have fun and enjoy each other, but everything depends on how, while I’m feeling.
