Love’s cancer survivor toolbox includes helping others
Published on Tuesday, June 14, 2022
“You have cancer” is such a scary statement to hear, but imagine hearing it at the young age of 14.
At first, I didn’t really understand exactly what that meant, for me at least. I just knew that whatever the next steps were, I was ready to fight.
On one hand, I was relieved because my family and I finally had an answer instead of a million “possibilities” being thrown at us. We now knew it was cancer, what stage it was, a suggested route to take for treatment.
On the other hand, with cancer treatment comes a whirlwind of decisions to be made and treatment side effects, and nothing was 100 percent guaranteed.
As someone who is rooted heavily in my faith and extremely blessed to have an amazing support system, I felt as though my attitude was going to be the deciding factor of how my battle would go. Without hesitation, I chose to remain hopeful and let that hope and optimism carry me back to good health through my treatment voyage.
I was in treatment for six months at Children’s of Mississippi Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders.
In my case, there was a great deal of hair loss, many needles and IVs, and a lot of weird physical changes that affected all five senses. Through it all, I am happy to say that I fought and won.
I have been a cancer survivor for over 15 years, and now I am able to help those currently going through their battle with cancer. As the manager of the Patient Resource Center at UMMC Cancer Center and Research Institute, I am here to help our patients.
The center is where we provide patients with vital information from the time of diagnosis to post-treatment as they are on the road to survivorship.
As someone who has literally “been there and done that,” I am honored to lend a helping hand throughout the patient’s process. It is extra special to be able to serve at the place where I was once a patient myself. It is truly a full circle moment for which I am forever grateful.
Things that help me as a cancer survivor:
- I learned as I grew into this new part of my life
- Being a caregiver for family members with cancer
- My strong desire to help others
- Staying connected to UMMC/Children’s cancer center through the Mississippi Children’s Radiothon