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Home > Collective Diary > Fighting Back to Make a Difference

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Fighting Back to Make a Difference

2-5Years

Loretta H. on September 3, 2015

I was Diagnosed with:

Morphus Calcification, Right Breast

Employment Status:

Substitute Teacher - High School

Gender/Age:

Female/64

Type and Description of Treatments:

Right Breast Lumpectomy, Maintenance with Tomaxophene

How do you feel today?

Great. Just dealing with the ongoing battle of the hot flashes and obesity

Since the diagnosis, what has changed in your life?

I have grown stronger in my faith. Working to improve the lives of others dealing with this disease as an advocate for cancer. My philosophy, is no matter what life sends my way, there is a lesson in it to help me and those I encounter in life.

What is going well for you right now?

This journey has afforded me the opportunity to speak to others as an advocate, taking me places I couldn't have dreamed. Tell my story through 2nd Act my voice, on stage, sharing my story. Serve as a Consumer Reviewer for Breast Cancer on the National level with the Department of Defense, working with doctors and scientist working to find a cure for this deadly disease. Networking, partnering and volunteering with other advocacy group that bring awareness to cancer, American Cancer Society, Susan Komen, Brenda's Brown Bosom Buddies, Sister Survivors, and Cancer Awareness Network who honor survivors and empower caretakers of survivors at a free luncheon each quarter, at churches, in our local Birmingham Metro Area.

What is not going well for you right now?

Obesity & diets,

What has been the most challenging thing about having cancer?

Encouraging my family and other to get screen. Early detection is what saved me, so I know it will work for others. Encouraging others to share their story that will help others make it through.

When difficulties overwhelm you, where do you go for support?

My God, the Lord of my life who guides and directs me through all thing. He is my Rock when life is overwhelmed. I also work with several support groups, but family is the main support group.

How have your long-term goals or life goals changed since diagnosis?

I now feel the real need to help others and empower them to reach their full potential.

What is your work arrangement right now? What are your hours?

Part-Time Substitute teacher for local High School. Advocate for Cancer through a non-profit my sisters and I started, Cancer Awareness Network for Children of all ages also part-time.

Since the diagnosis, what has changed in your work life?

Not much, my main goal is not to get stressed out, know that whatever comes my way will be handled, and I constantly pray that the diagnosis never return.

What has helped you continue to work the most?

Knowing that giving back to other make all the difference in life.

What advice do you have for others trying to work through treatment?

Know that this too will past. I used my faith as my strength, so I know that prayer works.

How have you dealt with any side effects of treatment?

Thank God no radiation and no chemo. Just obesity & hot flashes which are tolerable.

If "today's you" could give advice to "day-of-diagnosis you," what would you say?

No one wants to hear those three words You-Got-Cancer. First you go through shock, then denial, and anger. Which is all ok, but you must move toward acceptance of the diagnosis, in order to receive the healing that awaits you. Stay positive, Pray often, and just know that you will make it through.

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