A Breast Cancer Diagnosis & the Angels that Swooped in
What was Supposed to be an Ordinary Visit…
“I went in for my routine mammogram in March of 2017 and expected it to be like all the others. A little awkward, a little discomfort, and then I’d be on my merry way until the next time.”
“Unfortunately, this one ended with them telling me they needed to do an immediate ultrasound as something looked suspicious.”
A Warrior in the Making
“A couple days later confirmed it and then I got the results that I had an especially aggressive type called triple negative breast cancer. That meant that my type wasn’t fed by the usual three hormones so there is less treatment available.”
“This type requires the most aggressive of chemotherapies for nearly 6 months. I would lose my hair, no doubt about it, and once my genetic tests came back positive for the BRCA1 mutation (a hereditary gene mutation that causes breast and ovarian cancers) there was really no choice but to lose my breasts too.”
“I had a double mastectomy before starting treatment. I went on to have six more (surgeries) in a little more than a years time with more still in my future.”
Hell and Back with a Smile
“People sometimes equate the cancer journey to a roller coaster and I can totally agree with that if you take out all of the fun parts and add in an actual and real fear for your life!”
These words come from Rhona Whetten, another beautifully strong woman sharing the process of her breast cancer journey.
Like April, Rhonda has been through an unimaginable hell and back all while seeming to be one of the brightest lights (with her smile and attitude).
Positive by Impact
I asked her about her how she managed to stay positive during this journey to which she said:
“I think one of the ways I learned to be positive was by watching other women who have gone down this path. I saw encouragers, women who smiled while chemo pumped through their veins, women who smiled in pictures after their mastectomies (though I was in too much pain to quite manage that one myself), and women who were resilient. If nothing else, I’ve learned that woman are the strongest creatures to walk this planet.”
“I remember my first big day at the MD Anderson all day and I had to get labs drawn. I was still in shock at my diagnosis and I was nervous about everything. The lab tech called me back and asked how I was doing and I replied with a smile, ‘Well, I’m in a cancer center so…I’ve been better!’”
“We chit chatted a little bit as he collected my blood samples and after we finished he asked if he could give me a hug to which I agreed. He then said, ‘It’s going to be okay, Rhonda. You’re going to get through this. You’re going to be alright.’ I will never, ever forget that encouragement given to me that first day there from a lab tech who sees cancer patients all day long. What a kind thing he did to uplift a scared, newly diagnosed patient.”
“Every time I thought ‘How can I handle any more?!’ or when I was the most frightened or uncertain, another angel on earth was sent to help bear my burden, lift my spirits, and make me feel less alone.”
She’s got a few Good Ones on her Side
“I still marvel at it all. It made all the difference for me getting through those difficult times.”
“It’s always an interesting thing when catastrophe hits to find out who is there alongside you. Sometimes the least expected people stand up and show support and the ones you are just sure will be there…aren’t.”
Rhonda says that her biggest support was her husband who kept up with his usual responsibilities to provide for her family while taking on the responsibilities she could no longer fulfill while sick (laundry, chores, dinners).
“My daughter, Desi, who had a baby (and was) already and was expecting her second child, did all she could to support me even when her own demands were high. She came to my chemotherapy treatment on my birthday with a cake and balloons and made a pretty terrible day pleasant.”
“My other kids were encouragers and were so kind to always tell me I was beautiful even when I wasn’t.”
The Goldendoodle Gofundme
“Our neighbors and friends put on a benefit yard sale and gave us the money earned to help with the many expenses we started incurring. They also started a gofundme page to surprise me with my dream dog, a goldendoodle, to be my chemo buddy as I went through the toughest time of my life.”
Benefits of Social Media
“I have a couple childhood friends that drove from where they live, well over an hour away, to bring my family a meal…more than once! I also had online support from friends and family and it meant so much, when I was pretty much tucked away from everything here in my house for so long, to feel that connection and care.”
Rhonda says that the online community was a huge part in helping her cope through this time in her life, “I spent a lot of time on social media so I could feel a connection to the outside world. It was very valuable to connect with other women who either have been in my shoes or were currently in my shoes. There’s so much that people can’t really understand unless they’ve been through it themselves so a good part of coping is finding others who can relate as emotional support.”
Rhondastrong Is the new beautiful! Such an example of courage and hope!
Rhonda, it has been an honor to watch you navigate your way through this journey, with such grace. Life isn’t always what you think it will be. You never know who is observing your strength and courage. As you said, you drew some of your strength from others. Let it be know, you shared your fair share of positive vibes for others to glean from . I hope the rest of your journey has more pleasant stops along the way. 🙏💖
Another very well written inspirational post. This woman is a great inspiration to us all. Her courage and attitude in the face of a difficult illness are so admirable. Thanks for a great story!