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CELEBRATING SURVIVORS
SUFFOLKNEWSHERALD.COM FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2016
Your survival stories Every cancer survivor has a story to tell, and some of the participants in our breast cancer survivors’ special shared them with us. Here are the ones they shared.
Bessie K. Newsome I am Bessie K. Newsome, the widow of James T. Newsome. We had a blended family of nine children and an abundance of grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. I reside in Suffolk, where I am a faithful member of First Baptist Mahan, under the leadership of Dr. Steven G. Blunt. I have been a school crossing guard with Suffolk Public Schools for 16 years. Cancer is a dreaded word when you hear that it has invaded the life of one family member. But when a family of three is stricken so close together in time, the news can be a catastrophe. I learned that my 35-year-old son, Tyrone Kee, was stricken with stomach cancer, intestinal sarcoma, in August 1994. Two years later, on Sept. 9, 1996, I was diagnosed with infiltrating ductal carcinoma breast cancer. My mother, Bessie Baker, was diagnosed with colon cancer in April 1997 and with intestinal sarcoma in November that year. On Oct. 3, 1996, I had four surgeries done at one time: a radical mastectomy, a tummy tuck, reconstructive surgery and removal of a hernia. My treatment also included several rounds of chemotherapy, radiation, blood reinfusion and post stem cell
I am Essie Eure, and I’m a breast cancer survivor. On Jan. 25, 2005, a dark cloud entered my life. I was in surgery for nine hours for a double mastectomy due to breast cancer. I had 1,200 staples in me, and I was in intensive care for four days, and I didn’t know anyone. I had five drain bags on and my sister who was a nurse, measured the blood and wrote the measurements down so I could give the information to my doctor. Then, about two weeks later, I had reconstructive surgery, and I felt amazing after everything was put back together again. My faith in the Lord gave me the strength to go on living. I had so many things working against me, including my multiple sclerosis. My doctors were amazing, and I thank God for saving my life. It’s been 12 years, and I’m cancer free. Amen! I give all the praise to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!
infusion. Within two years of being diagnosed, I lost my four closest family members to cancer. On Feb. 15, 1998, my son died at the age of 39. Six weeks later, on April 1, 1998, my mother died. As of today, I am the picture of health and have been in remission 18 years. I give thanks to God for giving me the strength to endure and for healing my body.
Denise Jones
Marion Hardison Sherrod I am a four-year breast cancer survivor. My journey began with my husband, who was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in April 2011. I spent 24 hours a day by his side, but in January 2012 my whole world changed, when I was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer. Why now? Why me? I knew the answer, which was “Why not me?” Still, I couldn’t believe that the both of us were battling cancer at the same time. My husband reminded me that nothing is too hard for God. He said we could make it together, and because of our faith we were going to be just fine. He would quote Isaiah 53:5, which ends with these words: “With his stripes, we are healed.” I had a successful lumpectomy. We both completed chemo, and two weeks after completing my chemo, my husband lost his battle. I knew I had to keep the strength and faith, because I had to begin radiation alone. My husband had taught me how to be strong, as I watched him fight to the end. He was my hero.
Essie Eure
The Lord took my husband for His purpose and left me here for a reason. I don’t know why yet, but I plan to serve Him for the rest of my life. Breast cancer has given me the gift of a new perspective on life. I will live each day as if it is my last. I take nothing for granted and thank God every day for his grace and mercy. He made a miracle out of my journey and he can do the same for you.
One year ago, on Oct. 13, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I am the first one in my family to have breast cancer. Thankfully it was found early with my mammogram last year. I chose to have a double mastectomy as my treatment. After the surgery, I found out I was in Stage 2 because of the tumor’s size. I was sent to oncology. I was blessed not having to have chemo, because the cancer had not spread to my lymph nodes. Later treatments were a full hysterectomy and hormone-blocking medication, because my tumor was estrogen positive. I will be on that medication for five years. Today, I work as a Mary Kay sales director. I lead and train amazing women to be their best and build their own businesses as I continue to run my own business. I love being able to make a difference. I am married to Bert Jones. We have three children and two grandchildren. We are members of Bethlehem Christian Church. I am thankful for my Mary Kay family for their support and encouragement in this journey. I am thankful for my church family and Pastor Winters for
their prayers and support. Especially thankful to my family for their help and support. I am truly blessed. Eat right, exercise, keep a positive attitude and have faith. God will bring you through. And remember to do your breast exams and get your mammograms. Early detection is the key.
A simple message: Be aware BY TARA ASARE
It’s that time of the year again. Leaves are beginning to change, the air gets a little cooler, and there seems to be a blanket of earthy orange surrounding you wherever you go. Though pumpkins, candy corn and lattes are on everyone’s mind, there is another color that happens to stand out in the month of October. October is breast cancer awareness month, and pink reigns in all its glory.
Though there is a month dedicated to this single type of cancer, breast health and education should be happening year ‘round. Here at the American Cancer Society, we make it our mission to ensure that people across the nation are educated, aware and safe. Being knowledgeable about breast cancer is easy, it simply takes being mindful of your body. See AWARE, 3B
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