In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness month, Dr. Kathy McKinnon, an associate professor of nursing at Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA), shared her journey through breast cancer. Her story is one of resilience and hope, and she shares her wisdom and insights, encouraging women to advocate for themselves and pay attention to the changes happening in their body.
Breast Cancer is the most common cancer women experience in the United States. The American Cancer Society’s estimate is over 300,000 new cases will be diagnosed in women in 2024. However, research shows that earlier the screening with breast exams, increasing awareness and being proactive with scheduling mammograms, and providing self-care may improve the overall survival rates. There are currently over 4 million breast cancer survivors in the United States with an incidence of 1 in 8 women developing breast cancer in their lifetime, according to the American Cancer Society.
There are ways to reduce the risk of breast cancer, such as avoiding hormone replacement therapy, managing stress, getting enough sleep, avoiding smoking, drugs, and alcohol, and maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine to increase your immune system.
It is also important to pay attention to changes in your body, especially your breasts. If you notice a lump, change in shape, or discharge from the nipple, follow up with your doctor. If the doctor notices a lump during a mammogram or physical exam, be sure to advocate for yourself for further testing of an ultrasound, MRI, and possible biopsy. That was my story. I felt a lump in my breast and pain at times. I followed up with my doctor and after she performed a manual breast exam she ordered an ultrasound. The radiologist noted nodules in my breast, but recommended a repeat ultrasound six months later. Upon my follow-up with a repeat ultrasound, again the radiologist said it did not look suspicious and wanted to wait another six months. However, I knew something wasn’t right (you know your body better than anyone, so pay attention). It was years later after many ultrasounds that my question to the doctor became, “How many more times are you going to tell me to repeat the ultrasound when you know there is a lump in my breast?” I advocated for a biopsy and demanded it be done and then I received a phone call and heard words, “I am sorry to inform you, but you have invasive lobular carcinoma/breast cancer and will need surgery and treatment.”
I will never forget the call when the doctor uttered those words. My first thought was, ‘Dear God, I am not ready to die and leave my 10-year-old son on this earth without me.’ My second thought was, ‘I will fight and beat this no matter what,’ and my next thought was, ‘Why did it take the doctors so long to do something, and why was I the one who had to tell them to do the biopsy? Shouldn’t they have been the ones to advocate for me?’
It is now 10 years later. I endured a bilateral mastectomy with 65 staples across my chest with chest drainages, radiation therapy to my chest, then thyroid cancer two years after my diagnosis of breast cancer, and complications from a hysterectomy that almost took my life. What I learned along this journey of trials and suffering is that there are no guarantees. Life is so fragile, and yet it is up to us to take the initiative to provide self-care, advocacy, and be self-aware when something doesn’t seem right with our bodies. I also learned that my faith grew deeper in times of suffering. God gave me strength and He never left me. As I cried out to Him for healing, His power, strength, and presence carried me through each day. He brought family and friends beside me to comfort me and help me along the way. I was able to teach my son to drive a car at age 16, I made it to his high school graduation and moved him into college at Notre Dame. With each milestone, I became stronger. I have witnessed God’s faithfulness and healing.
I also reflected more on the daily demands of life and ways to provide holistic care to myself through scripture from Psalms.
- Reading God’s word, listening to praise music, praying, and spending time in God’s presence will keep you in his peace. Caring for your mind, body, and spirit is the best gift you can give yourself. No one can do it for you. If you do not care for yourself, then burnout, fatigue, physical pain, or exhaustion may set in. You must make an effort to take care of yourself spiritually. Reflection: Psalm 1:2 “Blessed is the one whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on His law day and night.”
- Minimize the feelings of being overwhelmed by the daily tasks, demands, and problems. Rather than dwelling on your problems and difficulties, take a break and do something fun. Go for a bike ride or a walk, meet a friend, dance, and enjoy life. Think about what makes you feel at peace, rested, refreshed, and then implement it into your daily life several times a week. Self-care is not something you naturally do. It is something that you must discipline yourself to do. Reflection: Psalm 23:1-3 The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside quiet waters, He refreshes my soul.”
- Focus on the good. Look at the problem as an opportunity to learn, grow, and mature in Christ. Accept your difficulties as a refining process that will develop your perseverance and character. Learn from your mistakes and make a positive change. Reflection: Psalm 62:1-2 “Truly my soul finds rest in God, my salvation comes from Him. Truly He is my rock and my salvation, He is my fortress, I will never be shaken.”
- Remember the Three P’s: find your Purpose, find your Passion, and find a Person you can bless. This will help get your mind off yourself and your problems. Find something you love to do and do not let fear or doubt stop you from doing it. Do not be self-absorbed. Look for ways to care for others. There is always someone who is going through a more difficult time than you. Find a way to use your purpose and passion to bless others. Be an encouragement and look for opportunities to share the gospel. Reflection: Psalm 66: 1-2 “Shout for joy to God, all the earth! Sing the glory of His name; make His praise glorious.”
- Choose not to worry or feel guilty, fearful, or anxious about anything. Easier said than done, right? If your mind begins to race, your heart beats fast, and you feel anxious, calm yourself down and relax by saying, I will set my mind on Jesus. I am strong, equipped, and confident. I will face this day with peace, joy, and patience. Reflection: Psalm 34:4-5 “I sought the Lord and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to Him are radiant; their faces are never covered in shame.”
- Do not overcommit to too many things. Learn to say NO! If you are doing too many things, you will not have time for self-care. You do not have to be the greatest at all things. Be great at a few things and excel at those things. Reflection: Psalm 48:14 For God is our God forever and ever; He will be our guide even to the end.
To learn more about PBA, visit www.pba.edu
