Share Your Journey…..

Beautiful Warriors, Fighters and Ones we lost to Breast Cancer

Teresa Kirkland, Age 61

Let me introduce myself, my breast cancer journey and the “angels” that have appeared in my life.

At the age of 40 I was diagnosed with a very aggressive breast cancer (June 2003)– same age my mom and aunt when they were diagnosed.  My journey consisted of lumpectomy, “Red Devil” chemo, and radiation.  I was blessed it was Stage 1.  I knew I had to put on a good face and stay healthy as I could.  I was embarrassed at my diagnosis.  Why me, how could this happen, what could I have done better?  I went through all the emotions that a cancer patient goes through only I didn’t realize at the time that what was happening.  I just received a Director position and had a 15 year old daughter I was raising alone.  I managed to only miss a few days of work however after treatment lost my job due to county funding cuts; our office closed.  What I endured and now a job loss was a huge blow emotionally and financially.  Some of my treatment was not covered by insurance so I can say wiped out retirement savings.  I had to refocus my entire being.  I decided mentally that although I had been thru such tragedy that I had to give back and in doing so help myself.  I obtained a new job and became a Susan G. Komen volunteer as did my daughter.    I was nominated “Local Hero” for the BMW Ultimate Drive and Susan G. Komen.  I was so humbled by the experience and able to publically tell my story without embarrassment or shame.

August 2016 my daughter (age 26) was diagnosed with Stage 1 Ovarian Cancer.  After excellent treatment at UH Hospital, she remains cancer free today.  THIS nearly put me under.  I knew I had to be strong and positive.  After all, we have a strong history of women cancer survivors in my family.  It was not a time to become weak even though behind closed doors daily I wept.  Although my daughter had most of her reproductive parts out – we are blessed with children after 890 days of prayer - Olivia who’s 6 and Anthony 4 ½ arrived. 

Fast forward, June 2023 I celebrated 20 years breast cancer free.  In August 2023, I went for my usual breast cancer exam and ultrasound at University Hospital’s Seidman Cancer Center.  Like every cancer survivor -we pray, cross our fingers and anxiously await our results.  The results came back with a few “spots” – nothing I haven’t heard thru many exams in which doctors kept close watch.  Doctors did see a new mass that needed investigated further as it was not seen six months prior.  Okay, here we go.  After an MRI, I was diagnosed with breast cancer – for a 2nd time!  Definitely not the news I expected.  A biopsy was needed.  I’m not sure if I was in shock or from experience but I remained calm through the next week.  The biopsy detected a mass diagnosed as Stage 1.  UH Hospital sent the tumor for further research to predict reoccurrence in a nine year span.  My report came back 42% reoccurrence chance.  A lumpectomy, chemo and radiation took place.  I also had genetic testing done which resulted in a gene mutation – RAD51C (Breast and Ovarian Cancer).  This time my life looked different.  My aunt (2011), sister (2011) and mom (2020) have passed away.  All of my strong supporters.  I also lost my father (2011).  I have never felt stronger, accepting, and so alone all at once.  This is when God brought angels into my life to help me financially, emotionally, and physically.  I had many medical bills that were accumulating and putting stress on  me. I started to research online to help myself.  I was in a dark place.  I came upon The Apple Breast Cancer Warrior Foundation.  In reading about the wonderful services and testimonials I decided to apply for assistance.  I cannot express my gratitude for the gift given me.  In speaking with Michelle Apple, Founder I felt like I was talking to a long-time friend.  One that “gets it.”  Michelle was so comforting and sharing of her own journey helped me open up to speak of mine and the parts that are difficult – like asking for help.   I will never forget the feeling of a burden lifted of the support with my medical bills.

Moving forward – I plan to volunteer with the Apple Breast Cancer Warrior Foundation in any way I can to lift, educate and create memorable life-long experiences for those enduring this disease.  After all, WE ARE WARRIORS!

THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART! 

Respectfully,

Teresa