Breast Cancer Survivor

If you are reading this and have just been diagnosed with breast cancer, I want you to pause for a moment and take a deep breath. You are not alone in this fight.

In January 2017, during a routine self-examination, I felt a lump near my nipple in my right breast. Without hesitation, I scheduled a doctor’s appointment. That decision—listening to my body—changed and ultimately saved my life.  After a mammogram and ultrasound on February 2, 2017 doctors found not just one, but three concerning areas. Biopsies confirmed what no one ever wants to hear: on March 1, 2017, I was diagnosed with Stage 0 to Stage 1 HER2-positive breast cancer—an aggressive form of the disease.

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In what felt like the blink of an eye, my journey began.

 

By March 21, I had undergone surgery to place my chemo port, and just two days later, I started chemotherapy. My days were filled with treatments, medications, side effects, and physical challenges that tested me in ways I never imagined. From March through July, I completed six intense rounds of chemotherapy (My 21-day chemo cycle cocktail included: Perjeta, Herceptin, Taxotere, Carboplatin, & Fosaprepitant. Along with that regimen, I had to take Dexamethasone/DECADRON, which included 2 tablets by mouth twice a day for 5 doses starting the morning before Taxotere; 1 Zyrtec tablet was taken one hour before chemotherapy; an injection of ZARXIO shots had to be taken daily for 3 days beginning 24 hours after chemo in my stomach.

But even in the hardest moments, I held on to my faith, my strength, and the belief that this was not the end of my story. I leaned on God’s promises, remembering His Word: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” — Proverbs 3:5
 

On August 14, I underwent a bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction.  Two weeks later, on August 29, I received life-changing news—there was no cancer found. The chemotherapy had done its job.  Although I was declared cancer-free, the journey didn’t end there. On November 2, I started with the second phase of breast reconstruction surgery for implants, and I continued with targeted therapy treatment, taking the drug Herceptin for up to a year, completing my final treatment on May 24, 2018—the day I proudly rang the pink bell as a survivor.   I share these dates and milestones with you to share just how quickly life can change. In 14 months, I went from cancer fighter to survivor.

My journey was not easy, but I survived, and I’m sharing my story as a 8 year Survivor of Breast Cancer.   I faced setbacks, and not to mention, I had to redo the entire breast reconstruction surgery twice due to capsular contracture on my left and right breasts after ringing the bell.  I also deal with ongoing side effects of neuropathy, but I won’t complain.  Through it all, God’s grace carried me, and His strength continues to sustain me. When fear tried to settle in, I stood on His Word for healing and peace: “By his stripes we are healed.” — Isaiah 53:5 

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If you are at the beginning of this journey, I want you to know:
You are stronger than you feel right now.
You will get through this, one day at a time.
And there is life, purpose, and joy waiting for you on the other side of the test.

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One of the most important things I encourage you to do is journal your journey. Write down your thoughts, your fears, your victories, and your prayers. Capture every moment—because one day, your story will become someone else’s survival guide. Your testimony will have the power to heal, uplift, and inspire another woman who needs hope. 

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Also, be intentional about who you keep around you. Surround yourself with positive people who will uplift you, encourage you, and cover you in prayer—especially on the days when you feel weak. You don’t have to carry this alone and don’t underestimate the healing power of joy. Keep little children around you when you can. Their laughter, innocence, and love have a way of lifting your spirit. God uses them most beautifully—to bring smiles right when you need them the most.

Early detection saved my life, and self-examination was the key. But faith, resilience, and support carried me through.

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Breast cancer will change you—but it does not define you. Take your time to heal. Give yourself grace. Embrace the woman you are becoming through this process.

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Today, my mission is to give back—to encourage, support, and uplift other women through acts of kindness, care baskets, and sisterhood.  No woman should ever feel like she has to fight this battle alone.  So to you, reading this right now—Keep Your Head Up and Don’t Ever Give Up! 

Keep believing. Keep fighting. Keep going.  And most importantly, take care of yourself and love yourself deeply, no matter what.

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With love,
Kim Cantey Davis