Turning pain into purpose and healing from metastatic breast cancer

Thyroid cancer and becoming a firefighter

My first experience with cancer was in 1980. I was around 33 years old, a single mom of four children with a great deal to do. I was also a full-time student studying to be a firefighter. One day I was running the course at the Fire Academy when I suddenly became weak in my legs. I went to the USC Medical Center in Orange, California. Within two short weeks, it turned out that I had a cancerous tumor on the right side of my thyroid. The first thing I thought of was my children. I had to be there for them. But I wasn’t surprised by the diagnosis. When I was 12 years old, I knew that, one day, I would be in this position. My mother lost all twelve of her brothers and sisters to cancer, and, eventually, my five siblings would all die from cancer. I knew I had to do as much as I could in my life as I could.

So, for my thyroid cancer, I had surgery, and I was discharged within a few days. I went home and worked very hard to return to my usual strength and health. I worked with a trainer two and one-half hours each day. I regained my strength and more: I could carry a 180-lb. man up a flight of steps. It was exciting, but, more importantly, I knew I could do a good job as a firefighter, and be mentally and physically strong. Saving lives was important to me. I couldn’t save my family from cancer, but I could save others in this way.

Breast cancer and the onset of neuropathy

By the year 2000, I was noticing some weakness and some pain in my legs, so I made an appointment with my primary doctor. I explained to the doctor that these sensations were very familiar to me. I told her the story of 1980. The doctor said, “I think you may be working too hard.” I drove home and decided I would call a doctor friend of mine in Orange, CA. He suggested I hop on a plane. I arrived at his office early as he had suggested. I was examined by his associate who found two lumps in my left breast. I was sent for scans and tests, the result of which indicated I had two tumors in my left breast and one tumor in my right. I had breast cancer. I needed two rounds of chemotherapy and months of radiation. By the time the radiation was finished I was diagnosed with neuropathy.

The neuropathy was so bad that I spent 3 years in a wheelchair, which was difficult for me at first, because it seemed to slow me down. Then I thought I had to figure out how to make the chair work for me. Through church, I knew about four girls who were living in deprived conditions. I turned to my pastor and asked him to put me to work. He asked, “Do you know what you want to do?” I handed my pastor an outline that was clearly written and straight to the point. “I want to work with these four girls who are aged 9 to 12 years,” I said. The pastor looked over the outline I had presented to him. He said, “How are you going to work with these young girls when you’re in a wheelchair?” I laughed and said, “The same way that I would if I could walk!” A little over a week later, I was doing activities with the girls. Yes, I struggled with the neuropathy. It was painful and difficult at times. Still, the girls and I enjoyed ourselves every moment we were together, and I always felt better after spending time with them.

Stem cell treatment and new adventures

As time went on, I became aware of stem cell treatments for peripheral neuropathy, and I signed up. Six months later, I was walking with a walker. Further down the road I was walking with a cane. It was then that I returned to the pastor’s office with a new plan for the church. I proposed that the church start a food bank. And, three months later, we opened our food bank. We helped to feed 50 families a week for 6 years. I never felt better in my life!

Shortly thereafter, I applied for a job as a front office person in an acupuncture office for two and a half years. I left only to author a book, and I decided to officially retire in 2019. Sometime later, I was feeling a bit weak, I decided to go to a hospital in California for a check-up. I wasn’t a bit surprised when I was told that I had cancer. It was my third time. This time it called for a bilateral mastectomy. After the surgery, I moved to the deep South.

Metastatic breast cancer and its challenges

It wasn’t long after my move that I found an unusual spot on the left side of my chest. I was diagnosed at Mitchell Cancer Institute in Mobile, Alabama, with metastatic breast cancer and metastatic neoplasm of the bones. This fourth time with cancer was a little more complicated than ever before.

For the first time in my life, I was shocked by a diagnosis. The oncologist told me I had four and one-half months to live and said, “We will try to keep you alive.” I wasn’t angry, and, at first, I believed her, but I thought she was making a judgement that she couldn’t really know. Why, my oldest great-grandchild told me when I was homeschooling her, “You’re going to be here a long time, Gigi.” And, I’m still here, alive, and happy.

Living with purpose

My children grew up educated, and, financially, they have everything they need. That gives me a lot of relief and happiness. I have 10 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren, with a new one coming in February. My grandchildren and great grandchildren give me such hope and joy that I don’t know how I could be sad.

My treatment with Fulvestrant continues. My legs are giving out, and I spend more time in bed, but I stay busy any way I can. To me, it’s everyday life. I’ve just made 60 pairs of earrings for my grandson’s church fair, and I hope to start a visitation program for seniors here. This will help me, because when I spend time with someone, I feel happy and stronger. My love of the Lord never wavers. Even in the worst pain, the Lord guides me, and I know He is always there. Thank you for reading my story. God bless you all.