A Story of faith

My name is Valrie Naughty and I am Breast Cancer survivor.

It was October 18, 2007 and I underwent a mastectomy – I thought I had lost a part of me that makes me a woman. I went in the operating theatre a complete woman and came out a survivor filled with hope, friends and faith.

My journey began in March 2007 when I felt a lump in my breast. I had heard of other people who had cancer. Cancer, that was a life sentence [I thought] and any way I couldn’t have it, no one in my family has it and I was Christian young [40s] woman. I had been religiously doing my self breast examination and Pap smear – so I should be okay. I talked to my family and friends about my concern and they all encouraged me not to worry until there is something to worry about.

My husband [who lives abroad] was very insistent that I go and have a mammogram as soon as possible. I was afraid of what the results would produce so I waited 3 months, but it got increasingly painful to the touch and so I made the appointment for the Mammogram. There was something detected and I was referred to do an ultrasound. This only heightened my worry and fear.

It was upon receiving the results that I met Dr. Clive Thomas, through the Cancer Society. Over the next months he would become more than a doctor – a friend – he would call just to check on me and he was always concerned about my mental state and my eating habits.

On September 20, 2007 my worst fears came through as the results revealed signs of malignancy. I still was a bit hopeful, but my whole world fell apart when Dr. Thomas told me he needed to remove my breast. No [I thought] this can’t be happening.

I fret day and night, because I just didn’t know how I would deal with this – Cancer???? – What will I do? How will I cope? My family, friends and co-workers encourage me, but I was so scared. I prayed to God that all would be well. It was confirmed that I had cancer – Jesus Christ!!! – What now?

Surgery was set for October 18, 2007. I had the support of so many people. It is in times like these that you really prove who your friends are. I had the overwhelming support of my families, friends and co-workers. The Directors and many staff of Smith and Stewart Distributors Limited [my place of work for the past 14 years] gave me the love and support that allowed me to go through this time with greater ease. There were the home visits, the phone calls and the ride to home/doctor. I couldn’t have done it without faith, theirs and mine. In addition I met Mrs. Elitte Sellars-Wright who introduced me the Jamaica Reach to Recovery meetings at the Cancer Society. The meetings have helped me as I draw courage and strength from other women who have been through this and have survived.

I thought nothing worse could happen, but I was wrong. On 4th November 2007 my brother was killed – he was to be ordained on the 11th November as a minister. I felt an overwhelming darkness – I had just lost one of my breast, I had a teenaged son [and all the complications and trials that came with that age], my brother was killed and my husband was abroad. Despite having the support I felt so alone. I went into depression – I couldn’t sleep nor eat.

After that tragedy I was still to be faced with another, my mother who had been ailing for some time passed away in February 2008. I cried unending asking God why me? I just couldn’t believe that one person could survive some much tragedy and pain.

The support came in many forms and through many people. My church family [New Testament Church of God – 65 Waltham Park Road] constantly prayed and believed with me and they continue to. Family is so important and mine have been a rock, I have a brother-in-law who prays with me each morning and ensures that I get that beet root juice [visiting my place of work to make the drop off if necessary]. God is good, because he has provided real angels. I can’t thank my neighbour enough she has become my personal chef [even without me asking] preparing breakfast and dinner and even though I can now do it for myself she insists that this is her way of helping and supporting me.

The road to chemotherapy – changes in diet and hair loss was another challenge. I felt life was forcing changes I wasn’t ready for, but I persevered once more. The almost weekly blood test prior to treatments [my arms bear the marks and soreness] and the actual chemotherapy that had its own side effects, including sore throat and upset stomach. Once more the support was forthcoming. The hair loss resulted in me sporting a wig for weeks, but my friends insisted that I show my new look – bald. I was afraid of how I would look to others and I didn’t have the confidence, but they persisted and this boosted my self confidence to the point where I no longer wear the wig.

Today, one year later, I am at work, sporting a new hairstyle [I lost it during chemotherapy] and able to effectively carry out my duties. It wasn’t an easy road – it required a lot of faith, love and support, but I have learnt that there is hope.

I survived my ordeal with prayers, family, co-workers, church family, Jamaica Reach to Recovery and plenty of faith.
 

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