MEET PENNY
On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic. Life was about to change for me in more ways than I could have imagined. Even though I tried my best to avoid it, I contracted the coronavirus on August 19, 2020.
After running tests for COVID-19, doctors found additional concerns and referred me to a local center for breast health which revealed an even bigger problem. On September 8, 2020, a week after my biopsy, I was informed that I had Stage IV Metastasized breast cancer. My whole world turned upside down!
The tumor was (and still is) embedded deep on my chest wall and spread to surrounding sites. My mind kept going to the worst-case scenario as I waited for scan results. When I received the results, I learned that the breast cancer had spread to my bones and lungs. I had so many questions going through my mind.
Once my husband and I wrapped our minds around the news and informed our family, we rallied to confront the disease head on. Having triple positive breast cancer, I made the decision to get tested for the genetic marker for the protection of my children. Thankfully, I am not a carrier.
A few weeks after my diagnosis, I began treatment. I put full trust in the doctors and nurses who were treating me. My oncologist made no promises but told me medication was available that would give me an opportunity for an extended life.
Being a small business owner just diagnosed with cancer in the middle of the pandemic, my financial concerns were overwhelming. It was then that I discovered how important it is to have a village behind you. My staff put together a GoFundMe account to help with medical costs and raised enough money to cover my first year’s deductible and part of the next years! Not only did they support me financially, they also covered all my teaching responsibilities and helped with the management side of the business.
The biggest obstacle I faced was my body itself. The cancer treatments were destroying everything in my body! I lost all the hair on my body and learned why a man can get out of the shower in five minutes 😉. My depressed immunity was my biggest enemy, having infection after infection in my hands and feet. A simple task like reaching for my keys was nearly impossible. Again, my friends stepped in. They prepared meals, started a meal train, and a good friend still helps me prepare fruits and vegetables today.
Despite the tough battles that I faced during my breast cancer journey, I continued to run my small martial arts business the best I could. The loving support of my husband and family was my rock! I also felt so much love and support from my fantastic students. Above all else, my strong faith was the foundation of my positive attitude. I will never forget a special faith healing ceremony that a friend invited me to. The village behind me made it hard to have a bad day!
My mother was incredibly special to me during my battle. As a teacher, she was fond of Emily Dickinson and often quoted, “Hope is the thing with feathers, That perches in the soul, And sings the tune without words, And never stops at all.” Hope certainly never stops!
I continue to find hope through family, friends, community, and my faith. I’m still hoping for a cure and for this unending battle against breast cancer to be won through wonderful organizations like the Vera Bradley Foundation.
Lessons learned:
Don’t be afraid to talk about your feelings! Cancer is a tough battle, no matter how positive you are.
Accept support from others. I felt the love of those around me every day! My college roommates sent flowers often and my cousins sent cards. The calls, letters, notes, and gifts lifted my spirits and were my inspiration.
Cancer doesn’t have to crush your goals. My biggest accomplishment during my battle was testing for my 6th degree black belt in July of 2022. My students encouraged me to keep striving for my goal of mastership. I struggled through side effects but persevered, breaking my boards on the first attempt!
Advice for others:
Accepting help is a big part of being successful in your journey. Oftentimes, we believe that accepting help undermines our strength and confidence. I would challenge you to open your life up to others and allow them to serve you. Allowing others to bless you often leaves them feeling blessed too!
Believe in your medical team and practice open communication. If you don’t feel heard, speak up! Treatment often comes with very unpleasant side effects. If you don’t voice your concerns, your medical team can’t help you.
I still have stage IV breast cancer today but have shown no new growth in 28 months! The treatments are tough and the side effects frustrating, but I’m here. I feel blessed beyond measure being able to spend this time with our children, 14 grandchildren, and my first great grandchild due next month. I’m very thankful for the life I can live!