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It was a sunny Thursday afternoon as I was driving to pick up my lunch. A few days had passed since I had my biopsy.My phone rang and I saw a familiar number appear on the caller ID: my primary care physician. As soon as I answered I knew I would hear the words: “Keri, you have breast cancer.” Along with all of the questions that went through my mind I asked, “what stage is it, what type,” and with his calming tone, he stated: “You are going to be ok, and I am going to refer you to a breast oncologist!” It was at that moment on April 14, 2016, that the course of my life has forever changed. The next few days consisted of anxiety, insomnia, and loss of appetite as I awaited my first oncology appointment. Thoughts of, “Am I going to live, how am I going to tell my daughter, my parents, family, and friends… my hair, and what about school?”, riddled through my mind. I thought about all the survival stories and tragic endings of cancer shared on social media and wondered if I should announce my diagnosis but decided to keep it private to protect my peace of mind. My first visit to the oncologist painted a picture of how the remainder of my 2016 would be. After a slew of blood tests and scans, I received a confirmed diagnosis of stage 1, triple negative breast cancer, which is very aggressive. Luckily for me, it was considered early detection with a 98% survival rate with the suggested treatment of surgery (lumpectomy), chemotherapy, and radiation. I was at ease to know that I would survive, however, I was not prepared for the lifetime of side effects. Surgery was the easiest part; I had minimal scarring, and no residual pain. But that chemo… I cried like a baby when I lost my hair, along with the long-lasting effects on my bones and hormones (early onset of menopause… hot flashes are the devil). My cancer treatment concluded mid-December of 2016. As I reflect on my breast cancer journey 5 years later many things come to mind: The first is my privilege in having access to quality medical care. While receiving treatment at one of the top medical groups in the nation, I did not see folks that look like me receiving treatment. This is concerning, especially because Black women succumb to breast cancer at a 41% higher rate than do white women (CDC, 2016). Secondly, I have learned the importance of having a solid support system through family, friends, and the workplace. All these systems aided me in keeping a healthy mental state which is important for fighting a deadly disease. Lastly is my renewed closeness to God. During times when my community was not accessible, God was always there for me through prayer and meditation. Now I am no longer a survivor but a thriver. To ensure lowering the risk of cancer recurrence, I have made changes to live a healthy prosperous life. I have increased my self-care practices of working out, rest, more frequent vacations, and connecting with friends. This helps to stay present and lessen my anxiety. I am now a psychotherapist to ensure accessible mental health care for BIPOC folks with one of my focuses supporting people with chronic illness. At times there are triggers that take me back to that moment in April of hearing my breast cancer diagnosis. However, using my newfound resources and support keeps me happy and present so I can be here to support future survivors to become thrivers. Keri Anderson is Associate Clinical Social Worker, MSW, ASW located in Los Angeles, CA. She received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from California State University, Los Angeles and her Masters from University of Southern California (USC). Learn more about Keri here. Follow Keri on IG: https://www.instagram.com/self_ker_therapy/
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