 I have found that Women Supporting Women is a wonderful community outreach for cancer survivors, cancer patients and their families. I was first introduced to this agency in October 2002. I left the surgeon’s office with one of their bags loaded with all types of material that I would need to understand, fight, and win the battle of breast cancer. My name is Pastor Sharon Sampson and I am a 4-year breast cancer survivor.
In 1997 I had my yearly mammogram and it came back showing a small shadow in my right breast. An ultrasound test was done in the doctor’s office, and he said that he didn’t think it was anything to be of concern. However, he would keep a watch on it and each year after that I continued to go for a yearly mammogram and physical.
By September 2002, I decided to change doctors. After having my yearly mammogram, the doctor was concerned with the results and she sent me to have a biopsy. At age 48, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. There was no history of breast cancer in my family and I had been a healthy, active, health conscience female. It was a total shock.
Because of the size of the tumor, I needed to have a complete mastectomy and TRAM flap reconstruction. On November 19, 2002, I went in the hospital for the 6-hour procedure. A test of my lymph nodes showed a trace of cancer, which caused me to undergo chemotherapy. I received 4 months of chemo treatments. I lost all my hair and my appetite. I endured achy bones, mild mouth ulcers, and other discomforts, but I never lost my joy. I had faith in the Word of God (The Bible) and, if He allowed it, He would surely bring me through it.
June 10, 2003, I went back into surgery for a 2-hour cosmetic procedure for my reconstruction. I returned to work on July 11, 2003 – eight months after my initial surgery. For a period of 5-years, I will be taking a chemo drug (Tamoxfin). I have Lymphedema in my right arm; however, it’s under control and I continue to live life to the fullest.
I started a new ministry, Rapture Ready Ministries, in January 2005. Had it not been for the pain of cancer, this ministry would have never been birthed. In this ministry, I continue to teach others of the necessity of having a healthy body, soul and spirit, and with faith all things are possible.
I praise God for a great success story. It is my hope that this testimony will encourage others to see that there is life after cancer, and that there is also a wonderful community of help and hope whenever you need it at Women Supporting Women.
Written By Sharon Sampson
For Our September 2006 Newsletter (view newsletter) |
