Breast Cancer has been a strong concern and a fatal disease in my family. My aunt (my mother’s sister) passed away in her mid-20’s from the disease. However; I was really affected by the disease when my sister was diagnosed with breast cancer in her mid-30’s. I watched her undertake radiation treatments, had a partial mastectomy and fought the disease until it took her life unexpectedly on my birthday in 1986.

My personal journey began when I moved from the Bronx, NY to Salisbury, NC and realized I had a lump on my right breast. Being new to the area I wasn’t able to seek medical treatment until I was established with a primary physician. In 1996, at the age of 51 I was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. I was immediately overwhelmed with emotions. I cried, I was afraid of the unknown and I knew this was going to be devastating to my family especially since we lost my sister due to this disease. I was thankful the biopsy on my lymph node discovered the cancer did not spread.  I immediately began several months of radiation treatments and was placed on tamoxifen for five years. The side effects of the treatments caused my hair to thin, I lost weight, my skin was red and I was very fatigue.

Through the grace of God and the support of my family, church family, friends, support groups and the American Cancer Society who paid all my bills; I was able to fight, regain strength and beat this fatal disease. At the age of 75, I am a living witness that prayer and having faith in God works. You have to believe He will hear your cries and heal you. Every morning I woke up and quoted this bible verse to myself “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13) to help me get through the day.

​

Blessings,

Rosetta Williams