Shevawn Akers- Winning Warrior

Photo by: Donna Ison

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 As with most people diagnosed with cancer, I never dreamed, considered or imagined that I would become the face of cancer. At age 37, having never been personally affected by this Sexist disease, I assumed everything would be fine when I had my first mammogram. Like all of us, I had a busy life, with lots to do. Cancer was not on my agenda.   

70-80% of breast cancer is diagnosed in women with NO family history.

I found the lump in March/April and scheduled a mammogram for June 20th. I expected a simple exam and planned to leave the next morning for vacation. Instead, my world turned upside down. The mammogram was followed by an ultrasound and biopsy. My doctor’s eyes filled with sympathy and her touch with compassion as she delivered the news. In all likelihood, I was the newest member of the “Pink Ribbon Club.” As a single mom, my fears were instantly consumed with thoughts of my 9 year-old son, waiting for me down the hall: what would he do without me?

The definitive diagnosis came the following day - Summer Solstice – yes, the longest day of the year. (I’m lucky like that…) My doctor called to share my biopsy results & confirmed her suspicion – it IS cancer. And just like that, my life changed. Forever. Despite all the tests in the world, no one is prepared for those words and you’re certainly never prepared to imagine a future without you in it. I hung up the phone, walked downstairs and out my back door. I stood in the grass and searched the blue sky and clouds for answers. I didn’t know what else to do. I didn’t know who to call or how to act. I didn’t know if I should punch something or crawl under the covers and wallow in self-pity. So, I screamed and cried into an empty back yard, asking “why me?”  

Again, my thoughts were interrupted with concerns for Hayden (my son). As afraid as I was, I could only imagine his fears. As worried and unsure of my future as I was, I knew I had to be stronger for him. No matter what - he CANNOT lose me… I am his world.
At that moment, regardless of the unknown that lay ahead, I knew I would NOT die. I was confident in my ability to beat this disease. The alternative was simply not an option. Thanks to my personal relationship with my boobs, I found the lump and the doctor’s found the cancer early. I like to call it the “best of the worst” as far as cancer goes: Stage 1, small tumor, with clear lymph nodes. A course of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation & a pill called Tamoxifen for five years offers an excellent prognosis.

95% of breast cancer occurs in women over 40.

The past three months have been a whirlwind of doctors, medical jargon and, at times, overwhelming emotions. I’ve had surgery to remove the tumor; a zillion blood tests and multiple body scans; I completed 3 of 4 rounds of chemotherapy; lost my hair; and, I’ll start the first of 33 radiation treatments later this month. Yes, it’s difficult at times, but the rewards are greater. I’ve learned to say no, to slow down, to breathe, to be kind to myself and to love more. Despite the insanity, life does go on. Thankfully so…Hayden started 4th grade this year. We each had our portrait painted by a local artist and went to the Katy Perry concert afterward. I started a blog and enlisted a photographer to document my journey. I’ve met some amazing & inspirational women who’ve helped guide me down this “cancer road.” I still do Bikram Yoga as often as I can. I’ve read countless breast cancer books.

1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer.

PLEASE DO SOMETHING. Take a moment today and check your breasts and arm pits for unusual lumps. Repeat monthly. Tell your best friend, mother, sister, aunt, grandma, co-worker, wife or partner to do the same. Schedule your annual mammogram. Call your representatives in congress and tell them to increase funding for breast cancer research. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or talk about cancer. Donate your time or money to help a family in need: deliver dinner, mow a lawn, walk a dog, pick-up a prescription, provide a ride to/from treatment, babysit, do some laundry or even just visit.
I’ll celebrate my 38th birthday this month – October 15th. I mention the date not to elicit well wishes, but to invite you to join me (and Hayden) in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure that day. I intend to celebrate my journey thus far, to support other women and, perhaps most importantly, to raise money for research… for a cure. Unfortunately, all the pink ribbons in the world won’t eradicate breast cancer – only research can.

I hope to see you on the 15th!!

If you'd like to read more of Shevawn's story, visit her blog: http://shevawn.tumblr.com/

If you'd like to join Shevawn's team for the Susan G. Komen race or would simply like to support her team, please visit: http://komenlexington.org/goto/shevawn