Olade Olayinka. Guest Rider USA
14 year survivor.
Diagnosed: 1996. Age: 41.
Wow! 12 years of survivorship! I was only 28 years old when I was diagnosed. I lived cleaned, ate right and worked out. Needless to say, I was shocked when the doctor said “I’m sorry baby doll, you’ve got cancer.”
But since cancer wasn’t the first adversity I have overcome, I knew I had the character of a survivor. My treatment involved a radical modified mastectomy, chemotherapy (CAF), 35 radiation sessions and a 5 year chaser of Tamoxifen. Since the cancer had spread to 24 lymph nodes, I qualified, and was accepted, into a clinical trial for women with a high risk of reoccurrence. The trial involved getting a bone marrow transplant (autologous stem cell replacement). After six rounds of chemotherapy I thought the bone marrow transplant would be a breeze, but it’s like moving from the minor to the major league. It was, a literally and figuratively, a life transforming experience.
Now, as a breast cancer survivor, I am an advocate for research, education, access to care and quality of life issues related to this disease. I was able to give back through telling my story on local network news, appearing in an educational video about the bone marrow/stem cell transplants, and guest speaking. I continue to spread the message that it’s important to be your own advocate. If I turned away from any of the many obstacles I faced, I may not even be alive today. I found my own lump through a self breast examination. Early detection was the key for me.
Women of my race have a higher mortality rate, typically because their cancers are detected in later stages. There are also many African American women who are paralyzed with fear to get a diagnostic test to see if the lumps in their breast are cancerous. Unfortunately in the African American community, many survivors struggle with the disease in “hiding” and alone. I serve as a role model by being open that I am survivor. For the women who are too ashamed or reluctant to get information, I serve as a resource they seek out privately. I also promote the message that this disease can affect young women and how important it is to know your own body and perform self breast examinations. Remember, there are numerous resources to help get your questions answered.
I feel it is important as a survivor to put a face to the disease and show that there are real people behind the statistics. I also believe that it is important for patients currently in treatment and those who have just been diagnosed, to see older survivors. They must know that there is life after breast cancer and that it is important for them to live it fully.
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