Happy Hump Day PFL!
Today I’m turning the blog over to a regular reader & commenter of PFL who happens to be my very dear friend for 14 years from FVSU and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.. I promise you that reading this post will bless your day. Join me in celebrating the journey of Arnethia Day as Rx Fitness Lady recognizes National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
October is very near and dear to my heart. Reason #1 is that both of my precious girls were born in this month. As of 10/9, they are both 10 years old until 10/27, only 11 months apart. Needless to say they were both VERY unexpected blessings 🙂 My youngest daughter Lanaia was actually born at 26 weeks gestation at a whopping 2 lbs 5.6 ounces. They are healthy, independent, and talented young ladies.
Reason #2 this month is valued by me is because its breast cancer awareness month. My dear sister Alesia “Lisa” Maddox Davis was diagnosed at the age of 41 with Triple Negative Ductal Carcinoma (Breast Cancer). The cancer was advanced when found, and she began immediate, rigorous treatment. After being diagnosed, she never skipped a beat. She worked, cooked, transported kids, and served faithfully at her church. It was absolutely inspiring to witness her bravery and perseverance. After several rounds of chemo, radiation, a double mastectomy and alternative treatments at Cancer Treatment Centers of America, Lisa took her rest peacefully on February 2, 2012 after valiantly fighting for 2 ½ years.
The final reason that this month is special is that I myself was diagnosed on July 29, 2010 at the age of 29 with Triple Negative Ductal Carcinoma in my left breast. The discovery of this was definitely orchestrated by God. I went for my annual gynecologist exam. I told her about my sister’s diagnosis. Standard practice was to take the age your closest family member was diagnosed and subtract 10 years to determine when to begin screening. I was 29 at the time so that meant I would wait 2 years. My recurring thought was “2 years is a long time.” I asked, “Since my sister tested positive for the gene, would it hurt to go ahead and begin screening now?” Her reply, “We can do it to give you peace of mind” (thank God for doctors who listen). The next couple of weeks encompassed a mammogram, breast ultrasound, biopsy, and the final diagnosis.
A week or so after my diagnosis I began to feel tired, nauseated, and dizzy. I mentioned to my husband that I didn’t feel good. “Do you think it is a mind thing?” My husband said, “Probably so”…then there was a pause and a puzzled look on his face…then he says, “Have you had your monthly visit?” (Side note: Ladies they pay a lot more attention than we give them credit for 🙂 )
Then there was another pause and a puzzled look from me. I said, “No I haven’t, but, that’s normal when you have a lot going on like this. I’m just stressed.” Later on I began to look at the calendar and decided I would take a pregnancy test in the morning to rule that out. Mind you I had come to grips with the fact that babies were probably a thing of the past since I had 2 heartbreaking miscarriages on 7/7/07 (twin boys) and 6/15/2008 (a little girl, on Father’s Day) each around 20 weeks into the pregnancy.
August 18, 2010 (which is my sister’s birthday) – I took a pregnancy test and almost instantly it had a positive reading!
Fast forward through a lumpectomy in the left breast, surgical biopsy of the right breast, port insertion, 4 rounds of chemo , weekly perinatologist (high risk pregnancy specialist) visits in Atlanta, weekly OB visits here locally all while working 40 hour weeks, being a mother to Alexis and Lanaia, a wife to my husband, and maintaining my duties at church…Dylan DeMontrell Day was born perfectly healthy on April 1, 2011 (yes, a April Fool’s Baby (God does have a sense of humor)) at 8 lbs 13 ounces. 3 years in and all of my screenings are good. 5 years I will be considered cured. I believe God has already made that declaration.
Thank you so much Nete for sharing with us today! I love you & the family to pieces. It’s an honor to have you here today and help honor the memory of our dear sweet Lisa!
Rx Fitness Lady wants to know…
- How are you recognizing National Breast Cancer Awareness month?
- Does you husband keep up with your monthly?
- Do you trust everything your doctor says or do you ask questions?
Rx Fitness Lady
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What a wonderful story just what I needed this morning. If it’s something serious I like to get a second opinion. My mother died of cancer and I don’t hate many things but I hate that cancer. Congrats on great screenings and wishing you a very blessed and healthy life for the future.
What an amazingly inspiring story. Sorry for the loss of your sister and your unborn children Arnethia. The many “non-coincidental” connections throughout your story gave be chill bumbs (I say non-coincidental because I believe God pre-ordained every occurrence, not chance). I hope you don’t mind if I add the Day family to my prayer list for continued blessings and prosperity.
Joi, thanks for sharing your friend/sister with us.
My hubs sometimes keep better tract of my monthly that I do.
I always encourage my patients to ask questions and do their research. If they have any doubt, don’t just take my work for it.. get a 2nd opinion. They always come back 😉
Every October we give out complementary new patient consultation, exam and xrays in exchange for a donation to either our local American Cancer society or Moffit cancer center. We usually end up making several hundred $ in donation. Also I organize a group of people “Team Hope” to walk in the annual ACS Breast Cancer walk. I didn’t do it this year though 🙁
Hope recently posted…Can a 6 year old read too much?
What a beautiful and amazing story. I am so happy she trusted her gut and asked for the screening. The thing about cancer is that it so dangerous because it could be happening and you have no idea! Thanks for sharing this amazing and courageous story it was a blessing to me today. The pics are so beautiful the kids are just so gorgeous.
as far as your questions–I ran a breast cancer run at blogalicious and yes, my hubby keeps right up with my monthly, especially if I snap at him more than once in a day… he automatically checks the calendar. LOL
Nellie recently posted…Weekly Wednesday Workout: Toe Touches
Awww…what a beautiful family you have and what an absolutely wonderful testimony Amethia! Thank you for sharing it!! This story hits close to home, as I’ve lost far too many loved ones to this wicked disease! It’s beautiful that you’re keeping your sister’s legacy/memory alive! She would be so proud of her sister’s tenacity! 🙂 May God continue to bless you and your family and I’m confessing that this dreadful disease was defeated by Jesus in your body and it stops right there! And it WILL NOT attack your children in Jesus’ name!
I pick my doctors like I pick my hairdressers Joi. We must be on the same page and I must be able to trust that they will give me what I deserve. You’re blessed to have such a beautiful friendship Joi…thanks for letting her share her story. Blessings my friend!
Michell recently posted…Doing YOU WELL Wednesday #37 and some co-hosting
Such an inspiring post. Reminds us the importance of getting checked and that our hubby’s are paying attention.
KalleyC recently posted…I Ain’t No Fortunate One
I don’t even know what to say or where to begin! The words “amazing,” “inspiring,” “strong,” “survivor” come to mind but really just won’t do you and your journey justice. I’m uplifted and strengthened by you. Thank you so much for sharing your unbelievable story. You’re family is just beautiful and you are all so lucky to have one another. You make me want to celebrate – February or no, let’s party!!!!
Allie recently posted…It’s Good To Have Goals
Thank you for sharing your story Arnethia. I think it’s really important that we force doctors to listen to us and I’m so glad it worked for you since you have such a beautiful family. In the past I have participated in Pilates for Pink to raise money for breast cancer but it looks like they are not doing it this year so I’m going to have to find an alternative!
FitBritt@MyOwnBalance recently posted…A Little California Sunshine in Palm Springs
Wow! Her story of is truly one of victory over defeat! God does have a sense of humor! Arnethia’s life story is one of inspiration, courage, and miracles! I pray many blessings to you and your family! I am going to make a point to check my breast more often as well as encourage the women in my family to do so. What a beautiful family! Thanks for sharing Arnethia’s story!
Sherelle recently posted…Blogalicious 5: Welcome To Atlanta Part 2
Thank God for a wonderful outcome. And I love the family pic. Smiles all around…
Yum Yucky recently posted…24-Rep Biceps Quickie
It’s so nice to hear a happy ending! Congrats to you and your family.
Kristiina recently posted…{Kris + Kristiina} Vegan Crab Cakes + Brussels Sprout Hash
I am so sorry about the loss of your sister and your unborn children. I’m glad you were persistent with your doctor. Truly an inspiring story…I am so glad you told it here with Joi today! We need to take control with our health! Your family is beautiful!
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My heart is so full and all I can think of to say is WOW!! What an AWESOME story. Joi thank you for having her guest post.
I do trust my doctors but I also ask questions. I am so glad her doctor listened and that God gave her the wisdom to ask!
Kenya G. Johnson recently posted…Encouraging Words…
What an amazing story – sad and hopeful. I’m so sorry for all of your losses, but glad for YOUR health.
Joi, my husband has no clue. When I was TEN days late because I was pregnant with Scarlet, he just thought that it was stress. I’m always on time! Ten days late!
I ask doctors a lot of questions. I talk their ears off.
Tamara recently posted…5, 4, 3, 2, 1…Blastoff.
I’m so glad that you had Nete share her story with us – I’m glad that through all of the hardships she never lost her faith and love the ending!!!
Thankfully, no more monthly issues for me!!!
Kim recently posted…Wacky Wednesday
Thanks for allowing Joi to share your story. You are truly blessed and have a beautiful family. Your strength and complete faith in the Lord is something that we all need to maintain not only in the time of a storm but each and every day.
What an incredible story! Arnethia really has lived through so much. Between the aches of loss…both of her sister, and her children, through the agony of her own diagnosis and treatment and then the joy of parenthood and a happy prognosis, I was hooked on this story. Thank you for sharing the story of such an inspirational woman!
Leslie recently posted…{Weigh In Wednesday} Week 42
What an incredibly, inspiring story! I am so sorry for your losses of your sister and unborn children, but I am so glad for the blessings you have of your health and your 3 beautiful children. I am glad you shared this story- I think we still think that getting sick or getting cancer doesn’t happen to young people. We need to be diligent in our healthcare and find doctors who listen, like yours did!
Leah Davidson recently posted…Quote of the Week
I’m very glad your faith, family, and friends were there for you in all of this!
I always question my doctors 🙂
Dr. J recently posted…To Pig out Or Not To Pig out, That is Our DNA Question
Thank you for sharing your story, Nete. I am a survivor of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Thank God a friend of mine urged me to seek medical help after complaining about a pain in my arm for weeks. I am currently staring at my mammogram reminder to schedule my appointment this month. Last year at this time when I had one done, each lady received a pink carnation at the end. My husband also knows my monthly schedule better than I do. You have a beautiful family.
Kimberly H. Smith recently posted…Red Fish Grill: Best Seafood Restaurant on Bourbon Street
Truly inspiring story. God showed up in and through it all, and what a blessing it is to have a doctor who listens! God be praised in it all.
Thanks for giving Arnethia the spotlight, Joi. This is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes!
Alison recently posted…Some things are better left unsaid
Beautiful, beautiful story. Beautiful family as well. Although Nete’s sister seemed to have really fought, I am always saddened by the devastation cancer causes, but comforted when people suffer no more. Glad you featured Nete. I never listen to everything doctors tell me. I don’t mind getting a second opinion and taking my instincts into consideration. My husband doesn’t keep up with much, my cycle included.
Andrea recently posted…Forget My Baby Can Read, My Baby Can Write! – GIVEAWAY
I am so very sorry you lost your sister. Thank God you spoke up and had a doctor who listened. And I am so very glad that you now have a clean bill of health.
Ilene recently posted…What If I Told You
thank you so much for sharing your story.. continued blessings to you and your family. i don’t trust everything my doctor says. i ask questions and i get second opinions if needed. my husband is clueless on when my monthly is coming.. 🙂
Losing in the City recently posted…Eat for Energy, Not for Comfort
I’m shocked, they are usually so on it!
I would like to simply say, great story!
It is a blessed story for sure!
You and your sister are an inspiration! I am sorry for your loss. I can’t image that. I can also see that you both have the same type of courage and perseverance. I’m not sure that I’d be able to continue to do so much with this type of diagnosis. Honestly, I’m not sure I do that much now.
My own mom was diagnosed with breast cancer in her 50s prior to menopause. I’ve had screenings every year since (I was in my 30s).
Doctors always get tons of questions from me. Your relationship with your doctor is extremely important — from your general practitioner to your ob/gyn — and I wouldn’t be happy with a doctor who didn’t answer my questions.
You have a beautiful family, Arnethia! I’m so happy to hear that you have been able to kick this. God has truly blessed you and those who get to know you. Thank you for sharing!
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