Just when you think you've got it beat....   |   Saturday, April 21, 2012

Marcella has heard a Doctor say those dreaded words, "cancer" THREE times now. After a routine mammogram, she was originally diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer in 2009. Enduring surgery and chemotherapy, she felt like she was in the clear, but not so. Just about a year later in 2010, cancer was found in the remaining breast. Again, going through surgery and more chemotherapy, she felt for sure she was going to beat this! But, just when she began to feel comfortable that the cancer was finally gone, more was found in her chest wall this spring. Currently, dealing with more chemotherapy and the prospect of upcoming surgery in May to remove much of the chest wall, she remains positive. But Marcella knows what it's like to fight. Fleeing an abusive relationship as a young mother, she left with the three kids and has managed to raise them all alone, fighting for every opportunity for them and herself.

"I fight and do what I need to do."

Marcella doesn't have much choice. She's 50 years old and is now raising 3 grandchildren AND works full time. She says she has to STAY STRONG. Having lost her sister to breast cancer in 1993, she is confident that she'll beat the cancer. "I have a good support system", she says. She also wants other women to "be their own advocate" when it comes to treatment and making your needs known. "You've got to continue your life.... cancer's not going to take over my life. I'm going to win." She really enjoyed her photo session and especially the make-up application at Douglas J. "They even put falsh eyelashes on me! Mine are gone."

Labels: #bebold, bald woman, bald women, Be Bold Feel Beautiful, breast cancer, breast cancer awareness, cancer, Non-profit, susan g. komen, Terri Shaver, The Oldham Project

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