Vickie Patrick

My name is Vickie and I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2013. I remember getting the call to redo my mammogram. I really was not concerned because I was only 45 years old and never expected to be told the “c” word. Fast forward to the meeting with my primary doctor. The nurse escorted me to the exam room and said the doctor will be in shortly. After waiting for about 30 minutes because they were behind ,a calmness came over me as I prayed to accept whatever the news I was about to receive. It was then that I knew I was about to take a journey that would be something I had never done before. I was told that I had two tumors one in each breast but only one was cancerous. I went through a range of silent emotions in that office. I knew I would need to be strong because my family depended on me. I then had the task of alerting family while reassuring them that I would be ok. My surgery was about two weeks out to remove the tumors and begin radiation treatments. I completed 14 treatments before ringing that wonderful sounding bell following 5 additional years of preventative medication. The only effects of my treatments were tiredness and burned skin tissue making it uncomfortable but bearable because I was still alive. I went to work after every treatment teaching in an elementary school . I would pull together all the strength I had, walk in that classroom as if I was as strong as a lion and get the job done. I was determined to stay ahead of cancer and not let cancer lead me. The support I received from family and coworkers was amazing. I often would say don’t panic until you see me panic and my faith in God kept me anchored. I never said why me but why not me because I knew I was going through this because I would one day help somebody else. I have sat with and talked with many since my journey to offer encouragement and guidance throughout their journey. Some made it successful on this side and others healing was awaiting on the other side. I am a survivor!!!!!