Hello my name is Carla Swinson and I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer December 2008. I found the lump myself by examining my breast, but some deep thought told me it was Cancer and this was in June of 2008. Yes I had a mammogram December 07 and the test was fine but 6 months later as far as I could feel was a lump inside my breast the size of a baseball. Now I am very stubborn, I said well this is going to be a problem so I am going to do all I can do this summer. No I did not go to the doctor until October 2008 and after the testing was done it was clear that I had Breast Cancer Stage2C. Now I was told that it looks as if they could get it by operating. They (the Staff at Long Island Hospital in Brooklyn New York who treated me like a diamond) operated on me three times but the cancer was also in my chest cavity. April 09 I had a mastectomy with the start of reconstruction at the same time. After this operation in the recovery room my blood pressure went up to 262/198 and that is when I knew really God was there with me. This was so devastating for me, I consider myself a strong, positive, nothing can knock me down women, but let me tell you this situation did. Now keep in mind at this time now I have had 5 operations, now I must start Chemotherapy in which I had to take from June 09 – October 09, this was so bad sometimes I just thought I would die. This medicine makes you feel so bad. But after 2 sessions I setup my plan within myself, once I took Chemo 24 hours later up to 7 days would be the worst you could imagine, vomiting, not able to eat, feeling tired, finger nails and toe nails cracking and dark, tongue dark etc.
Now after that for two weeks of each month I felt good so I would go and eat and have fun until it was time for the next treatment. Now in November 09 I started on Radiation five days a week until March 2010. Radiation was not bad at all just made me tired and dark. Now I needed to start after this working on completing my reconstruction, so I had another operation to input my transplant. As of November 2010 the doctors say I am in remission. During all of the above I prayed, and God answered my prayers. I had so many people who love me praying for me all over the world and I thank them so much. If it was not for God, my parents, and 6 of the most special close family and friends I would not have made it through this. They pushed me and help me to keep good thoughts at all times even when I wanted to give up.
I sincerely hope my story will help someone to know do not give up, trust God. I am ending my story with this saying: THE BATTLE IS NOT YOURS IT’S THE LORD.
Oh my God, Carla this is so touching, and I am truly glad that you have accepted the fact that God is not through with You Yet, he has given you and us more hope that ever that you will Continue to live a joyful full and long life, because sis you are truly a sister and a friend, and we love you and your family deeply. Love: Tonya Smalls/Randy Green. TrueKinsman GrandLodge#1 / Tabitha GrandChapter of NYS. WE LOVE YOU CARLA!
Truly inspirational, Stay strong and when the burden gets too heavy for you to handle alone, know that you have someone to lean on whenever you need to. Love you!!!!
Beautiful people do not just happen — They are made.
Stay strong, God will always be there.