After a week off we are back with another Survivor at Catherine Rae Photography. Let me tell you that I love the Hawkins family!!!! LaQuisha came to her shoot ready to go and her two sisters accompanied her! They were a blast to have over for the session. We laughed, changed lipstick and just had a great time. They are a close family and their sisterhood and love for each other was evident. Please read LaQuisha's story and share with all you know! Everyone, meet LaQuisha!
1. What type of cancer were you diagnosed with and when?
I was diagnosed with Breast cancer Stage 0 DCIS and I was diagnosed on March 14. I had gone to the doctor(on March 4) for a severe headache that I had had for a couple of days that wouldn’t go away after taking medication while I was there the doctor saidit was time I have my mammogram so I took it that day and on March 10 the doctor called to say that it was abnormal could I come back in to retake it so I did and they saw calcium deposits in my right breast so I was asked to take a biopsy that same day (Friday, March 11). Then on Monday, March 14 on my day off while I was shopping in Target I got the call that I did in fact have breast Cancer Stage 0 DCIS(Ductal Carcinoma in Situ) which means in place that it has not spread. Needless to say I was devastated and couldn’t even finish shopping or drive myself home. I managed to call my Mom and she sent my Dad and cousin to come and pick me up.
2. How old were you when you was diagnosed?
I was 45 when I was diagnosed.
3. What/who helped you get through your treatment?
My faith in GOD and my family/friends have been and still are my ROCK. I never questioned God as to why this happened to me I just trusted that He would get me through and He did. He says I will never leave you nor forsake you and my family and friends were there right from the start when I first got the news and have been there ever since every step of the way changing their eating habits with me, going to doctor’s appointments, throwing me a Pink and White Party just being there for me for anything that I needed and I’m truly so thankful and blessed to have them.
4. When were you deemed cancer free?
I had a mastectomy and reconstruction on JULY 22 so I am happy to say that I am cancer free. It has been 7 months and although I’m still getting adjusted to this new boob for the most part I feel great and very grateful that I didn’t have to do chemo or radiation. PRAISE GOD so yeah I am BLESSED!!!!
5. What did you do to celebrate that special day and your anniversary day?
I haven’t really celebrated and I’m not sure what I will do on my 1 year Cancerversary I’m just thankful and grateful to be here to share my story so that it may help someone else.
6. Do you have any special charities that you are involved in or host as a survivor?
Not as of yet
7. What advice would you give to someone that is just being diagnosed?
Don’t give up. Keeping fighting and trust God that He will get you through. You CAN and you WILL SURVIVE…..I DID!!!! Also, read and educate yourself because every situation is different. Don’t be afraid to ask your doctors questions no question is a dumb one!
