Survivor Saturday w/ Shanicka Rice - Maryland Portrait Photographer

Hello everyone!  Survivor Saturday belongs to Shanicka Rice.  Shanicka came with the most amazing wardrobe and was ready to embrace her full inner diva and was more than joyful to have this session!  Breast cancer was and is not stopping this young lady from living her life.  Her amazing husband was at the session also to offer his support as well.  We had a good time and just laughed and talked.  It is truly amazing to hear what each of these women have gone through.  Everyone please meet Shanicka and read her story!

 1. What type of cancer were you diagnosed with and when? Breast; 12/28/2010 & 11/14/2016

Well it was the second week in September 2016, almost 6 years after my initial Stage 1 BC dx. I was scheduled to see my plastic surgeon for my annual exam. I wasn't going to go because my implant felt fine. I'd already had five surgeries and I didn't want to endure another, so I had made my mind up and decided I wasn't going. The day of something just told me to call the plastic surgeon's office and that's what I did. After briefly speaking with the receptionist I decided I'd leave work and make my way downtown to Mercy Medical Ctr from Middle River. After a little wait, I saw Dr Chang. He examined my right breast which was my natural breast, the breast I paid more attention to because I always felt like if cancer reared its hideous self in my body again, it would be there. I had some sagging, but I was OK with that. My husband is fine with it , I'm fine with it and most importantly I didn't want a sixth surgery. So he gets to the left (my January 2011 mastectomy side). He says "you have something here under the skin that doesn't feel right; you need to get in with your breast surgeon". I've had a few scares in the past, so I was hoping it was just like the others- just some scar tissue or something of that nature. So on the way home from my plastic surgeon visit, I made a call to my breast surgeon whom I hadn't seen in close to four years. That next week my husband and I went to see him. He told me, there is something there so let's just get you in for ultrasound. So when I got home from the appointment, I  called advanced radiology. They had an appointment a few weeks out and it didn't seem urgent, so I took that date. I had the ultrasound which showed suspicion. The radiologist told me to get in touch with my doctor, then schedule the biopsy. I told her "no, I'm scheduling today". So that's what I did, and had it the next week. On 11/14, I got a phone call. The young lady on the other end of the phone said your breast surgeon wants to know when you'd like to come in. I replied "come in for what?" She says to discuss treatment options. I had just walked through the security gate at my job, planning to do a full days work.

I was able to do almost that , but around 1:30 it hit me like a ton of bricks. Over the following few weeks the devastation started to consume me. I couldn't believe this was happening to me again- 37 years old with BC twice. I did everything as the doctors instructed and was even on Tamoxifen, and not only did it return in the removed breast but it had spread to my lymph nodes. I had just celebrated my five year cancerversary of my last chemo on June 2. I went through so much emotional turmoil. I felt like I was not going to be here much longer. I also had thoughts of not doing treatment and just riding it out until God wanted to call me home by traveling to places I've never been, doing things I've never done and just living life to the absolute fullest with no worries, no treatment until it was my time to leave earth.  But here I am now. Had extensive surgery in December, today had my six of sixteen round of chemotherapy. I have another surgery ahead of me to redo my 2011 mastectomy that left too much breast tissue, reconstruction to my right mastectomy and port removal, then after I heal 30 rounds of radiation. After all of that is done, I also have to go on hormone therapy which will also change my life and not for the better. However, as long as I am here to share love and laughter with my loved ones, travel the world, truly feel good mentally, spiritually and emotionally and look good while doing it,  then I'm good with that!

2. How old were you when you were diagnosed?

31 & 37

3. What/Who helped you get through your treatment?

My will to watch my son grow up to be successful is the what. My husband, aunt, mom in law, sister friends & loved ones who visited me during surgery, recovery & treatment is The Who.

4. When were you deemed Cancer Free?

I consider my cancer free date 6/2/2011 my cancer free date as it was my last chemo in my first battle. 

5. What did you do to celebrate that special day and your anniversary day?

My husband gave me (and my brother in law who has renal failure) a surprise survivor party

6. Do you have any special charities that you are involved in or host as a survivor?

I am a mentor through S.O.S. (survivor's offering support) & Making Strides Baltimore

7. What advice would you give to someone that is just being diagnosed?

Cry when you have to, ask every single question that you have (write it down as soon as you think of it), educate yourself, improve your eating, try to maintain your normal as much as you can, tell people what you need and let them help you, pay attention to your body and take care of all of YOU.

Surivor Saturday w/Camille Goff - Maryland Portrait Photographer

I often am asked, "What led you to featuring cancer survivors?"  The answer is simple; everyone has a story and everyone should share their story to help the next person who they might not even know!  Just because an individual goes through cancer doesn't define them and I hope that this experience gives a little beauty back to the person because cancer wears a person down in so many ways.  This week our Survivor is Camille a breast cancer survivor and here is her story:

1. When and what type of cancer were you diagnosed with?

I was diagnosed twice with right breast cancer after I felt a palpable lump during self breast examinations both times.  The first time was in June 2004 at age 26 years old (one month before my 27th birthday) and the second diagnosis recently at age 38 in December 2015 (about a week before Christmas).  I was diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer both times in Stage 1, but with the most recent breast cancer I learned that the cells also have a “Grade” and my pathology report showed that my Grade was a 3, which meant that the cells in my tumor were poorly differentiated and more aggressive this time around.  A Triple Negative Breast Cancer diagnosis also meant that I had fewer options for treatment and could not be treated with hormone therapy such as Tamoxifen because it would not respond to that type of treatment.  I don’t have any family history of “breast” cancer although other types of cancer does run in my family.  I did genetic testing in 2004 BRACA 1 and 2 to see if I carried a gene mutation that could be passed on to my children.  I have two children - a 19 year old daughter and a 11 year old son. My daughter was 8 years old at the time of my first cancer diagnosis and my son wasn’t born yet (he was born a year later in 2005). The genetic testing came back negative.  I also did genetic testing after my recent diagnosis in January 2016.  When I met with the genetic counselor, she told me that there were more test now then back when I had the previous testing in 2004 to check for various gene mutations that they didn’t know about back then.  All the test came back negative, which was a relief for me but still didn’t answer where did the cancer came from.  I decided to go with an entirely different medical care team with the second diagnosis which consisted of an oncologist, breast surgeon, plastic surgeon, and my primary care physician.  Every year after I had my first breast cancer diagnosis, I had my mammograms and was clear each time with negative findings for any malignancy.  Around 2010, when I went to get my annual mammogram the radiologist started seeing areas that they wanted to further evaluate and biopsy in both breast, but the findings were all benign (no cancer) until December 2015 when the cancer came back.  Each year after 2010 was a very nerve wrecking experience when I went for my annual mammogram screenings.  I opted to have a double mastectomy with nipple sparring breast reconstruction after my second diagnosis.  I had made up my mind that I was going to do whatever I could to lessen the chances of a recurrence so I could live as long as possible.  I met with my oncologist and nurse and we discussed my treatment plan.  It was strongly suggested by my oncologist that I do chemotherapy this time around, which I dreaded (I will terrified of chemotherapy) but again hoped that maximum treatment would give maximum results.  My oncologist during the first diagnosis felt that chemotherapy would not make too much of a difference as apart of my treatment plan due to the size of the tumor, clean margins and no lymph node activity. I was also younger and wanted to have another child. The chemotherapy drug that was suggested could push you into early menopause and cause infertility. I had a strong survival prognosis with my first cancer diagnosis. I went 11 years without a recurrence. During this second diagnosis my treatment plan included the chemotherapy drug - Adriamycin (also known as the “red devil”), Cytoxan and Taxol.  This type of chemotherapy is harsh and causes alot of side effects, but my oncologist prepared me as much as possible with anti-nausea meds, nutrition plans, and other helpful resources. I read as much as I could to cope with all the symptoms and physical changes, but to actually go through it was another story.  I lost every strand of hair on my head and body.  My hair started coming out a lot after my second chemotherapy treatment. I tried to have some control over the situation and asked my husband to shave my head on April 20, 2016. I will never forget that day!  I actually started chemotherapy on March 31st, almost a month earlier.  My plastic surgeon had inserted the tissue expanders during my double mastectomy. The tissue expanders were hard and uncomfortable but their purpose is to stretch out the muscle in preparation for the breast implants. I had several complications while getting chemotherapy throughout my entire treatment which resulted in a total of 5 surgeries from Feb - Dec 2016.  To make a long story short - the previously radiated skin on the right breast from my first breast cancer would not heal from my original double mastectomy surgery in February 2016. The surgeon tried all kinds of ways to get it to heal but the skin was so damaged that the wound underneath my breast just would not heal.  I had to get the right tissue expander and my right nipple removed in May 2016. My surgeon and I discussed me having a latissimus dorsal flap procedure. He wanted to basically take muscle from my back to reconstruct my right breast, but suggested that we wait until I was done with chemotherapy for that procedure. He also had to insert a new tissue expander on the right side after my chemotherapy was completed.  I completed my entire chemotherapy treatment plan on August 18, 2016 surrounded by the infusion center staff, my husband, and my mom. I rang that bell and got out of there as quickly as I could! It was such a relief. What a long journey, but I was finally done for real after several delays due to complications and my treatment plan had been extended at least 2 or 3 times.  It had gotten to the point that I didn’t want to discuss what I thought would be my last actual date to be finished because my oncologist had to change my treatment plan due to all the issues that occured during treatment.   I really had a tough time, but I made it to the end. I experinced so many side effects that included things such as a bladder reaction - frequency and urinary spasms, intense itching, skin peeling, fingernail discoloration/nail loss, neuropathy in my hands and feet, excessive weight loss - I lost around 24 pounds and really felt grateful that part was finally over and I could begin to live again.  I could finally look forward to building myself back up physically and mentally.  I was off from work for about 6 months and was looking forward to getting back to my “norm” again.

2. Who helped you get through your treatments?

My husband and my mom helped me get through my treatment.  They were a HUGE support system for me. My mom bought vegetables, fruits, and whatever else she thought would be helpful to almost every infusion appointment.  My husband cooked every meal and took care of everything at home.  I never had to go to a doctor’s appointment or chemotherapy treatment alone. They sat with me during EVERY treatment no matter how irritated or unpleasant my attitude was on some days -they were there. I also got support in various ways from other family members and a few close friends and co-workers.  I got text, phone calls, cards, flowers, meals delivered, and gifts which reminded me that I was being thought of almost daily or at least weekly and I wasn't alone in my fight to battle cancer.  I am a very independent and a private person that would have probably tried to do everything alone but I am so glad that I accepted all the support that I received.  It was overwhelming at times, but so appreciated.  I am and I will always be very grateful.  I even got a surprise at my final chemotherapy infusion from a friend that I haven’t seen in years.  She was one of my closest childhood friends. I've known her since elementary school.  We hugged and cried - that moment was so special and priceless in the middle of waiting room of the infusion center.

3. When were you given the all clear?

I was actually deemed cancer free when I had my double mastectomy on February 16, 2016. That was the big surgery where the cancer was removed.  I can’t believe that it’s been almost a year already.  I plan to set the tone with this 1st anniversary and do something special for myself like this Survivor photoshoot every year moving forward. Enjoy time with my family - maybe we’ll go out to a nice quiet dinner that evening.  I can really celebrate on my birthday this summer in July that I made it to 40 and pray that God blesses me with many more. I am planning either a big party or trip.

4. Do you work with any charitites or have one of your own?

I am not affiliated in any special charities at this time.  I hope to get involved and mentor other survivors in the near future.  I have done breast cancer walks and given donations to various charities in the past.

5.  What would you like to tell someone who might have been just diagnosed?

I would tell anyone that has just been diagnosed that they will get through it all. To always Have Faith, Believe, and have Hope - Do whatever to keep yourself strong spiritually and mentally because the treatment can drain you in every way.  Try to do things to make yourself feel better, towards the middle of treatment, I learned that if I had the strength to dress up nice ...I felt better (Look good, Feel Good!)  I would also say - Never give up and keep fighting until you can’t fight anymore!  Be your own advocate when it comes to your me

Survivor Saturday w/Tabatha Smith - Maryland Photographer

When I started this journey to help women that have survived various forms of cancer, little did I know that these women would be so grateful for this small opportunity to have their portraits taken.  So much is taken from them in the time of their diagnosis and treatment that I wanted to be able to give back something fun and exciting.  All of these women have a story and I wanted to hightlight them and give them a chance to tell their stories.  Tabatha Smith is the newest Survivor to grace my blog and share her story!  You never know who you can help! Meet Tabatha...

I was diagnosed with stage 2A breast cancer at the age of 24. The date to be exact was March 24,2016, 3 days after I started a new job . While getting in the shower one day I decided to give myself a breast check, my right breast felt  great , so I moved over to my left breast , as I went around my breast it felt great , I decided to touch my left nipple and I felt a lump right behind my nipple .  I thought about it for awhile , as I started praying.  Cancer came across my mind, I prayed "God give me strength". I finally stepped  out the shower and went on about my day. I called my twin sister and I asked her what was the name of the Breast doctor.. she replied to me as she was giving  me the information and stated to me  you are ok, no worries, as I told her I found a lump in my left breast . I found the lump in my left breast in February 2016. I made an appt with the doctor, he did an ultra sound, felt my breast as well and stated to me I looked great and he was 100% sure it was no cancer and nothing to worry about!  I went home after leaving the doctor still praying and talking to God! I prayed that God would guide me and lead me in the right direction. I arrived home and my gut feeling told me "something is not right" I Went back to the doctor and I stated to him you have to give me a biopsy , It's the only way you can prove to me you are right!

He stated to me he did not have time for that, that day and my ultra sound was Normal .. I stated "well I have all day so I am not going anywhere until I get one" so finally he did the biopsy...he then stated "Tabatha your breast look great with no signs of cancer." Weeks and weeks went by , and I heard the results "your results came back as cancer."  I started talking to God, I called my mother and told her , she then hung up in my face. I never told my mom I had found a lump in my breast from the beginning.  I then called Darius and he stated I'm coming to get you , I replied back , it's ok I'll make it home . I made it to my car and drove with tears just flowing and talking to God. I stated to God , if you bring me to it, you will bring me through it! I never even realized I was strong, I believe I surprised my own self.

I went for a mammogram the same day and my mammogram was 100% Normal, no cancer was ever picked up from my mammogram. The next day I went to get an MRI, my MRI did pick up the cancer. I say this to say, you must know your body because NO doctor knows your body as well as you do!  I went on my life praying daily to keep me sane and to keep me from going crazy, not only was I devastated but I was more devastated that a doctor kept trying to convince me I did not know what I was talking about. I prayed through this whole process and God was truly my guide! My surgery was 8 hours long and I woke up very relaxed. I must say VCU did a wonderful job and I was 100% satisfied. My lump was about 2.1 cm. After  getting all my results back my oncologist decided that getting 4 rounds of chemo every 3 weeks would be the best for me, due to my age and preventative reasons . I prayed that chemo would not take me down and thankful I must say, it did not. I did not get sick one time with chemo! Faith is the key to everything! Through it all I am a warrior and I know I can conquer anything that is faced my way with God on my side. What  the devil  meant for evil God turned it around and meant it for my good!! Today at the age of 25 I stand strongly as a breast cancer survivor !

Bohemian Rapsody

Having the opportunity to work with models and a styled shoot is something that I love to do, so I naturally jumped on the opportunity to do so.  The day was cloudy and rained off and on but we still were able to capture a few great images and have an overall great day.