Survivor Saturday w/ Lynette Franklin - Maryland Portrait Photographer

Hey everyone!!! It's Saturday and today I am featuring this bright light known as Lynette Franklin!  She was so grateful for the is opportunity to tell her story and to help others.  During our session it was emotional for Lynette and this was part of her healing process and her moving forward in life.  Most time people that have cancer get stuck and these sessions are to remind them of their beauty and to help them see that IT ISN'T OVER, but a fresh start!  Everyone meet Lynette...

October 15, 2013 At the age of 38 I sat in my car and read a medical report which confirmed my biggest fear…I HAD BREAST CANCER.

On that day my life changed forever. Mentally, physically and emotionally I had to prepare myself for the battle of my life. Things that mattered previously no longer mattered and things that never mattered now mattered the most. I had no choice but to regroup. I had to keep praying, trusting and believing as I had always done before.

At this time I was a solider in the United States Army. I was hundreds of miles away form my family and friends. The ones whom loved me the most and would pray the hardest for me were the furthest away from me. During the emotional journey I was blessed with prayer warriors. They would pray for me when I was too weak to pray for myself.

I was blessed with women, ‘sistas’ near and far who encouraged me, inspired me and prayed with me and for me. I endured chemotherapy, radiation, a bilateral mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. This journey tested me on every level.

However, through my heartache, hurt and scars I am thankful and forever grateful for this part of my journey. It made me dig deep and prove to myself what I was truly made of. God has used me to create awareness, promote self-examination and encourage each other spirits.

Again, I thank you for allowing me this opportunity to tell my story. It is my hope that through the pain, tears, and emotional roller coaster I am able to inspire, encourage and motivate someone else who may have to go through such a life changing experience.

Survivor Saturday w/ Jasmine Pettross - Maryland Portrait Photographer

Hello everyone! Meet Jasmine the most recent to grace the blog as a cancer survivor.  Jasmine's session started calm and quiet as she didn't know exactly what to expect but once she sat in the makeup chair and the music started she was all in for this session!  Jasmine has the sweetest spirit and we had a great time.  Please read her story, like and share on social media to help raise awareness.

Jasmine was diagnosed with Stage 3 Colon Cancer at the age of 23 in March 2016. She is currently 24 turning 25 in May.

What/Who helped you get through your diagnosis?

That was the most difficult time for me but with the help of God, family and friends I got through it. My mom and dads side helped out a lot and helped me to see things in a positive way. My friends and family took me to my appointments and came over to keep me company. My friends were always there to cheer me up and to make sure I wasn't down. I leaned on God when I needed strength and he gave it to me, he might have made me wait but he never failed me! Another reason why it's was difficult was because I was told I wouldn't be able to have children unless I got my eggs frozen and that I would have to get my ovaries moved up and one taken out so I wouldn't go into menopause at a early age. I did complete those procedures. I was on chemo April 2016 to may 2016 and had radiation for 6 weeks as well everyday. The radiation caused me to have pain urinating and having a bowel movement.

When were you deemed Cancer free?
August 2016 is when I had my surgery to get my Cancer out. They also put a ileostomy bag on me for 8months. I was then cancer free. My pathology report came back negative for no signs of cancer. I was on chemo for four months just to make sure it didn't come back. I finished chemo January 15, 2017. I will get my ileostomy bag off in April of 2017. 

What do you do to celebrate your anniversary?

I officially celebrated going into remission January 15. I went out with some friends and had a great time and the next weekend spend the weekend at Massenuttin resort in Virginia with a girlfriend, the celebration is still not over. I celebrate everyday for getting a second chance at life!

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

I am involved with the organization We Cancervive. I give back to any one affected by cancer who is in need when I can. I go out and support the organization when they have fundraiser functions. It makes me happy when I can help out a cause like this. We are survivors. 

What advice would your give to someone that is just being diagnosed?

I would just say to someone who is diagnosed with cancer to just have faith. As soon as I had faith in God is when I started receiving blessings ! God truly saved my life and he can save yours to. He tested my faith. Don't let the pain take over you keep fighting and fight again and fight again ! God is working behind the scenes right now ! He got me prepared for something that my future holds and is making me stronger!My mission isn't over yet. He was more than my Cancer. Keep fighting and never give up!