Survivor Saturday w/ Charelle Barnes - Maryland Photographer

Hey everyone!!  It's Survivor Saturday and today I bring you Mrs. Charelle Barnes.  She came to the session with her son who was so attentive to his mother and so sweet.  Charelle's personality is larger than life and she knows how to have a good time.  I have been doing these sessions for a while now and I have not had one with a person that has been given a terminal diagnosis.  Hearing Charelle's story really touched me and to see her still working and taking care of her family was inspiring to say the least.  Please read her story and keep her and her family in your prayers.  Please meet Charelle...

1. What type of cancer were you diagnosed with and when?

I was diagnosed with cervical cancer on May 10, 1994 just less than 2 months shy of my 21st birthday. I didn’t know what cervical cancer was or how you could get it. My doctor scheduled my surgery date less than a week later. After having surgery, I was advised that all the cancer had been removed, but I would never have children. I was devastated because I was so young and all I ever wanted to do was get married and to be a mon. As it turns out, I got pregnant and had my first child on April 23rd, 1995. I tried breast-feeding my son, but he would not latch on. When I went in for my six-week check-up, the doctor found a lump and recommended testing. After all the testing was done the results came back that I had breast cancer. I had a lumpectomy this time I had to have chemotherapy and radiation. Between all that, I got married on July 7th, 1995. After finishing radiation, I was told I was CANCER FREE. In early 1996, I started not to feel well but I didn’t think anything of it. Went in for a check-up and he doctor was concerned because my blood counts were a little off and I told him how I’d been feeling and the pains I was having in my chest. He ran more test and I was told my cancer had returned. It was a Stage IIIB, like I really knew what that meant. The oncologist recommended that I get a double breast mastectomy. I had no one to talk to because there was no one my age going through or had gone through what I was going through. I talked with my husband and he said I’m behind you whatever you decide I’m not going anywhere. I prayed about it and decided not to have it. My doctor was furious but the decision was mine to make and live with the consequences. I was scheduled for surgery and started chemotherapy shortly after. I was going in to have my bloodwork done to get my 2nd chemo treatment and was told I was pregnant. I gave birth to my second son on December 31st, 1996 and immediately started back on chemotherapy.

In 2010, at the age of 36, I was told my cancer had metastasized to my lung, stomach, bone, and brain. My cancer is now terminal. In 2012, the doctors gave me a year and then less than 6 months to live. I’ve out lived that time frame. I’m still here; I’m still fighting.

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

My family, especially my husband, and my relationship with God. (and not wanting another taking my place😀)

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

I've only celebrated once and that was when I celebrated my 20th Warriorversary. I went out to lunch with my bff Shay and her mom Ms. Jackie and we had brunch with a cake.

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

Shay Sharpe's Pink Wishes

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

Keep God first! Do not tackle this battle alone. Make sure to have the most important people around you that will pray for you, encourage you, and most importantly help you. Be your own advocate. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger.

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.

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/ Doretha Burrell - Maryland Portrait Photographer

AMAZING is the word I use to describe Doretha.  She was so appreciative of the session and grateful for our time together.  I had a blast with her and her daughter.  Shecame ready to be photographed and had the most up beat personality!  Doretha is a force to be reckoned with and she is a mover and shaker.  Please read her story and share with others so they might be encouraged.

1.      What type of cancer were you diagnosed with and when?

I was diagnosed on January 3, 2007.  I was diagnosed with Stage II Breast Cancer and it was an aggressive form of breast cancer.

2.      How old were you when you were diagnosed?

I was 50 years old at the time when I was diagnosed.

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

My lovely daughter, Andrea, my granddaughter, Jayla and at the time my significant other, Jim helped me get through my treatments.  My granddaughter, Jayla was only 2 years old and she would accompany her mom to my treatment and would sit right next to me in a chair as I was administered chemotherapy.  She is now 12 years old and she supports me along with her mom, Andrea on anything I do regarding workshops, walks, etc.  I am truly blessed with my support system now ten years later. At the time of my treatments, I was living in PA and my sisters drove there to visit me.  A friend, Jean, was the brave soul that came to the house to shave my head, which was devastating to see the hair fall to the floor. Having the faith, strength and courage to battle this disease, breast cancer, made me mad and angry for a little and getting mad with it made me push harder to fight it.

4.      When were you deemed Cancer Free?

I considered myself cancer free as soon as I went thru my surgery and was told by my oncologist that I was cancer-free.

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

To celebrate that special day and my anniversaries and actually EVERY DAY, I spend time talking and praying to GOD to thank him for allowing me to see another day and keeping me cancer-free.  Normally we go out to dinner to celebrate , but this anniversary date which was my 10 year anniversary,(Jan. 3, 2017), my morning started off at Patient First to get checked for a bad cold that I had picked up and I wasn’t feeling well.  So, sometimes plans do not go as we want, but one thing for sure, I was getting checked out by the doctors by having blood work performed.  So even though I was not able to celebrate as I had planned, I am still fine with the day because I am ALIVE and CANCER-FREE. After I left Patient First feeling relieved that it was nothing but a cold virus, I proceeded to Macy’s to catch a few after Christmas salesJ.  I had a nice quiet day to myself and shopped.  I made the best of the day and will continue to celebrate EVERY DAY! I NEVER work on my anniversary date.  That date is ALL ABOUT ME! After all, I deserve it from all the cries, .treatments… chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, Herceptin and the many prescriptions needed to help with the recovery.

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

I formed a 501 c3 breast cancer foundation, “Y-U Breast Cancer Foundation”.  Our mission is to take 3-4 women per year on a Road to Recovery Excursion.  The day is all about her.  Thus far, we have granted 3 women for the trips.  We actually returned from a road trip on Dec.29, 2016 as the last one for 2016.  Our breast cancer survivor chose to tour Washington, DC.  Her mother from Florida accompanied us along with our marketing director.  We had a great time touring the Thomas Jefferson Building, The Library of Congress, and The Supreme Court and then we had the opportunity to ride the Big Bus Washington DC, where we enjoyed a lovely bus ride for 2 hours.  We finished our trip with dinner at The Cheesecake Factory in Annapolis. I usually fund these trips from my own monies because we do not a lot of fundraising events and funding, but I do know one day real soon someone will donate lots of money to us so we can get that RV to take these women on the excursions.  For now, I put the “Road to Recovery” signs on my car and we keep it moving.  I have faith that we will get the funding needed to keep these trips for the women battling breast cancer!

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

I know first-hand how devastating it can be to hear the words “you have cancer”. Please know that you are not alone.  There are many of us willing to call you, talk with you, cry with you and do anything that we can to comfort you.  You will begin to converse with people about varies subjects and you will find that more times than not, many of the people that you talk with have either been diagnosed with cancer or is a care-giver to someone who has or is currently battling cancer.  Stay strong and focused, pray and keep the faith!

Allow friends and family to help you.  You might find it tough to receive help because I am sure you are the one always helping others and do not know how to accept help from others.  Friends and family really do want to help but often they just don’t know what to do…so please let them help you.  They really do want to help.  Remember they are affected too because they love you and want to see you through this ordeal. Most importantly surround yourself around positive people. 

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!