Cancer Free:
Freedom Lemoi’ s Story of Survival
Breast Cancer: Two small words that bring terror to a lot woman and now even some men. Doctors aren’ t quite sure what actually causes breast cancer but they have been able to discover certain risk factors that lead to the cause. Lez- Elegance had the chance to interview Freedom Lemoi, An African American Mother who faced the scary battle of cancer. Free proclaims how important early detection is for women approaching their mid-30’ s. She shared with Lez- Elegance,“ I was the first person in my immediate family to have had breast cancer and had I not been firm about getting a mammogram, my sister might not be here, me having had early detection saved her life because she got tested when was 35 and had cancer as well.” Breast Cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow out of control in or even both breasts. The cells grow and eventually invade nearby tissues creating a mass. With breast cancer being the number one fear of a lot of women education, knowledge, and research funding is very important. Most doctors adamantly state that with early direction Breast cancer can be successfully treated. We sat down with free and had a candid discussion regarding her journey through cancer.
Lez Elegance asked: How old were you when you first diagnosed with Cancer? Freedome Lemoi: I was 35 when I was diagnosed. I used to get chronic migraines and decided to go to the ER. My crazy self-went in for a headache and asked for a mammogram. My CAT scan and vitals were good and they were sending me on my merry way. They told me I would not get my dietary mammogram until I was 40. I refused to leave the doctor office until I was scheduled a mammogram he then asked me if my mother or maternal grandmother had it and I told him No. so he said I wasn’ t a high risk. Me being stubborn still asked and I was tested 4 months later to have had cancer.
LE: What form( s) of cancer were you diagnosed? FL: Breast cancer
LE: You had to make some tough decisions regarding the care that you would receive. Where did you turn to for advice? FL: I was blessed to have had a lot of resources from the hospital and my doctors at Northwestern and Gilda Club Chicago.
LE: If you could give some advice to women before or after they were diagnosed with breast cancer what would you tell them? FL: Talk to someone. Get resources. Go to support groups. A friend of mine recently told her friend who was diagnosed with breast cancer about me an I began chatting with the friend. She told me even though she had support, she is so glad to have someone to talk to who had experienced what she was about to experience. Actually she just had a mastectomy April 2. I lost a breast, but not my breath. I’ m still alive and truly grateful. Being a mother with Cancer, did you tell your children? If so, how did you tell them? Hmmm... I didn’ t want to tell anyone and deal with it all by myself, but that would have been wrong and selfish. I know someone who didn’ t tell her kids and thought she was helping by not having them worry, but she caused more damage because she died and they didn’ t know how I’ ll she was. My partner, at that time, told my kids.
LE: During the process of treatment, how did your eating habits change? How did your daily life style alter? FL: I fortunately did not have to go through chemo. I had a mastectomy, 4 surgeries and on meds for 5 years. After my life changing experience of cancer, I started eating better and working out. I look and feel better now than BEFORE I had cancer. I’ m a pescatarian( vegetarian with fish and seafood benefits)
LE: What treatment did you receive? FL: Tamoxifen for 5 years after my reconstructive surgeries.
LE: How long was your treatment before you began the process of remission? FL: 5 years, which was last year
LE: Did your particular cancer come back? Or any other form? FL: No. No
LE: How is your health today FL: My health is good so far. We asked Free any General advice she would like to leave our readers. Free profoundly stated,“ If you have a family history, get tested. They say 40 is the age you should get tested and I think constantly about that because I was 35. I may not have made it to 40. If you or any one you know starts to notice any key changes in your breast or health period, please see a doctor right away. During regular physical exams you can ask your doctor to simply check your breast for lumps, changes in size, color, texture, or even fluid ejaculations. Be proactive in your health care and you to can help save your own life.
Written by: Victoria Miner
For more more information visit: www. nbcam. org www. komen. org
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