Latoya Malcolm Cancer Recovery

I remember the Friday afternoon almost a year ago my primary care physician told me over the phone, “your breast biopsy results show signs of malignant cells.” I automatically went into a state of shock and confusion: What? How? But I'm too young to have breast cancer? I immediately called my mother to give her the news, and then I cried. Since then, my life has been forever changed! Since my diagnosis, I have undergone surgery for a double mastectomy, fertility treatments, nearly five months of chemotherapy, lost my precious locs, completed breast reconstruction surgery, physical therapy, occupational therapy, underwent several other medical procedures, and am currently in the process of radiation. It has been taxing on the body. The pain and fatigue I have experienced have been so great that countless times I would cry out in pain when I could not independently pick my head up to drink water or walk to the bathroom without assistance. With COVID-19 and my being immunocompromised, I could not have visitors. Therefore, my mother has been left to be my primary caretaker. She gave up her job to ensure that I always had someone on hand to care for me, including feeding me, bathing me, and dressing me.

Cancer took away my freedom of movement, my independence, my educational and professional plans, and my income. As an educator, one of the hardest things was telling my students that I was diagnosed with cancer. Due to my cancer diagnosis, I have missed weddings, graduation ceremonies, my aunt’s funeral, my cousin’s funeral, my nephew’s basketball games, and loads of other events that were meaningful and special to me. As the year continues, I am unsure of what is next. I am uncertain of when I will return to work or when I will be able to return to my own home and live independently. As the end of active treatment comes close, cancer treatment will continue for the next 2-10 years to assist in the prevention of a recurrence of cancer. As I rebuild my life, I continue to appreciate the support I have received and the support I will continue to receive.