Val's Rally Against Cancer
Donation protected
First, I would like to say hello then graciously thank you for stopping to read my Bio. My name is Valerie Hunter. Some of you may know me from Nurenberg American High, the band Needeep or from competing in NPC fitness. Those of you that grew up with me know…I am a very private person and I never want to burden people because I feel they have their own problems to worry about. The reason for my writing today is because my sisters and friends have been telling me to please not let my pride get in my own way. That it is fine to ask for help when you are truly in need and it takes a village. Well, I’m going to put my trust in my family, friends and God and speak out and know that God will make a way.
Three months ago, I found out what the true meaning of a healthy lifestyle meant and I wasn't living it. It is more than eating right and exercising. Two of the things I always took and continue to take serious in life is health and fitness. I lived in the gym 5-7 days a week and Whole foods was my second home. I even tried to make sure I bought healthy things, so I thought. Even my friends would tease me. If there was a event that I had to bring food too, They knew it was going be something healthy or as my friends would say…”A hot bowl of nothing!” I thought I was living the right way and doing the right thing!
Well, I thought I did until my surprise. On, December of last year I found a lump in my breast. I didn't think anything of it because I had a small breast procedure (capsulectomy of a small area) 10 months prior. I thought it was scar tissue. I worked for a plastic surgeon and I saw this lots times with our patients. They have breast surgery and may find some type of lump and we send them to get a CT scan just to make sure it is nothing serious. It almost always comes back as scar tissue as a result of the surgery. So, I thought that’s all that was wrong with me. I had scar tissue as a result of my surgery. I should have taken the advice I give the patients. I should have taken a moment to check on me.
I am the type of person who does everything for everyone else but never finds the time for myself. I know it sounds crazy, but that is what I did. I would work and never take off because I just had to get it all done. I loved my job. I loved my friends and family. It’s funny how it takes something serious to happen to realize some things about your life. I never realized that I was prioritizing everything but myself. I think deep down I figured it would go away because it can’t be anything serious. I mean, there is no way I have anything like Cancer!
So, I just went on day by day thinking that it was scar tissue. Four months later, I felt weird. I knew something is not right. I felt it and it was bigger. I was scared! I finally made an appt with my doctor. She ordered me a mammogram. I could not get an appointment date immediately she was all booked. I didn't make it to that appointment till a month later. I finally get to the doctor and I do a mammogram followed by a ultrasound. Then the doctor ordered an immediate biopsy for the following week. At this time I am still cool. I’m holding my faith. I’m not too worried because I am thinking I am healthy and I feel great. I know its scar tissue. I am scheduled the following week to get my biopsy and had to now wait a week for my results. That was some stress. Although the doctor made me feel good because she to thought it was scar tissue, I was still a bit anxious.
The day came for my results 4/21/16. It was ironic because that’s the day after my son’s birthday who passed 4 years ago. I get the news that I have the big C. Yes, breast cancer stage 2b. It had already spread to my lymph nodes. Then the rug is pulled from under me twice. I get my MRI results a month later and it shows that I have another mass behind the tumor. I believe that came from the aggressive biopsy because it wasn't there until after I had the biopsy. I had my MRI 1 month after the biopsy.
I was devastated. I couldn't believe it. I stomach turned inside out and I wanted to vomit when she said it. She sat me down and began to tell me about the cancer I had. I could see her mouth moving but I couldn't make out what she was saying. It sounded as if she was under water. My heart felt like a ton of sharp rocks. The pain was overwhelming. I felt like why me and how did this happen? I wanted to just drive my car into a wall after I left. All that consumed me was thoughts. I thought why???? How did I get this? What did I do wrong? Is this my destiny? I just lost my son. He was my everything! Lord…Losing my son 4 years ago was the worst pain I have ever experienced. I am still not over it. It still hurts like yesterday. I just learned to live with the pain. God had to have me every step of the way. If I didn't have my faith in him I know I would not be alive to have cancer today.
I cried and thought.. how? Could this be a mistake? I know I have to live. I would rather have a life with cancer and a chance to beat it then no life at all. So, I set out to get a second and third opinion. I found it was so true and I really had the big C.
At that point, I started praying more and searching for my answers through GOD. I knew that stress would only feed the cancer. I prayed all day. I knew god had helped me get through the death of my son. I had to continue to put my faith were I know I will win. Those of you who know me know that I am not an open book. I keep everything inside. I was going to keep this private but when I prayed I knew this journey of mine would be a testimony. I now know I can’t make this journey alone. I want to live.
I never thought I would ever have to ask for something like this but I humbly ask for your help. I am reaching out to friends, family, new friends, new family, anyone who can help. I would be so grateful for anything that you can give to help me reach my goal to get my treatments and get healthy again. I have exhausted my resources and have been responsible for 22,000 in hospital bills already. I was advised my continued treatments alone will cost me upwards of $30,000 going forward.
I know these days are hard and we are all struggling. I thank you in advance for you help and support with this matter. I am truly thankful and honored.
Three months ago, I found out what the true meaning of a healthy lifestyle meant and I wasn't living it. It is more than eating right and exercising. Two of the things I always took and continue to take serious in life is health and fitness. I lived in the gym 5-7 days a week and Whole foods was my second home. I even tried to make sure I bought healthy things, so I thought. Even my friends would tease me. If there was a event that I had to bring food too, They knew it was going be something healthy or as my friends would say…”A hot bowl of nothing!” I thought I was living the right way and doing the right thing!
Well, I thought I did until my surprise. On, December of last year I found a lump in my breast. I didn't think anything of it because I had a small breast procedure (capsulectomy of a small area) 10 months prior. I thought it was scar tissue. I worked for a plastic surgeon and I saw this lots times with our patients. They have breast surgery and may find some type of lump and we send them to get a CT scan just to make sure it is nothing serious. It almost always comes back as scar tissue as a result of the surgery. So, I thought that’s all that was wrong with me. I had scar tissue as a result of my surgery. I should have taken the advice I give the patients. I should have taken a moment to check on me.
I am the type of person who does everything for everyone else but never finds the time for myself. I know it sounds crazy, but that is what I did. I would work and never take off because I just had to get it all done. I loved my job. I loved my friends and family. It’s funny how it takes something serious to happen to realize some things about your life. I never realized that I was prioritizing everything but myself. I think deep down I figured it would go away because it can’t be anything serious. I mean, there is no way I have anything like Cancer!
So, I just went on day by day thinking that it was scar tissue. Four months later, I felt weird. I knew something is not right. I felt it and it was bigger. I was scared! I finally made an appt with my doctor. She ordered me a mammogram. I could not get an appointment date immediately she was all booked. I didn't make it to that appointment till a month later. I finally get to the doctor and I do a mammogram followed by a ultrasound. Then the doctor ordered an immediate biopsy for the following week. At this time I am still cool. I’m holding my faith. I’m not too worried because I am thinking I am healthy and I feel great. I know its scar tissue. I am scheduled the following week to get my biopsy and had to now wait a week for my results. That was some stress. Although the doctor made me feel good because she to thought it was scar tissue, I was still a bit anxious.
The day came for my results 4/21/16. It was ironic because that’s the day after my son’s birthday who passed 4 years ago. I get the news that I have the big C. Yes, breast cancer stage 2b. It had already spread to my lymph nodes. Then the rug is pulled from under me twice. I get my MRI results a month later and it shows that I have another mass behind the tumor. I believe that came from the aggressive biopsy because it wasn't there until after I had the biopsy. I had my MRI 1 month after the biopsy.
I was devastated. I couldn't believe it. I stomach turned inside out and I wanted to vomit when she said it. She sat me down and began to tell me about the cancer I had. I could see her mouth moving but I couldn't make out what she was saying. It sounded as if she was under water. My heart felt like a ton of sharp rocks. The pain was overwhelming. I felt like why me and how did this happen? I wanted to just drive my car into a wall after I left. All that consumed me was thoughts. I thought why???? How did I get this? What did I do wrong? Is this my destiny? I just lost my son. He was my everything! Lord…Losing my son 4 years ago was the worst pain I have ever experienced. I am still not over it. It still hurts like yesterday. I just learned to live with the pain. God had to have me every step of the way. If I didn't have my faith in him I know I would not be alive to have cancer today.
I cried and thought.. how? Could this be a mistake? I know I have to live. I would rather have a life with cancer and a chance to beat it then no life at all. So, I set out to get a second and third opinion. I found it was so true and I really had the big C.
At that point, I started praying more and searching for my answers through GOD. I knew that stress would only feed the cancer. I prayed all day. I knew god had helped me get through the death of my son. I had to continue to put my faith were I know I will win. Those of you who know me know that I am not an open book. I keep everything inside. I was going to keep this private but when I prayed I knew this journey of mine would be a testimony. I now know I can’t make this journey alone. I want to live.
I never thought I would ever have to ask for something like this but I humbly ask for your help. I am reaching out to friends, family, new friends, new family, anyone who can help. I would be so grateful for anything that you can give to help me reach my goal to get my treatments and get healthy again. I have exhausted my resources and have been responsible for 22,000 in hospital bills already. I was advised my continued treatments alone will cost me upwards of $30,000 going forward.
I know these days are hard and we are all struggling. I thank you in advance for you help and support with this matter. I am truly thankful and honored.
Organizer
Valerie Hunter
Organizer
Atlanta, GA
