Survivor-Notes from my talk at the 'Run for Cure' Cancer awareness event Sat 16th June 2012 in Lagos

I cannot stress enough the importance of routine breast examinations.
It was during a routine self breast exam, that I felt a lump in my breast, and this set about the investigation to find out what it was. To be honest, my initial concern at discovering it faded, as I told myself there was nothing to worry about, until I started feeling pain that radiated to my upper arm. My further mammograms revealed not one lump, but two. The second one which I could not feel I later discovered , was bigger than the one I had felt. Imagine what would have happened to me if I had not done the breast exam! 
I didn't fully understand the import of the word 'breast cancer survivor' until I got diagnosed , and went through the mental, physical and emotional process of dealing with cancer. Prior to getting this news, my family and friends and I were in a place of rejoicing -for I had just come through another health challenge which left me bed ridden for a while, and for which I  needed physiotherapy to regain the proper use of my muscles .  I was scared when I got the biopsy results that confirmed breast cancer. I really thought this time, I am being called to my maker. 
 
Although I was scared, I decided that I was not going to allow fear to rule my mind. One of the things about fear is that it will kill you before you are dead. It will paralyse you, such that you won't do what is the best for you.  
Yes, I was afraid, but beyond that fear, I reached deep within to my faith again, and re affirmed two things. I decided that I would believe in these two things regardless of the outcomes of the diagnosis. The possibility of suffering and death loomed large, but I kept affirming these two things that were ministered to me, in my effort to reach beyond myself to something greater, as a coping strategy.
I simply re affirmed that
1. I am whole in Christ Jesus
2. God's love for me is from eternity to eternity. I decided that I would not be afraid of death, however, I would fight even to the last breath in my nostrils.  I also decided to choose joy.

Joy, like love is a choice. I refused to set my eyes on, or listen to anything that would feed fear and depression, and took steps to get healing. I know that choosing joy in this situation is counter intuitive, but God doesn't work the way we do. My choice in retrospect became my mustard seed faith, and God amplified my choice such that I was in the peak of mental and physical health by the time I showed up for my surgery. I went under the knife with this Joy of the Lord that transcended  my fear.

Healing is a complex thing that encapsulates faith, mindset and medical intervention and I went to war using these three frontiers. I think it very important to  have a multi faceted approach.
I have maintained the healthy eating lifestyle I adopted for over 25 years, and continued with an exercise regime, all of which have contributed greatly to my quick recovery.
I stand before you today grateful to my God almighty for this privilege to briefly share my story.
Thank you.