Speak Up
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and while it consist of major campaigns that raise funds to fight for a cure and support the people who are battling this disease, we can't even imagine the devastation cancer has on the human body. Unless you are the patient, a medical professional or a caregiver it may be difficult for you visualize just how hard cancer is on both the patient and their families. People like Tatiana McDonald of Huntsville, AL remind us of how out of the struggle can come clarity, healing and most importantly a spiritual peace that surpasses all understanding.
The summer of 2019 Tatiana found a lump on her breast, but did not rush to have it examined because she assumed it was a benign cyst. So on July 22,2019 Tatiana decided to go in for an exam just as a precaution and at the age of 29 she received the devastating news that it was indeed Stage 2 Breast Cancer. Her first response was pure shock to receiving the news, amongst a plethora of other emotions such as: fear, numbness and heartache “When you hear the word cancer, you automatically think it’s a death sentence” said Tatiana. She had been in the full swing of living her life, being a dedicated wife, mother to her four children, and she had just celebrated her birthday a few days prior. It was difficult to tell her Husband and the rest of her family, but they rallied around her and assured her that everything would be okay.
“I am so glad that God chose me from the very beginning because he knew that I was called for such a time as this”
Tatiana endured 12 rounds of chemotherapy,6 of those treatments, specially Adriamycin ,also known as “ The Red Devil”, were extremely difficult and this resulted in hair loss, fatigued, loss of appetite and feeling sick. After a lumpectomy and an extensive radiation process she was finally done with treatment by April of 2020. In the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic she was taking the medication that had been prescribed to her, but her symptoms still persisted. This prompted another visit to her doctor and unfortunately, the Cancer had returned, but this time it had metastasized to her lungs. The stress of the illness weighed on her heavily and began to take a toll on her mental health. “ I felt like I was no longer mentally present. Some days were better than others, but on the bad days I felt worthless.” Though Tatiana was struggling, she pressed on, she never lost faith in God and focused on His promises of healing, a future and the love of her family. “ I never stopped talking to God”. Tatiana said.
It has been four years since she was first diagnosed and in 2023 Tatiana had a seizure that resulted in her being rushed to the hospital and test results confirmed the cancer had returned a third time. Despite her Cancer returning again as stage 4 she has graduated with a degree in Health Administration and currently works in the medical field. “ I want to advocate for women, for them to feel worthy within themselves, period. Not just women who are battling Cancer, but everyone who has ever doubted themselves.” Today Tatiana has unshakeable faith in God and spends her time pouring into her children, spending time with family and speaking publicly about her struggle. It’s important to use your own voice to tell your story, because God chose you for a reason. “I am so glad that God chose me from the very beginning because he knew that I was called for such a time as this” Tatiana continues. “ My advice is to never give up and realize that Christ is your firm foundation, the rock on which you stand. You have Cancer, it does not have you.”
