“Do your breast self-examinations, have your regular mammograms and most importantly, if you feel something, do something about it immediately.”  Sandra Alleyne

In 1981 Sandra Alleyne lost an aunt to breast cancer and two years later her mother suffered a similar fate.  Having lost two close family members to breast cancer, Sandra made sure she did monthly breast self-examinations and got regular mammograms.

It was during a routine visit to her gynecologist, that a lump was found in her right breast. A mammogram and an ultrasound were performed and on September 23, 2011, at the age of 54, Sandra received the results that would change her life. She was diagnosed with stage 3A breast cancer.

“I felt numb and scared,” said Sandra. “If you had stuck me with a pin you would have gotten nothing.”

The cancer was aggressive and the treatment process included 24 sessions of chemotherapy to shrink the tumor, followed by surgery and seven weeks of radiation therapy, five days a week. Sandra’s family history of breast cancer prompted her decision to have a double mastectomy.

“I did not want to deal with the possibility of the cancer spreading to the left breast and having to go through the process all over again,” she said. “I also had my hair shaved prior to receiving the chemotherapy, because I felt it would have been more painful to see my hair fall out with each treatment.” Sandra experienced temporary hair loss.

Having a very supportive network during her breast cancer experience is one of the many blessings for which Sandra is truly thankful. Friends or family members accompanied her on medical appointments. She also received spiritual encouragement from various prayer groups here in the USA and in her native Barbados. Her family members would also pray with her on the phone. Before each chemotherapy treatment and the surgery, Sandra met with the Cursillo movement within the Episcopal Church.

As with many cancer patients, financial obstacles presented a challenge during the treatment process. Sandra is a hair stylist and it was difficult to perform her work during the months following the surgery.

“My family came together and assured me that they would support me and told me not to stress over finances. They told me to stay positive and prayerful and that we would get through this together,” she said. “The American Cancer Society and Cancercare.org also provided support during my experience.”

“At the Brooklyn Hospital where I received treatment, a breast cancer navigator was assigned to me and she called me on a daily basis to make sure I was eating, to see how I was dealing with the after effects of the chemotherapy and very importantly to make sure I was not depressed,” Sandra recalls. “When I was feeling low, the navigator gave me some reassuring words that were comforting and helpful. She knew how to respond to my needs and concerns, and she answered my questions and guided me through the process.”

On National Cancer Survivors Day, June 5, 2016, Sandra shared her breast cancer experience with the congregation at The Church of St. Mark, Episcopal in Brooklyn, New York. She thanked the Barbados Cancer Association USA (BACA), Inc., for its cancer awareness activities in the local community.

“Breast cancer is not a curse, it is a disease,” she said. “Do your breast self-examinations, have your regular mammograms and most importantly, if you feel something, do something about it immediately.”

Article by Heather Marsh