By Pamela L. Mangum, ThriveWell Diva & Warrior
Pam’s grandchildren Amir and Ethan. Pictured with Pam and fur baby, Kane.
The Diagnosis
Receiving a diagnosis of breast cancer is traumatic, but learning it was Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) changed my life forever. I was diagnosed with TNBC in 2011 and finished treatment in 2013; I remember it like it was yesterday. I received the call with the results just before 8 p.m. on a Thursday evening. It came as a shock, an unexpected twist in what I thought was a predictable narrative of my life. My initial reaction was a mix of disbelief, fear, embarrassment, confusion, anger, and anxiety, not necessarily in that order.
TNBC is a type of cancer where the cancer cells do not possess the receptors for estrogen, progesterone, and the HER2 protein, meaning it tests negative for all three. This makes it resistant to hormone therapies and the usual targeted drugs commonly used to treat other breast cancers. TNBC is more aggressive, faster-growing, affects predominantly African American women, and has a poorer prognosis compared to other forms of breast cancer. The lack of targeted treatments for TNBC only heightened my anxiety, as I realized I would have to undergo more aggressive forms of treatment. Awareness and knowledge empower us to make more informed decisions about the care we receive.
I distinctly remember part of my chemotherapy was known as the “Red Devil”; it was an IV with a blood-red fluid flowing through my veins.
The Emotional and Psychological Impact
Battling TNBC is not just a physical ordeal; it takes a significant emotional and psychological toll. The uncertainty of the outcome, the fear of recurrence, and my lack of control over the situation were overwhelming. I decided to control what I could, and that was my attitude. I had an awesome support system: my husband, my son, family, and a few close friends.
Kane who is going through cancer treatment. He has been Pam’s rock.
My motto was, “Cancer feeds off negativity.” I decided to surround myself with nothing but positivity. I became “selfish” in the sense that I embarked on this journey with an upbeat mindset and was not going to be brought down. No “pity party” for Pam. I could no longer be the sounding board for others. It was about me! My biggest motivation was to experience grandchildren and continue to be an advocate for animals in the San Antonio area.
Pam’s beautiful grandchildren Amir and Ethan.
I now have three awesome, perfect, and lovable grandchildren, ages 8 years, 6 years, and 4 months…this is what keeps me going. If I could recommend one thing, it would be this: grab whatever makes you happy/smile and hold on to it as you experience your cancer journey.
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