After getting over all the devastation and shocking news, I prayed to God, then called my girlfriends and told them all on the phone that I had been diagnosed with breast cancer. I thought my phone was going to burn up from them praying so long and hard! No matter what was ahead, I was ok because I trusted in God. I was still attending college at the time at the University of Phoenix completing my bachelor’s degree in Business Management, I was working, I was a Sunday school teacher, cooking, cleaning, homework, exercising, etc. I was still doing all the things I did before I was diagnosed. I want to say to all ladies and men, don’t ever get too busy to take the time to see about yourself. Please, please learn how to take care of you, so we all can create and celebrate more Birthdays! When I went in for surgery in January 2006, my mom and dad drove me to the hospital. While sitting in the back seat of the car, I could hear my dad, Sam Reed, saying “It’s going to be ok, baby girl.” Upon my arrival to St Vincent’s hospital for surgery and arriving to my room, there were so many members from church and family there. The first voice I heard was Catherine Grant saying “Hellooooo Regina!” - she always sings when calling my name and she still does! If you ever visit Northside church of Christ, she just might sing your name while greeting you. She really lifted my spirits. The nurse came in and saw all the people in my room and she whispered in my ear, “You are truly loved.” We all grabbed each other’s hand and we prayed to GOD for a successful surgery. My best friend Dorthea Gresham went in the back with me. She said a prayer - looking all scared - then I went back to have surgery. After surgery, believe it or not, I had a second surgery because they didn’t get all the cancer the first time. Then I endured eight weeks of radiation treatments at the Orange Park Cancer Treatment Center. Dr. Dwelvin Simmons was my radiation oncologist. He was very king and gentle manner, such a wonderful physician. The radiation treatment was therapy that attacked any abnormal cells that might have been missed, and it also decreased the risk of the cancer reoccurring. Nevertheless, I received minimal side effects. After I recovered, I continued to work and go to school. This took place for about thirty days. After work I would go to Orange Park Cancer Treatment Center. For treatments on the days I had school, I would do both. Continuation-Going through cancer treatment requires a lot of strength, physically and emotionally. When I arrived for therapy everyone got to know me, and we became family for 30 days. This was hard on my kids and family to see me go through cancer, trying to explain to them not to worry, but to pray. My sister, Brenda and mom, Betty would cook for me and the kids. My best friends Tonya Gadson and Sabrina Stargil would come over and clean my house from top to bottom. My family and friends really helped me a lot, they made the road easier for me and I thank them so much and I will never forget the love that was shown to me and my family. What we go through in life really shapes our character for who we become, if we let it. I think it helps us to be stronger for the future and to tell your story hoping it will help someone else. I finally graduated from the University of Phoenix with a business management degree and continued my education for my Master’s degree in Business Administration. God knows our beginning and our end. His ways are beyond understanding and even unto this day - allow him to direct my path. I will always cherish the support I received from my minister Charlie McClendon, church family and most of all my immediate family. My niece - Elicia Anderson, sister - Brenda Reed, mother - Betty Reed and father, who is now deceased, Sam Reed were very instrumental in my recovery process. My message to anyone who has been diagnosed with breast cancer is to never give up. Trust in the Lord thy God with all thy might and stay positive. It’s been an amazing journey for me. I have a different perspective of life and I appreciate things more. And now I can thank God it was me so that I can bless someone else by sharing my story. Now I spend more time with my family, I take more trips with my kids - during the summer most of the time. We really enjoy the water parks in Orlando, going to the movies, out to eat and spending time at home just chilling. As a breast cancer survivor I have truly learned that God blessed me to be here. So, ladies let’s do our Buddy Checks every month and our yearly mammograms so we can celebrate more birthdays! On this cancer journey my life has been enriched by beautiful people and experiences. I have a closer relationship with God and - to me - that was the greatest blessing. Hold on to Gods unchanging hand and God will hold on to you. Love you all! Regina Channele
Posted on: Tue, 15 Oct 2013 10:34:19 +0000
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