Carla Carter

Survivor

I am a survivor because God has a purpose for my life. Although, I did not truly understand until after going through two diagnoses of breast cancer. If it was not enough being diagnosed in ’04 with the shock and fear that comes with this process, the journey became even more puzzling being diagnosed a second time in ’14 on my 10 year anniversary of being cancer free. I went from having a lumpectomy and 6 weeks of radiation treatment the first time to finding myself in a 7 hour surgery having a bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction using Diep Flap. I also had 7 lymph nodes removed from my right arm. No radiation or chemotherapy but 10 years of Tamoxifen. It is a hormone blocker. In this breast cancer survivor journey, I have learned to just enjoy every day God gives me, love harder, forgive quickly, travel and allow God to use my testimony to be encouragement to those battling this horrible disease. I raise funds to donate for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. I speak out to bring awareness about early detection and just educate women in my community, job and church. I believe life is not about how long we live but how good we live in the time we are given. I encourage anyone going through breast cancer to never give up. Keep living and striving. There is always purpose even in darkness.