WS Chronicle

By Busta Brown

Regina Burnette and Jennifer Barksdale have known each other for 30 years. They’ve always helped each other navigate the ups and downs of adulthood and their bond only grew stronger with time. But nothing could have prepared them for the moment that forever changed their lives. 

The news was no less than devastating: now both women faced a battle neither of them had expected. 

On June 28, 2024, while Jennifer Barksdale was at work, she received that phone call. “I will never forget it. I had my biopsy a couple of weeks before the phone call. It was after I had my mammogram. They told me that there were two areas that they were concerned with. 

“They expressed to me that I had what is called stage zero cancer. It’s called DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ). It’s where the cancerous cells were encapsulated within my milk duct. It was a Level 3, so they needed to be removed immediately. So, on June 28, approximately 2 p.m. in the afternoon, I learned I had cancer,” shared the mother of one. 

I asked, what was the first thought that went through her mind when she received the news?  She responded,  “How am I going to tell my daughter that I have cancer? That was really hard for me, because we’re extremely close. She’s my everything, my heart. That moment still brings out a lot of emotion, because it’s something that you just can’t imagine the doctor saying. So, of course, I cried and then I prayed.” 

I asked, what did she say to God? “I prayed that the cancer would be removed, and I could live for my daughter. To be able to be here for my daughter. I don’t know what I would do without her, and I’m sure it would be even harder for her to live without me.”

Regina Burnette had cancer twice. She was also at work when that life-altering phone call came. “I had to leave work because I was so emotional. It was May 2023 when I found the lump myself, so I went and got my mammogram. I had a biopsy, and eventually I received a call at work. They told me I did have Stage 1 cancer.” Like her friend for three decades, Regina has a daughter as well, “Unfortunately, I’m her only parent. Her father died ten years ago. So that’s the first thing I thought of – how I’m going to tell my daughter. I’m her everything, and she’s my everything. It is always us.” 

Regina made a promise:  “On May 24 [of this year] I was diagnosed with Stage 1 cancer again, and that’s when I said I beat cancer once and I will beat cancer again.” 

I asked Regina how she remained so positive and maintained hope after two battles with breast cancer and undergoing radiation treatment. “Because I am a strong person, I’ve always been independent, but my strength also comes from my family, my daughter and friends. They have been incredibly supportive and emotional about everything, and I felt the need to stay strong for them. I reminded myself that while cancer could affect someone else, it didn’t have me. If you keep the faith, God will bring you power.” 

Jennifer’s journey with her treatments had its challenges as well, which came with some tough decisions. “I had a lumpectomy on July 18. Unfortunately, the pathology report showed they didn’t get all the cancerous cells, so my surgeon gave me the option for another surgery to remove the remaining tissue.” There was no guarantee that they would be able to remove all of the cancer, and she had the option of either going through surgery again or having a mastectomy with reconstructive surgery. “I chose the latter,” said Jennifer.

She did some research and study to understand the possibility of the cancer returning, whether it could spread from one breast to the other, and which option would be best, “I decided that removing the breast entirely was the best choice. After my lumpectomy on Oct. 3, I underwent mastectomy surgery and am now in recovery. I’m working with a plastic surgeon and currently going through the reconstructive process. I’m waiting for my implant surgery, which will most likely happen in December. By then, I should be completely done with surgeries and, hopefully, fully healed. All the cancer cells were removed,” shared Jennifer. 

Both ladies took charge of their health by changing their lifestyle and habits, like quitting drinking, smoking, altering their diet and exercising. “It was tough to navigate these changes, after a diagnosis like cancer. My relationship with God provided me with the strength and comfort throughout this experience,” shared Regina. 

Jennifer blamed herself for the cancer diagnosis, for not listening to her body sooner. “My body started speaking to me in October of 2023, but I didn’t see my doctor until months later. But you realize that it’s not about personal habits or choices. It’s a relief to hear that your doctors reassured you that you didn’t cause your illness. That message is vital for so many people who might feel guilt or confusion. It’s not your fault,” said Jennifer. 

The close friends shared that along with God’s grace and mercy, having each other has also gotten them through some of the most difficult challenges. “Having the support of my church, family, and friends is incredibly important, but those who haven’t experienced cancer themselves often struggle to understand how mentally challenging it can be. Knowing you have cancer, going through surgeries, feeling the pain, and seeing your body change, is a reality you live with every day. I’m grateful to Regina for sharing her story on Facebook; it encouraged me to open up about my own experience,” said Jennifer.

After her lumpectomy surgery, instead of lying around and relying on medication, she chose to return to work right away. “Staying busy helped keep my mind occupied because, as Jennifer mentioned, it’s all too easy to let negative thoughts consume you. For me, maintaining a positive outlook was crucial, and continuing to engage in life allowed me to focus on healing and moving forward,” said Regina. Because of Regina’s post, one of her Facebook followers went for an early cancer screening, which ultimately saved her life.

Regina decided to hold a celebration of life to honor her incredible victories in beating cancer twice. This event was  a meaningful way to recognize her strength and resilience, bringing together friends and family in a spirit of love and support. “These days, it seems everyone is facing struggles because, well, life is just challenging. So, I decided to celebrate with people while we’re still here together. I had a great turnout at my event, and I announced that I would be donating to a cancer survivor. I chose Jennifer as the recipient of that donation.” 

“Going through this experience has made me realize how much I’ve delayed important things. It’s essential to prioritize selfcare: eat healthy, schedule your annual exams, and remember that self-examinations are especially important for women over 40. If you notice something feels different, don’t hesitate to seek help. Remember, it’s vital to walk, eat well, and truly prioritize your well-being. You deserve it!” shared Jennifer.

So, how is life after being cancer free? “I still have a couple more surgeries to go. Through my journey, I honestly can say that every day I look at it as a brand new day that God has given me to touch someone else and to give something positive to someone else. And I’m so happy,” shared Jennifer.  She continued, “No weapon formed against me shall prosper. Knowing that I have God on my side has carried me through this entire journey. I believe that as long as you keep your faith, you can overcome any challenge.”

My Phenomenal Persons of the Week are Regina Burnette and Jennifer Barksdale.