Photo donated by Mrs. Kellie Cook.
In July 2018, Mrs. Kellie Cook’s life changed drastically. Within just eight days, a routine check-up led to a breast cancer diagnosis and the immediate start of chemotherapy.
Facing an aggressive form known as triple-negative breast cancer, Mrs. Kellie began a year-long battle that included chemotherapy, radiation, and a double mastectomy. Although her oncologist gave her only a 10% chance of a complete pathological response – meaning no remaining signs of cancer in her body after treatment – Mrs. Kellie defied the odds and achieved this outcome. She credits her unwavering faith in God and the steadfast support of her family, friends, and community for helping her through this challenging season.
When asked for advice for women currently undergoing breast cancer treatment, Mrs. Kellie said “The most important thing is to rest and hope in the Lord and in His promises and in His goodness and love for you, and to find a good support system through family, friends, or a cancer support group.”
Mrs. Kellie’s resilience and faith shone through every word she spoke. Since overcoming her own battle, she has been a source of encouragement and support for many women in her community facing breast cancer, making a profound impact on the lives of those around her.
She advised women facing similar challenges to avoid “spending a lot of time on the internet reading all about their breast cancer.” When explaining her reasoning, she added, “Your doctors know what to do and what your treatment plan is. You don’t need to fill your head and your heart with all the scary scenarios and statistics that could happen. Their story is not your story.”
In emphasizing the importance of health screenings and cancer prevention, Dr. Joseph Cook, a family medicine physician, advised, “It’s essential to establish care with your primary physician to stay current with all necessary breast cancer screenings, which can vary based on your personal and family health history.” He added, “Maintaining optimal metabolic health and taking care of your body can also significantly reduce the risk of breast cancer.”
Mrs. Kellie’s journey highlights the power of resilience, faith, and support in overcoming breast cancer. Her story serves as a reminder of the importance of regular screenings, trusting medical guidance, and maintaining hope, offering strength and inspiration to all facing similar battles.