Breast cancer survivor thought diagnosis was death sentence

When Jeanette Moore received the dreadful news from her oncologist that she had stage 2 breast cancer, she immediately called her loved ones and told them she was on the brink of death.

For her, at that time, a cancer diagnosis meant that she was sitting on top of her grave. But now, the Portland native says she has kicked the disease in the butt and is living her best life.

“It was the year 2018 and one morning I was laying in bed and my hand brushed against my left breast. I went to get some checks and then I got the diagnosis. Jesus, my world crumbled the day I got the news. In that same period, I was going through a breakup and I called my children and kids’ father and told them I was going to die, so goodbye and take care of yourselves. I just felt like I was going to die,” she said.

Moore, who was in her early 50s at the time, said not only was she afraid, she began to drown in depression. She said one of her daughters encouraged her to travel to New York where she did another mammogram. She said although she was already given a positive diagnosis in Jamaica, she prayed earnestly that it was a misdiagnosis.

“But the results were the same. I almost fainted when I was told once more that I had cancer and my daughter told me that I should not be surprised as I had an idea. I braved up and decided that I was going to fight this disease because I want to live for my children,” she said.

Moore said after she did a mastectomy at Queens General hospital in New York, she took on the rigorous treatment of radio and chemotherapy.

“Those treatments were really hard and I had to adjust to just having one breast. I lost my hair, nails and my skin was burnt badly. I have scars from the burns. The experience is somewhat indescribable but I endured,” she said.

According to the Ministry of Health and Wellness, breast cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related death among Jamaican women. A breast lump is usually the first sign noticed when an individual goes for an investigation. But, regular screening for the disease is recommended beginning at age 40.

Moore said although she is still on medication, she was declared to be cancer free, and the former practical nurse says she is currently living her best life.

“There are persons who asked how I managed to smile ... but the world has done me nothing. I am so happy now and I am a very cheerful person. My state of worrying is over and I will continue to just live and be joyful,” she said, adding that breast cancer is not the end of the world.

“I tried my best to reach out to others who are struggling with the disease and just encourage them. I just want people to listen to to their doctors and just try and live a healthy lifestyle as best as possible. Breast cancer does not have to be a death sentence. Just stay positive,” Moore said.