My Story

"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mothers womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place.

When I was together in the depths of the earth, your eyes say my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be."
Psalm 139: 13-16 (NIV)

Image:

Me and my three sisters. (I am the smallest one)

My name is Elvina, I was diagnosed with breast cancer in the winter of 2004, at the age of 26 years old.
I have three sisters, Debra, Lorelene and Stephanie and am the Daughter of Hilary Lee and Derick Lee.

I qualified as Registered General Nurse in September 2004, after two years of very very hard work. The Nursing Diploma course was intense, as it was undertaken in two years rather than three.

My hobbies include reading, making cards, watching DVDs, eating out, going to the gym. As you might have guessed my favourite flowers are sunflowers, I also love Dolphins.

I will give you a brief summary of my Breast cancer experience, in the view that it will help you, I hope that it will give you strength and encouragement.

In September 2004, I went to my GP, and informed her that I was having a few problems with my breast. She did an examination and then told me there was a nodulous area, which was hard. 'As soon as she said nodulous, I thought straightaway....oh not its cancer. She referred me onto the Breast Clinic for further tests.

When I saw the Consultant, he did not rule out cancer, he commented after his examination, that further tests will be needed, he said that it might be nothing, or it could be a sarcoma (a different type of cancer, associated with radiotherapy)as I had radiotherapy as child.
I was then schedeuled for a Needle biopsy and ultrasound in November 2004, I had diagnostic surgery, which involved total duct excision and numerous biopsies. Throughout this time, I was praying, leaning on God, reading the bible more, learning more about God and learning all I could about Breast Cancer.

My results came in December 2004, it was a bright, fresh, crisp winter day and the sun was out. I was called into the room, and I went by myself, which I was glad about. The surgeon wanted to tell me the news first, so when I finally heard the news that I had Ductal Carcinoma insitu (DCIS) Breast cancer. I was able to gather my thoughts first, without thinking how the other person was feeling.
He gave me the the treatment options which were a mastectomy, but he would not need to remove any lymph nodes, Chemotherapy was not necessary. Radiotherapy was not an option. The consultant then discussed the type of cancer I had and the mastectomy procedure. As I collected my thoughts, I thought about 'work' I had only just started my job as a nurse, then the other thought was that I wanted the Cancer out.

I still carried on learning about breast cancer, but was reading more specifically about my disease.

In December 2004, I had my Mastectomy. I felt great straight after surgery, but was not prepared for the pain afterwards, and for awhile after I was taking strong painkillers. During the recovery period, I was in a lot of pain and always seemed so fatigued. During my recovery period, I did my physio/breast exercises to help the muscles and to get full mobility in the affected arm, however after a year it is still not perfect, I still have pain occasionally and at the present time, am having physiotherapy to help stretch the muscles. The mobility of the arm is not wonderful, but it is better.

Because my Cancer was Oestrogen Positive, I take Tamoxifen, I have 4 more years to go. I do get hot flushes and night sweats, But I cannot complain, as this drug is helping me.
My family, friends and church family were a great support. My sister and mum brought me Breakfast in Bed, which was great, I ate out with friends, I was invited to dinner, I received gifts, many flowers, wonderful cards of encouragement.
My cousin Jess was very supportive always provided humour and a listening ear. I had friends such as Joany Bussue and Liz Bernard who called me every week. It was so encouraging hearing Godly wisdom from two women of God. I can honestly say, God brought the right people in my life who he know would be a positive help for me. Also my cousin Jen arranged for me to go on a convalescence holiday to Bahamas/Miami. My cousins Rich,Jen And lisa also prayed and fasted.
I later found out that people were praying for me, the church was praying for me, which was so nice to hear and I believe helped in giving tme the strength for this journey. God truly hears our prayers.

God gave me strength, peace, knowledge and wisdom to go through this journey and I am still going through this journey. With all the tests, surgery, appointments, recovery, I felt as though I had lost a a whole year of my life, however God knows exactly what he is doing and it is during this time, where I have learnt how truly wonderful God is and there is no way that I would have found that out nor developed this relationship with him, had I not developed Breast Cancer.

God also put me in the wonderful care of a great surgeon, who was very efficient and thorough and always gave me all the information, and even drew diagrams for me. I believe he gave me the best care did not cut any corners. I also had a very Caring Breast care nurse.

God is faithful and he will look after you, if you just trust him, if you are facing Breast cancer, make sure you get a Doctor who not only knows his stuff, but who will give you all the information you need and will listen to you and your opinions.
NEVER ignore the lump, discharge or any irregularities with you breast, you know what is 'normal' for your body, always get it checked, insist on all the tests, do your research, my surgeon instisted on a biopsy, make sure you get a biopsy,ask for the tests, dont be shy, after all its your body.

I found throughout this journey that the way to feel better is to take care of yourself, by eating healthily, eat a balanced diet, aim for 5 portions fo fruit and vegetables a day.Eat whole grains, nuts, pulses, brown bread, eat less dairy, sweets, fats and processed foods.
I am also into juicing and blending fruits. Once I recovered, I started light regular exercise (always check with GP) and I always felt better.

God has done many great things in my life, he is my father, friend, he is my God and he knows exactly what he is doing in my life. Even though I do not know where my life is heading, I know the one who knows my future and he has a great plan for my life. Every life has a purpose, God planned it that way.

God may have allowed Breast Cancer to come into my life, I must trust God, enjoy the journey and learn from it.
I will continue to pray, read his word and spend time with him everyday. I have faith in God, My life is in his hands and his ways are perfect.

I hope that by sharing my story it has helped in some way.

With Love

Elvina L.S. Lee
xx

NOTE: Why the website was set up.
I felt that as a Christian women who had Breast Cancer, I felt there were not any UK Websites around that would offer encouragement and support, from a Christian perspective. I therefore decided to set up this website to fill the gap and to offer support and strength, by using the word of God, and various resources.

DISCLAIMER:

Any information provided on this website, is not a substitute for healthcare provided by a professional health worker, such as a GP, consultant, Breast Care Nurse.
The information should not be used to diagnose self or treat any health issues or diseases.
if ANY health problems arise ALWAYS consult your GP. (or if undergoing treatment see your Consultant).