Given her family’s genetic history, Natalie Headley felt that one day breast cancer could eventually find her. And it did. But Natalie had long made up her mind to fight this dreaded disease.
She knew the pain and agony of seeing her sister die from breast cancer at the age of 35, back in 2012. A cousin also fell victim to breast cancer at a young age. But Natalie decided she would not become another statistic.
From early, she had grown accustomed to carrying out self-examinations on her breasts, Thank God she did.
Sharing her cancer journey with Easy during this Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the 48-year-old wife and mother of three always knew she was high-risk for breast cancer. But getting an official diagnosis only caused the fighting spirit within her to arise and conquer.
“When the doctor told me that the lump was cancerous and that they had found not one but two lumps, I told myself I had to fight this.
“I thought of my mother who had already lost a child to breast cancer and I saw what my sister went through. I remember telling my mother that what my sister endured was a lot different then, compared to today, since there was now advanced treatment for cancer.”
For Natalie, finding that lump while taking a shower in June 2023, was enough for her to seek medical attention immediately, although six months earlier, she had been given a clean bill of health.
“I usually examine myself when I bathe. It was in January of 2023 that I had my usual mammogram and was told that everything was good. However, six months later, while taking a bath, I felt a lump. Finding that lump saved me.
“I immediately called my doctor to make an appointment, but he was off island. He was also not available on his return. It was recommended that I see another doctor. When that doctor felt my breasts two lumps were discovered, so I was informed to have an ultrasound, which I had done on July 10. I was also told to get a biopsy, which I did on July 12. Five days later, my doctor called and asked me to come in to see him. He also called my husband. From the time he told us to come in, I knew what it was and I knew I would have to put up a fight.
“Everything happened really fast because I knew I had no time to waste. It was hard for my family, especially my youngest daughter, Kahvya, as well as my son, Darreen. My eldest daughter, Kendra, was preparing to move to Canada and felt that she should postpone her trip, but I encouraged her to go.
“I knew in my family that we have the BRCA gene, but to get the test here is expensive. It costs over $5 000. A lot of people out there cannot afford these tests.”
Although only one breast was cancerous and could have been saved, Natalie and her husband, Adrian, who proved to be a tower of strength throughout her cancer journey, made the decision to have a mastectomy.
‘It was first recommended that I have the lump removed, but I insisted that I wanted to remove the entire breast. I felt I needed to do that.”
Natalie was transferred to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital where she underwent treatment for stage 1A breast cancer.
A month after her diagnosis the breast was removed, and in February of 2024, she began chemotherapy (chemo) treatment.
“I started chemotherapy around February 20. I did just four rounds and had few side effects. I did lose my hair in the process and almost every three days after taking the chemotherapy I would lose my appetite, but I never lost weight.”
“Everyone has their own opinion about chemo. A lot of people do not want to take it, but I had no problem with it.”
What Natalie did face, was having to have a blood transfusion.
To this day, she must have check-ups every three to six months, as well as x-rays and scans to ensure she remains cancer-free. She is also on medication which she must take for at least seven more years.
The rather brave and unassuming Natalie has had to make changes to her diet, lifestyle and like a mother hen hovering over her young, she has become very protective of her daughters, aged 31 and 17.
“I keep all my doctors’ appointments and I try to eat right. I am trusting in God and doing all I can to stay stress-free.
“I must also admit that I am often concerned about my daughters and my niece. I pay special attention to what my family eats, even my son, since I know that men can also develop breast cancer.”
Natalie is appreciative of those who have walked her cancer journey with her. She believes support is crucial for the journey.
“When I was going through my journey I had the support of family and friends, including the staff at Christ Church Girls’ School. My husband was also there for me. He went with me to every doctor appointment and still accompanies me when I have to do follow-ups. He was even there for my chemo treatments.
“I have seen both younger and older people turn up for chemotherapy then have to leave the hospital to take a bus home. That should not be the case.”
Natalie is particularly concerned about the number of young people being diagnosed with breast cancer and the fact that many do not have the financial means to fight the disease.
“I know there are young people out there who never had a mammogram but are being diagnosed with breast cancer.
“Some experts say you should have your first mammogram at age 45, but that’s not really correct. When my sister felt her lump and was told by her doctor not to worry about it and that it was just her hormones, she was around 34 years old. By the time she started experiencing pain in her breast, the cancer had already spread.
“I currently know of a mother and daughter who have both been diagnosed with breast cancer. The daughter is in her 20s. That should tell us something.”
Natalie believes young people should start self-examinations from early and while she is aware that some older folk dislike mammograms, she hopes they can understand the importance of knowing one’s status, in order to fight breast cancer or any illness for that matter.
She is also concerned about those who may be financially crippled.
“I am aware that some people do not have the means or money to get a mammogram. That’s why I think funding should be made available for such individuals. We hear of charities which host fund-raising events every year to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month and we know that funds are collected. Why can’t some of these funds be used to directly help persons with their tests, appointments and treatments?” the cancer survivor asked.
Natalie now takes one day at a time. She makes it absolutely clear that she will do whatever she can to share her story so others would take self-examination seriously, have regular mammograms or ultra-sounds, and overall, take charge of their general health.