Temeka Ward's Breast Cancer Survival Story

Beginnings - Thirty-nine-year-old Temeka Ward had always been cognizant of the dangers of breast cancer, especially for African-American women. Getting mammograms as a preventative measure early in life was her insurance against the disease. At 19, her doctor performed a breast biopsy to test for cancer, and the results came back negative. Nearly 20 years later, on April 1, 2009, she was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer.

1 / 7

Beginnings - Thirty-nine-year-old Temeka Ward had always been cognizant of the dangers of breast cancer, especially for African-American women. Getting mammograms as a preventative measure early in life was her insurance against the disease. At 19, her doctor performed a breast biopsy to test for cancer, and the results came back negative. Nearly 20 years later, on April 1, 2009, she was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer.

Taking Action - “At first, I wasn’t worried. It hadn’t sunk in yet,” Temeka explains. “So many people in the public eye move on. A couple of days later, it hit me.” But instead of fearfully approaching the diagnosis, she took brave action – taking her story to Facebook to share with family and friends in a letter.

2 / 7

Taking Action - “At first, I wasn’t worried. It hadn’t sunk in yet,” Temeka explains. “So many people in the public eye move on. A couple of days later, it hit me.” But instead of fearfully approaching the diagnosis, she took brave action – taking her story to Facebook to share with family and friends in a letter.

Treatment - Because of the aggressive nature of triple negative breast cancer, in May 2009, Temeka’s doctors put her on constant chemotherapy. She had a mastectomy on her left breast three months later and was declared cancer-free in December 2009. With a clean bill of health, Temeka scheduled surgery for a breast implant for May 2010. A post-operative chest scan revealed that the cancer had spread to her lungs, liver, and bones.

3 / 7

Treatment - Because of the aggressive nature of triple negative breast cancer, in May 2009, Temeka’s doctors put her on constant chemotherapy. She had a mastectomy on her left breast three months later and was declared cancer-free in December 2009. With a clean bill of health, Temeka scheduled surgery for a breast implant for May 2010. A post-operative chest scan revealed that the cancer had spread to her lungs, liver, and bones.

Faith - “My doctor told me to live my life, and do what I do. That’s the thing with cancer, there’s ups and downs. It’s like a rollercoaster. As soon as you think you got it, you don’t.” She instead relied on her strong character and faith in God to keep her spirits high. “I have deep faith in God. I just prayed, prayed, prayed. I prayed that He gives them the knowledge.”

4 / 7

Faith - “My doctor told me to live my life, and do what I do. That’s the thing with cancer, there’s ups and downs. It’s like a rollercoaster. As soon as you think you got it, you don’t.” She instead relied on her strong character and faith in God to keep her spirits high. “I have deep faith in God. I just prayed, prayed, prayed. I prayed that He gives them the knowledge.”

Resolution - Determined not to let the negative diagnosis rule her life, Temeka instead decided to enjoy herself. She took out her 401K to travel around the world. California, New York, the Bahamas, Disney World – she plans to leave no place untraveled and no stone unturned. She believes that the camaraderie received from support groups is essential during the ordeal, especially for young minority women. “You have questions like, ‘how do I date with one boob?’”

5 / 7

Resolution - Determined not to let the negative diagnosis rule her life, Temeka instead decided to enjoy herself. She took out her 401K to travel around the world. California, New York, the Bahamas, Disney World – she plans to leave no place untraveled and no stone unturned. She believes that the camaraderie received from support groups is essential during the ordeal, especially for young minority women. “You have questions like, ‘how do I date with one boob?’”

ADVERTISEMENT
Advocacy - Temeka is a part of the Sisters Network of Strength support group, as well as Cancervive, a ministry at Trinity United Church of Christ created to support those who have battled cancer. She organized a health fair to educate women about cancer and early detection. “It’s not a death sentence. If you ignore it, it is… Women need to know. Knowledge is power.”

6 / 7

Advocacy - Temeka is a part of the Sisters Network of Strength support group, as well as Cancervive, a ministry at Trinity United Church of Christ created to support those who have battled cancer. She organized a health fair to educate women about cancer and early detection. “It’s not a death sentence. If you ignore it, it is… Women need to know. Knowledge is power.”

Courage - Currently back on chemotherapy, Temeka takes four pills twice a day. As she continues her fight to beat the cancer, she remains courageous and maintains her faith throughout the journey. “My attitude is 95 percent of the battle. How I act is how I feel, then my body is going to be that. I have to fight, I have to be up and ready for it. I’m planning on outliving everybody.”

7 / 7

Courage - Currently back on chemotherapy, Temeka takes four pills twice a day. As she continues her fight to beat the cancer, she remains courageous and maintains her faith throughout the journey. “My attitude is 95 percent of the battle. How I act is how I feel, then my body is going to be that. I have to fight, I have to be up and ready for it. I’m planning on outliving everybody.”