Mica
Monday, April 30, 2012 Melissa Childs 
Makeup: Natosha Cooke | Photography: Cheryl Ungar
"I’m a fighter – Always have been!"
Mica found her own lump last November. It scared her so much that she pushed off going to the doctor. Knowing she couldn’t have a mammogram until she was 35, she waited until shortly after her 35th birthday in January to schedule her mammogram. Mica remembers everything happening so fast after that. The doctors quickly called her back after the mammogram for a biopsy.
On February 7th, Mica was waiting to go in for an MRI when her doctor sat her down and gave her the results of the biopsy. Mica had breast cancer. The MRI then showed a tumor measuring 2.8 centimeters in her right breast. When Mica heard the news, she partly already knew what the doctors were going to say. Her mother passed away from breast cancer in 2000. Mica believes she was expecting this news her whole life. Mica believes it’s because she was prepared, that the news didn’t make her breakdown. She’s been incredibly strong throughout this whole experience.
Mica was immediately set up with an oncologist and surgeons. Her mind was reeling with all the options being explained to her; surgeries, chemotherapy, port, genetic testing, radiation. It was all enough to make her sick. Mica was shocked and relieved to find out she did not have the breast cancer gene. She then had the tough decision to make about her treatments.
Mica remembers watching chemotherapy eat her mother alive so she has made the brave decision not to undergo that treatment. A recent PET scan shows great results. The cancer had not spread to other parts of her body. She is confident she has made the right decision to forego chemo, instead, turning to alternative methods of healing. She is currently taking Chinese medicines, undergoing acupuncture, and has totally changed her diet. She admits that her journey has been an enlightening experience although it makes her somewhat sad that she didn’t pay more attention to her health 10 years ago. Mica has decided to have a single mastectomy on her right side to remove the tumor on May 4th. She is looking forward to the day when she is in full recovery and she can start to give back to other young women going through a tough time with a cancer diagnosis.
breast cancer, pink portraits, survivor
Reader Comments (5)
Mica, my prayers are with you. Thank you for sharing your story.
You are so beautiful, I am blessed to have known you these last 8 years. I hope to know you another 50 :) I love you will all my heart and will always be there for you,
Dear Mica:
We will keep you in our prayers. Thank you for posting these beautiful photos of youself and for sharing your story of strength.
All the best,
Pam
Mica... glad to know you are doing better and surgery is over. Hope recovery goes well. We miss you at work!
Mica, I'm so glad that your surgery is behind you now and you can focus on healing. Know that my prayers have been with you and for Adler as well. You are a beautiful person and can provide so much strength and encouragement for other women who are facing the challenges of breast cancer. My continued prayers and hopes for you as you move forward in good health.
Love,
Sandy