*This is the first in a series of articles on breast cancer survivors in recognition of October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Veronica Cook, 63, is a 10-year breast cancer survivor who knows she has a purpose for the journey she has taken.
“Breast cancer has definitely changed me. It’s like losing a part of yourself. When I was diagnosed with it, seems like people just came out of the woodwork. I would be anywhere talking about breast cancer and somebody would walk up and say, ‘I’m a survivor!’ everywhere I would go.”
Cook had her annual mammogram at Magee General Hospital in August 2015. After many previous perfect checkups, a spot appeared. Her films were sent to Hattiesburg Clinic. Cook remembers distinctly it was a Friday, and she knew she would worry most of the weekend.
The following Wednesday she received a phone call from surgeon Dr. Orlando Andy. He told her that after 30 years of surgeries in his experience, looking at Cook’s x-ray he believed it was cancer. She was alone – her husband was out of town – when she received the call back that she had breast cancer.
Dr. Andy set the stage for a positive attitude for Cook, telling her “We’re not going to have a pity party. I’m not about pity.” Andy then asked if she knew God. When Cook responded ‘yes’ he said, “We’re going to walk by His steps.”
Cook told her husband B. J. her diagnosis when he returned home. “He was really upset. I said, ‘Honey, you know what, I don’t want to get scared about it. We’re going to do what the doctors say. We’re going to give it to the Lord and follow His path.’”
Breast cancer diagnoses weren’t new in Cook’s family: her mother, her mother’s sister, and a first cousin. Her mother and aunt survived; her cousin died at age 38. Cook already knew she wanted a mastectomy. She also had chronic kidney disease at the same time, preventing her from having an MRI for a more detailed look at the other lymph nodes because of the injected dye used. Cook had her breast removed and also had reconstructive surgery.
“After I had my surgery I completely had to find myself again. For a long time it was like a part of me had died. I think as a woman you know how we can get in that rut – oh, I don’t look like I used to – but I had to realize it’s not about how you look. I know now that health is wealth. I realized how blessed I was to be able to remove my breast. I lost my oldest son in the process of all of this. I can say that I was in such a dark place at that time that God has truly blessed me. He has brought me a long way from 2015.” Her son Wesley was by Cook’s side through her breast cancer journey and passed away three years later after a colon cancer diagnosis.
“Even through that, I still look back and reflect on my life and know how good God has been to me. I’ve lost friends and family. People I’ve known have died from breast cancer, and I just feel like I’m one of the blessed ones.”
One thing Dr. Andy kept telling Cook that she took to heart was that there would be no pity party. “I thank Dr. Andy so much for speaking those words to me. A positive attitude can change the outlook on a whole lot of things if you think about it. My husband would never allow me to get into a sad space or feeling sorry for myself. He always tried to keep me upbeat. I had a lot of friends and family, my children, supportive. It makes a difference when you have support.”
Another blessing discovered through the process was that the cancer was Stage 1. Cook had no chemotherapy or radiation sessions; however, she did take a chemo pill for five years that produced “wicked hot flashes,” she said.
Cook also has a port that was placed in 2018 when she was found to be in acute kidney failure during a visit to her family physician. She hopes it will be removed soon. Cook knew something was wrong because she could only sleep sitting up, had difficulty breathing and her legs would swell upon standing. Cook admits she ignored those signs, focusing on her job instead.
She was immediately taken by ambulance to Forrest General Hospital where liter upon liter of fluid was drained from her body while she watched. “When they got that fluid off me I didn’t realize how I wasn’t breathing.” Once she was in a hospital room and stable she was able to take deep breaths again with no swelling. She was able to sleep again.
Cook went on dialysis and after eight months decided to look into a possible transplant, knowing lifestyle changes were a must. Four months later she underwent a successful kidney transplant.
Cook enjoys good food, reading and listening to music. She also plans to retire next year from her receptionist position with the VA at Merit Health Wesley. She wants to enjoy life.
She also wants to find what she believes is her God given purpose for this recent ten year journey. She knows God has something in mind for her to do.
Cook does not believe in luck or coincidence but blessings instead.
“I don’t know how I made it. It had to be God. I am so thankful and so grateful to still be here.”
