Breast Cancer Awareness Month - Vivian Freeman

Featuring Vivian Freeman

"I was scared, angry and asked God, ‘Why me?’ I was going through a lot at that time – working, college, a separation and my baby came back from the Navy with a three-month-old baby."

During the fourth week of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, TEAM CHICAGO is highlighting one of our newest members, Vivian Freeman. Freeman is 69-years-old, divorced, a mother of two sons, a grandmother and great grandmother, and also a caregiver of her sister. She is a southern girl from Mississippi who loves to travel, read and gardening. Freeman has a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, a master’s degree in Public Administration and is a retired police officer.

Vivian Freeman: “In my early 40s, my gynecologist recommended that in addition to self-breast exams, I should schedule a mammogram. My first few were normal until one day, I noticed a liquid discharge coming from my right nipple. A subsequent mammogram in 2001 showed a mass. After a biopsy was done, it was determined that I had malignant breast cancer. This breast cancer was invasive and had started to spread into my lymph nodes. I had to decide on having a lumpectomy or a mastectomy. I chose the lumpectomy. My treatment plan included chemotherapy, radiation and taking Tamoxifen for five years. I was scared, angry and asked God, ‘Why me?’ I was going through a lot at that time – working, college, a separation and my baby came back from the Navy with a three-month-old baby.

When I went to the chemo infusion center for my first chemo treatment, I remember still being upset that I was going through this ordeal. After observing some of the other patients, who were seemingly worse off or sicker than me, I changed my attitude. I changed my whole perspective. I left that infusion center thanking God that this cancer was found early. I remember asking God to forgive me for questioning Him. I stopped feeling sorry for myself. I became grateful. I began focusing on my healing.

I was nauseated from the chemo but I was not in any pain though. I initially had shoulder length hair but after one week of my first round of chemo, I saw my hair (braids) on my pillow when I woke up. I would also find hair on the floor so I decided to cut the remaining hair off myself. I went from shoulder length hair to totally bald. I was embarrassed so I wrapped up my head and went to a wig shop. After my radiation treatments were completed, I noticed my hair was growing back but it was very fine. My hair is naturally coarse. So I started wearing wigs and liked its versatility. I continued to wear wigs up to two years ago because I liked how it gave me a different look and style. Another side effect from the radiation treatments was skin irritation in the treated area.

I became an advocate for breast cancer awareness and I would offer to go to other women’s exams with them. I have hosted fundraisers, walks, benefits and have sold candy to raise awareness. I also participated in the Sista Strut Breast Cancer Walk at the Kroc Center earlier this month, and last year. A year prior, I participated in their walk in Indianapolis, IN. My goal is to participate in a breast cancer walk in a different city each year. I keep active with line dancing, walks around the track and chair exercises. My message to other women is that your health is important. Early detection is key. Having a great support system will keep you going and is conducive to your recovery. We have to support one another. I had a great support system. I still get an annual mammogram. God is good!”

#WalkingWednesdays #2ndYearAnniversary #WalkingForAHealthyHeart #TeamChicago #TeamNittany #TeamLosAngeles #BreastCancerAwarenessMonth #VivianFreeman #MammogramsSaveLives #EarlyDetectionSaveLives #IAmASurvivor #TwentyFourYearsCancerFree

Breast Cancer Awareness Month Merchandise