GoodHeart |Breast cancer survivor Sharon Richards-Splatt gives hope to others

For nearly three decades, Sharon Richards-Splatt worked as a practical nurse at Kingston Public Hospital (KPH), caring for patients and encouraging them to adopt healthier lifestyles. In 2023, she found herself in the position of a patient when a routine mammogram led to a breast cancer diagnosis. The news came as a surprise to Richards-Splatt, then 62, but she chose to face the challenge with faith and determination.

Born and raised in Kingston, Richards-Splatt explored several career paths, including teaching and library science, before pursuing nursing at Portmore Community College. Throughout her career, she encouraged patients to prioritise regular check-ups, balanced diets and preventative care, principles she also applied to her own life.

With no known family history of breast cancer, however, Richards-Splatt never imagined a mammogram would lead to a diagnosis. After undergoing the screening in December 2022, she received a call at work from the Jamaica Cancer Society in February 2023, asking her to visit its offices.

“I never expected to hear that I had cancer,” she recalled.

Following her visit, she received a letter advising her to seek further medical attention. A biopsy in March 2023 confirmed the diagnosis.

When she shared the news with her family, their reactions were markedly different from her own. Her daughter, who was living in Japan at the time, broke down in tears, while her husband and their other daughter were visibly frightened. Richards-Splatt, however, found herself reassuring them that there was nothing to worry about.

The appointments, tests and preparations for surgery did little to shake her confidence. Through the breast clinic, Richards-Splatt learned about the treatment process, potential changes to her body image and the support available to patients. She approached each stage with an open mind, placing her trust in her medical team and her faith in God.

After undergoing a mastectomy and a speedy recovery, Richards-Splatt returned to work eager to share her experience with colleagues.

She even showed them her surgical scar, affectionately nicknamed “Dainty”. Her openness helped reassure those around her and encouraged several colleagues to schedule their own mammograms.

EMBRACING HAIR LOSS

Following her surgery, Richards-Splatt underwent six rounds of chemotherapy. Having cared for patients receiving the treatment throughout her nursing career, she was familiar with what it involved. However, experiencing it herself gave her a different perspective. When advised to get a wig in preparation for hair loss, she was determined to accept whatever came with the treatment.

“I remember I told my nurse that I will embrace everything and anything that comes with chemo,” she explained. “I know I care for chemo patients, but I never thought I would one day be a chemo patient.”

When her hair began to fall out, she remained true to her decision and wore “her baldness proudly”.

“Whenever anyone asked about my hair, I simply shared my story,” she added. Her confidence made an impression on those around her. A fellow chemotherapy patient, whom she described as her “chemo friend”, eventually stopped wearing her wig after seeing how comfortably Richards-Splatt embraced her baldness. Even her husband encouraged her to retire her cap and gradually became comfortable with her new look.

Richards-Splatt said the experience strengthened her faith, confidence and energy, crediting God for sustaining her through treatment. She also encourages others facing breast cancer to seek reliable information rather than be discouraged by frightening stories about chemotherapy.

“Do not listen to what people say, because they always discourage people from undergoing chemotherapy, saying it will kill them quicker than cancer. Most times, the persons giving the advice have never had cancer,” she shared. “Everyone is quite different, so build a strong mindset and face it head on.”

She also emphasised the importance of having someone to confide in, urging patients not to isolate themselves or feel ashamed of their diagnosis.

“Share what you are going through with someone. That is your first support. Do not keep it to yourself. Do not be ashamed or afraid, and do not think negatively ... Cry if you want, but do not give up on yourself. Listen to the doctor and nurse, and do your own research too,” she advised.

Richards-Splatt’s diagnosis gave her a deeper appreciation for Jamaica Reach to Recovery, an organisation she knew about before becoming a patient herself. Through its community of survivors, she found support and a shared commitment to encouraging breast cancer screening and breaking the silence surrounding the disease.

Now retired, Richards-Splatt continues to encourage people to know their bodies, practise regular self-examinations and seek medical attention when they notice changes. She also reminds them that breast cancer does not discriminate based on sex, race, size or social standing.

Away from her advocacy, Richards-Splatt enjoys the activities that bring her happiness, including cooking, baking, gardening, sewing and outdoor adventures. Her outlook remains grounded in gratitude, self-acceptance and faith, values that carried her through one of the most unexpected chapters of her life.

goodheart@gleanerjm.com