Cherry-Ann Boyce breast cancer survival story inspires other women

CHERRY-ANN BOYCE was deathly afraid when she visited the oncology clinic at the Kingston Public Hospital and saw the number of women that were diagnosed with breast cancer; herself included.

Not only was she petrified by the number of women diagnosed with the disease, but with the haunting fact that on each visit, some of the women she saw before were not present. They had succumbed to the illness; and this reality hit her like a ton of bricks.

“It was scary. I didn’t see some of the same women, and then I would overhear the conversations that these women had died. It was a difficult time for me, and I dreaded my visits, praying and hoping that my fate would not be the same,” Boyce said.

Boyce is now a breast cancer survivor, and she is grateful that she can share her story to encourage other women to get tested early and save their lives.

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in Jamaican women, with around 1,208 new cases diagnosed in 2020 and 637 deaths reported in the same year. The Ministry of Health and Wellness highlights that the disease represents a significant public health challenge, and the Jamaica Cancer Society emphasises the importance of education and early detection methods, like self-breast exams and clinical breast examinations.

One in 21 Jamaican women is expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.

Boyce grew up in the eastern Caribbean island of Barbados where she had a fantastic childhood, and along with her three siblings, created wonderful memories.

She came to Jamaica to study in the 1990s at Northern Caribbean University. Initially, she wanted to become a doctor, but recognised that she was not a good candidate in dealing with the dead. She switched immediately and completed her studies as a medical laboratory technologist.

She returned to Barbados afterwards. However, by 2021, she discovered a lump in her breast. Her first set of tests did not reveal a diagnosis, despite the fact that the swelling was visible. “I was sent for an ultrasound, and again the results were not conclusive. The doctors felt it was an cyst, and gave me antibiotics. I also felt it wasn’t cancer and accepted that diagnosis,” Boyce said.

SEEK SECOND OPINION

Boyce, who was also going through a rough patch in her personal life, returned to Jamaica and stayed with her friend in Montego Bay for a while. She related her experience with her initial breast cancer scare, and her friend encouraged her to get a second opinion.

“I did a second series of tests, and they called me back for a second viewing. I was recommended for an ultra-sound, and it took the doctor almost an hour to find the lump. I started to worry, and then I did the biopsy and it confirmed that I had stage two breast cancer,” Boyce said.

She was recommended for the oncology clinic at the Kingston Public Hospital (KPH), despite the fear of being diagnosed with the disease. At KPH, she met a Barbadian doctor, who, she said, was extremely helpful throughout the process.

“I did the surgery in August 2022, and from diagnosis to that process it was difficult for me. Most of my family were in Barbados; and I was here alone with my eight-year-old daughter at the time. I came to Jamaica almost every year since I had finished my studies. I was recommended for chemotherapy and radiation, but I opted against it and decided to try a more natural approach. I did hormone therapy and the side effects were very bad, and I went into deep depression,” Boyce said.

While undergoing treatment, Boyce decided to change her approach and include more natural products that helped her in her healing process. Inspired also by her daughter’s experience with eczema, she launched Jamizola Naturals, which offers a range of natural, plant-based skincare and haircare products.

“Everyone’s experience is different. I have done follow-up tests, and a full blood panel, and the results have been very good. However, I still struggle with my body image. We use our breast to nurture, and as the mother of three children, there are days that I wonder if the disease will come back. Sometimes I wonder why me, why not you,” Boyce said.

Boyce indicated that her story does not make her less of a woman. It makes her strong, she said. “It is hard, but you have to dig deep to find the strength to keep going. If you get cancer, you are a warrior, and you can make the difference. There is somebody out there who will miss you if you stop trying,” she said.

Despite the challenges she encountered while coping with breast cancer, she indicated that she is teaching herself how to be a better human being. “I cannot, and will not give up. My story can change another person’s life,” she said.

keisha.hill@gleanerjm.com