For Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Engle Martin is dedicated to highlighting the strength, resilience, and courage of breast cancer survivors.
Engle Martin’s Senior Mitigation Analyst, Danielle Brock, St. Louis, MO shared her personal breast cancer journey to help inspire hope and raise awareness, read more below.
Q: How did you find out that you had breast cancer?
Danielle Brock: My cancer was found during a routine annual mammogram almost 10 years ago. It could not be felt at that time. The day of my appointment, I almost cancelled as work was busy and I had plans to leave town the next day. Fortunately, I didn’t cancel and it was discovered that I had stage 3. The significance of that discovery is that only one year prior, I was cancer free. Had I cancelled that appointment, it likely would have developed into stage 4 within a few months. I might not be here right now without that Mammogram. Mammograms are key!
Q: How did you feel when you received your initial diagnosis?
Danielle Brock: When I received my diagnosis, I was scared, numb, and uncertain of everything. My thoughts went to my daughter and granddaughter as I worried that it could be hereditary.
Q: Who were your biggest supporters throughout your journey? How did their support help you during difficult times?
Danielle Brock: My biggest supporters were my family. They were there for me the entire treatment period and they still are. They are my cheerleaders!
Q: What is something that you wish other people understood about the struggles faced by cancer patients?
Danielle Brock: I wish that people understood the uncertainty of everything. The biggest struggle I faced was the day they declared me cancer free and I had to ring the bell. It was bittersweet and I feared not seeing doctors or nurses each day. Was the cancer gone? How would I know? Would they do another scan? The response that I received was that the cancer was gone because they followed the treatment plan but that didn’t feel good enough for me. I had to trust in Gods plan and another mammogram was scheduled for 6 months after healing from the radiation took place.
Q: If you could share one piece of advice or encouragement with others going through a similar journey, what would it be?
Danielle Brock: The advice that I would give someone when they learn that they likely have breast cancer is to try to stay calm and wait for tests and the biopsy to know what type, stage, and treatment plan. For them to trust their team of doctors and to not worry about the small things in life. Focus on getting cancer free.
Q: How can people play an active role in breast cancer awareness or advocacy?
Danielle Brock: To increase awareness I think that it’s important to tell my story and to promote annual mammograms through social media. With my encouragement, all of my friends went for their annual mammograms.
In support of breast cancer awareness, the Engle Martin team is joining together to support the charitable organization chosen by Danielle. She has selected the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF), whose mission is to prevent and cure breast cancer by funding the most promising research worldwide.
Click here to learn more about BCRF and donate.
