My name is Zakirah Archable and my story began last year. The year 2023 will forever be etched in my mind; I was diagnosed with breast cancer one week before my 32nd birthday! Yes, breast cancer has been a visitor in my body, but I still don’t claim the disease…
Leading up to my diagnosis, I was physically in a lot of pain. I had trouble sleeping, and was constantly waking up in the middle of the night to steam my under arm or shower in extremely hot water to soothe it. I decided to go in for a mammogram and was told that I also needed a biopsy to determine if I had cancer. The biopsy done at the state hospital concluded that I had Stage 1 HER2-positive breast cancer. In meeting other women who either had breast cancer or knew someone that had been treated at this same hospital, they shared their experience there with me and encouraged me to get a second opinion…
Additionally, they informed me that I shouldn’t have been given a stage when they never completed a CT scan to ensure accurate results. I immediately requested a scan from the hospital! On April 20, 2023, I was called into the hospital to go over my scans and was told my diagnosis has changed to Stage 4. I was confused on how I jumped from Stage 1 to Stage 4 so quickly. I was clearly misdiagnosed and needed to find a credible hospital to properly treat me! I found a cancer research hospital where they confirmed that I was originally Stage 3, but changed to Stage 4 because it metastasized to my lower back. I was too far along for surgeries and began the chemo pill called Kisqali Femera, of which I have no side effects other than the occasional fatigue. To combat this, I do hot yoga, meditation, workout, eat well, and keep a positive mindset. I also get IV bone treatments and take a shot that protects my ovaries from the chemo pill I’m taking.
I have been very proactive with my health, listening to what the doctors advise, but also indulging in holistic therapy. Talking to friends who are health professionals, reading articles about black breast cancer, and joining breast cancer awareness groups online has taught me more than what my doctors were willing to say. It’s important to know what foods to eat, and what supplements and herbs to take. All the lifestyle changes I’ve made are to strengthen my immune system and further preserve my life against breast cancer! I would encourage everyone on this journey to get a second opinion, do your own research, and have a support system in place! My support system is Holistic Hotties, a lifestyle brand created by myself and my friends to embrace internal and external wellness.
I am living with cancer but it does not define me!
