“You Don’t Show up to a Fight Dressed Like a Loser”
- Angela Inspires
- Sep 3, 2024
- 3 min read
My grandmother had “it”. My mother had “it.” I never thought I would have “it.” I didn’t think
IT would happen to me, especially not at 28 years old. But there I was, at work closed up in my office trying to process those two words—“it’s cancer.”
My name is Monisha Parker. I am a wife, mother of 3 and I kicked cancer’s butt (with heels on). By day, I am a marketing professional and by night, I’m an author and event decorator. Breast cancer awareness and advocacy have always been near and dear to my heart as I watched both my mother and grandmother battle the disease. I was diagnosed with stage II B breast cancer in November of 2014, just a few days before Thanksgiving.
How did you learn about your diagnoses? At the age of 28, the furthest thing from my mind was being consistent in doing my self-exams. However, when I felt a lump on my left breast I knew immediately that I needed to go to the doctor. I went in for my first (and last) mammogram which was followed by a biopsy. I received a call following my biopsy that delivered the news that I had breast cancer.
What type of treatment did you receive? I had very aggressive tumors and started chemotherapy
immediately. I underwent six rounds of chemotherapy from December 2014 to March 2015. Just days after my 29th birthday I kissed “the girls” goodbye and underwent a bilateral mastectomy.
Share a memorable moment you experience during your journey. I would get dressed up for
every round of chemo. Each week, I would go in with my makeup done and my high heels on (as if, being the youngest patient at the cancer center didn’t draw enough attention). During one of my visits, another patient commented to me, “You’re awfully dressed up for chemo.” To which I replied, “You don’t show up to a fight dressed like a loser.” This became my motto during my treatment.
How is life now as a breast cancer survivor? Life as a breast cancer survivor has allowed me to step out of my comfort zone and live life unapologetically and on purpose. During my treatment, my doctor informed me that it was unlikely that I would be able to have more children following my treatment. I was devastated. However, on December 7th 2017, God blessed me with my miracle baby, MaKinley Grace.
I’ve also written a children’s book entitled “What’s Going on with Mommy?” and launched “Pink Ribbon Event Designz” with my mother, who is also a breast cancer survivor. We have been able to host breast cancer events and offer care packages to women undergoing treatment. I once read a quote that said “One thing about going through hell, you come out on fire,” I’d like to think that breast cancer lit a fire in me.
More of my breast cancer journey and book can be found on: https://purposepaintedpink.com/
For more information on Pink Ribbon Event Designz visit: https://www.pinkribboneventdesignz.com/
IG: monishashante0503
IG: pinkribboneventdesignz
Twitter: @MonishaParker1
Advice or words of encouragement you would like to share with the breast cancer community.
Mindset is everything. Breast cancer takes a huge toll on you physically as well as mentally. The mental battle is just as tough as the physical. It’s extremely important to keep a positive mindset. It’s not what you go through, but how you go through it. For me, my faith helped me push through. When I went into chemo each week, not only was I dressed up physically, but I was “dressed” in the full armor of God.
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