Naajama Odunton. - Photos by Rudolph Brown/Chief Photographer

Naajama Odunton is a 47-year-old-woman, originally from Ghana, West Africa, but domicile in Jamaica for 18 years. She discovered a lump about seven years ago while doing her regular breast self-examination. A brave Naajama Odunton tells her story in her own words in Living.

"I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2000. I had a mastectomy and everything was fine. I was fine physically and emotionally, though I cannot be so positive about the spiritual side.

I discovered I had bone metastasis a few years later and was treated with radiation and chemotherapy. These treatments made me quite weak; I regained my strength slowly and came back to my old self.

I had never thought of cancer as a chronic illness - I thought it was something you got out of your system; a disease you got over with, and then moved on with your life. However, since that first diagnosis, I have had many positive (or negative?) results even when I was certain I was in top physical condition. Numerous times, I have felt as if I am fighting a battle - a battle I have not always felt like fighting. I have to admit that sometimes I feel like laying down my weapons but God's promises are true and He does not lie. I have lived well and continue to enjoy my life (most times) in spite of the setbacks.

The second diagnosis

Yes, there are times when I am tired and my energy levels are low but that does not frighten me anymore. The fear that gripped me initially, that made me unable to think or move, is gone. The first diagnosis was bad enough, but with the second one, I was totally immobilised with fear, many different fears. The fears were made even more real by the intense and incessant pain.

I have tried all kinds of diets and 'get well' strategies, anything I thought would make me well. I cannot tell or write about the strange concoctions I have drunk! What I have finally realised is that everyone is different. What has worked 'miraculously' for one person may not necessarily work for me.

I am doing all I can to be 'cancer- free' but what has worked for me is the knowledge that God assured us that when we go through the water and through the fire, we will not be overwhelmed by these things; we will not be overwhelmed by these forces. He tells us in His Word that He sent His Word and healed our diseases.

I used to grow faint whenever I felt a pain anywhere in my body. My first thought was always 'this thing' has gone to another area! I came to realise that that need not be the case. I have friends who have more pains than I have and they do not have cancer! I am actually just as strong as they are and just as tired! Yes, the thought of metastasis crosses my mind sometimes but I do not dwell on it. I try to banish it immediately with more positive thoughts.

I try to do what I can to stay healthy. I take my medications and still have to get treatment regularly. I endeavour to maintain a positive attitude and to decrease the amount of stress I let into my body. This, of course, is extremely difficult to do but I try to identify factors that trigger my stress (I'm still learning). I try to do something about those I can control and ignore those I can do absolutely nothing about. I think of my blessings (I am sure I take some for granted and I know that everything is possible with God).

Family support

Is He not overly exuberant and enthusiastic about everything He does? I thank Him for the generous support of family and friends (I call them His angels). They have been by my side and behind me from the very beginning and have never given up praying for me. I depend on those prayers! I have been blessed with a good sense of humour; this has helped me through some grim moments. I try to keep joyful, counting my blessings in dark times. 'A joyful heart is good medicine' so I intend to keep taking this medicine. Hope and trust in Him help me through each day."

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