‘I beat breast cancer’

To commemorate her 40th birthday, Nicole McFarlane decided to focus on her health and get a mammogram. Although she had no symptoms, what she discovered next set this mother of two on an unexpected path of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. The three-time cancer survivor and spa owner’s inspiring story is one of strength, hope, and resilience.

“I showed no signs of breast cancer. It was my 40th birthday, and it is recommended that when you reach this age, you have an annual mammogram done,” she explained to Living.

Her results revealed a few cysts in her breasts, two in the left and one in the right. They were initially benign until they began causing pain. After discussing with her doctor, McFarlane chose to have the cysts removed and undergo a breast reduction, just to be safe.

“In taking out the cysts, one of them looked suspicious. A biopsy was done, and it turned out to be stage one breast cancer. Thankfully, we caught it in time. Doing that mammogram really saved me,” she shared.

After the surgery, McFarlane underwent radiation. The treatment took a toll on her body. “I got so tired. I was sleepy and irritated for the majority of the time. And I am not the resting type. So even though it was advised that I get some rest, which I did, I also did some work,” the owner and operator of Textures Salon and Spa said.

During that traumatic time, she also made it a priority to be present as a mom. “I woke up each morning, dropped off the children [off at] school. Then I’d have at least five hours to myself at work. So, I did the work, and I called on family and friends to pick up the children. I’d get home and make dinner. Then I’d be super tired soon after. And the children understood. They were aware that mommy did surgery,” said McFarlane.

Two years later, she is cancer-free and considers herself both lucky and blessed. “There are many women who haven’t really gone over that hurdle. Or they have somehow given up before they [have] even tried. I have a lot to give thanks for. I have my children. And as far as I can tell you, it’s a dream for me to even have a business. So, I’m just really grateful,” she said.

THROAT CANCER

Before breast cancer, she had a rare kind of cancer of the salivary gland back in 2010. “It’s classified as throat cancer. I was diagnosed with stage three. I don’t produce 100 per cent saliva like everyone else. I’m always going to have a dry mouth, and I’m always thirsty,” shared McFarlane.

Due for an appointment to tighten her braces, she attended and noticed a bulge at the back of her throat. She mentioned this discovery to her orthodontist, who referred her to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist, Dr Natalie Whylie. The examination resulted in the request for a biopsy. From there, McFarlane would undergo surgery to remove the lump, followed by radiation treatment.

“And the ironic thing about this is, there was a team from New Orleans that came down to the island to study that type of cancer. Members of the team said I’ve had it since I was 16. And I was not aware of it. So for 10 years, it went undetected, and if it wasn’t for the braces, I wouldn’t have even known.”

She described the aftermath as the worst cancer yet. “I couldn’t eat; nothing tasted right. The only thing that I could consume was Lasco, and that carried me through the day.”

By 2015, McFarlane was content with having a daughter and a son, and she made plans to get a tubal ligation. “The thing with ovarian cancer is that you don’t catch it; it literally catches you. When I went in to have my son, I asked them to tie my tubes because I was done,” she shared.

In the middle of the procedure, my doctor discovered that something was wrong with one of the tubes. “I was awake during the procedure, and my concerns grew when the doctors started talking amongst themselves. Once they shared the issue with me, they insisted that their purpose was to only tie the tubes. I asked them to call my oncologist because I didn’t want them closing me back up, only to possibly do surgery again.”

The team obliged and was able to call McFarlane’s doctor, who was already on location on another ward. When her oncologist came and examined the tubes, she confirmed the suspicions. McFarlane was then put under anaesthesia and the tube was subsequently cut, revealing that she had ovarian cancer. She opted not to do chemotherapy.

Dealing with her illnesses while working in corporate Jamaica presented both positive and negative experiences. In the end, she walked away optimistic, chartering her own course as an entrepreneur. She was able to pursue a career in the field of cosmetology. And she expresses sincere gratitude to her customers, who continue to make significant contributions towards making her business a success.

FAMILY SUPPORT

What kept her motivated throughout her journey was the unwavering love and support from her family.

“My parents are prayer warriors. They continue to keep me and my siblings in their prayers, and prayed even more during my sick days. I remember when my father, out of concern for my health, moved me back home, just so that I could have proper meals throughout the day. On my follow-up visit to my doctor, my doctor said to me, ‘Whatever you’re doing, keep on doing it. I didn’t know what to tell them. But I knew it was the care, and I can’t thank him enough for his support.”

She also made special mention of her children, “My children are my constant motivation. I want to be here to see my son have his first child. I want to see my daughter walk down the aisle.”

An advocate for others facing medical and mental health challenges, she advises anyone going through breast cancer or any form of cancer to never give up. “You can’t give up. Lean on your loved ones. And I know that this is life or death, and it is hard to afford treatment, but there are institutions and foundations out there that can help. One such organisation is the Chase Foundation,” she said.

krysta.anderson@gleanerjm.com