We had a great time at the Holla-Back Excellence Awards 15 at The Ballroom at the Best Western in North Haven!

Check out our photos

Photo provided by Sisters’ Journey.

Sisters’ Journey Survivor of the Month – SEMARIA COBB

Read her story (thanks www.sistersjourney.org)

My name is Semaria Cobb and I’m a very proud breast cancer survivor! I was diagnosed at age 37.

I first felt pain in my breast and then realized there was a lump in the same area, so I set an appointment with my primary physician to have it checked out. My doctor sent me to have a mammogram and breast ultrasound, neither of which detected the lump, but it was still very painful to touch. My doctor told me that if it is painful, it’s not cancer. He sent me to see a breast surgeon for peace of mind. She conducted her own ultrasound in the office and she did see the lump. She told me to give her a few days to think about what she wanted to do.

Three days later I got a call from the nurse saying the doctor wanted to leave the lump as is and look at it again in three months. Of course I wasn’t happy with that diagnosis and insisted that they take it out. I was scheduled for a lumpectomy and when the results came back it was pure disbelief. I had stage 3 DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ) breast cancer.

I spoke with the doctor to see what my options were. She suggested radiation and medication – Tamoxifen – because I was ER positive. But first she said I needed another lumpectomy to make sure they had gotten all the cancer out.

After my second surgery it was determined that the cancer was in my entire left breast and that I needed to have it removed. I immediately asked, “What about the right breast?” I was told that if I kept it, I would need to continue having mammograms and possibly additional biopsies. Without hesitating, I instructed them to take them both out! I had a bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction. In total I had undergone six surgeries.

Throughout the whole process my family and closest friends were, and still are, my support system. I am a single parent. My daughter was 12 years old when I was diagnosed and of course she was my biggest concern. When I told her that I had cancer she had two questions: She asked if I was going to lose my hair. “No,” I said. She asked if I was going to die. “Not if I can help it,” I told her.

I will be 14 years cancer free on May 24, 2021. I wanted to share my journey to let women know that breast cancer is not always a death sentence. In closing, I never asked “Why me?” Instead, I said, “Thank you,” because having breast cancer and beating it only showed me my strengths and none of my weaknesses.

If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a sponsor or in our future calendars please email sistersjourney@sbcglobal.net

The 2021 stories of Hope Calendar is available in the store @ www.sistersjourney.org

Sisters’ Journey will continue to support those in the fight for their lives with monthly virtual support group meetings for the greater New Haven area every 3rd Tuesday of the month. Sisters’ Journey are now having virtual Support group meetings for 3rd Thursday of the month for the greater Bridgeport area.

For more information you may email sistersjourney240@gmail.com or call 203-288-3556.

Sisters’ Journey will keep communicating to all that early detection is the key to saving lives.

For more stories of hope visit www.sistersjourney.org