Mother and Daughter Breast Cancer Survivors

By: Sasha Bush

The Ashland Beacon

The bond between a mother and her child is a bond that is unlike any other. It is a bond forged within the womb long before you ever laid eyes upon each other. It is a bond that is unwavering, unconditional, and everlasting. Teri Schwartz and her daughter Heather Pack share a bond that goes far deeper than just that, of a typical mother-and-daughter relationship; because both have witnessed and lived through one of life's most unexpected curve balls. Schwartz and Pack were diagnosed with breast cancer just one year apart from each other, and both kicked cancer's ugly butt. Schwartz's daughter was the first to receive the unexpected and devastating diagnosis. "I was cooking dinner for my family before we headed out to the National Day of Prayer walk. I had an itch near my left armpit, and when I scratched it, I felt a little round hard bump. I was still nursing my daughter, but knew it felt different than a clogged milk duct. My mom worked for my family doctor then, and he wasted no time the next day by sending me to the KDMC Women's Center. I underwent a mammogram and ultrasound that day, and it was determined I needed a biopsy. My biopsy was scheduled for the following Monday, and it was Wednesday that I received the report that it was cancer. I had just turned 30 in February, and my daughter had just celebrated her first birthday on April 30. I found the lump on May 6. It was on May 12 that our entire world changed, and I was told it was cancer." shared Pack.

     Things began to move quickly after the diagnosis. Pack soon found that her days were filled with countless doctor appointments, tests, and more unexpected news. "I was scheduled for an MRI of both breasts, since I was still nursing and they couldn't get a clear picture to ensure we were only dealing with the one spot. The MRI showed that it was just one spot and that my lymph nodes were clear. This was great news! So, after that, I was scheduled for a lumpectomy on May 28 and told we were looking at stage one. Surgery quickly revealed it was, in fact, in my lymph nodes. The pathology report revealed that it was exactly five of my lymph nodes and that I had stage 3A- ER+, PR+ & HER2+ breast cancer. Learning that it was stage three was probably a bigger gut punch in the gut, than hearing I had cancer." declared Pack. After a long and hard-fought battle, Pack finally heard the words that she had long awaited on May 28 2010, that she was cancer free after undergoing a lumpectomy. However, her journey was not yet over due to Pack's particular type of cancer. Pack started chemotherapy in July 2010, followed by a series of treatments and surgeries. "In October 2011, I went back into surgery, had a double mastectomy, and began the reconstruction process. As a result of being ER+ and PR+ and my late staging, I was placed on an oral pill for ten years. Because of the possibility of side effects from the oral pill, I opted to have a hysterectomy in October 2012. It was not an easy journey and especially more difficult considering the ages of my children. But I was blessed with an amazing support system made up of my family, friends, church family and community members that helped with our kids, sent meals, did laundry, cleaned my house, took me to treatments, etc. That allowed me to concentrate on just getting better and getting this behind us." said Pack.

     Sadly, just one year later, Pack's mother, Teri Schwartz, was also diagnosed with breast cancer. Pack stated," I was diagnosed a year before my mom. It was a shocker when I was diagnosed because we had no family history, and I had breastfed all three of my children, which is supposed to lower your risks of breast cancer. So, when my mom was diagnosed almost exactly a year after me, we were even more dumbfounded. Thankfully my mom's cancer was caught early enough that she just had to have the lumpectomy, followed by radiation and then take five years of the oral pill." Schwartz shared, "I was diagnosed with breast cancer at 52 years old, on April 29 2011, almost a year from when Heather was diagnosed. I went for my yearly mammogram in 2010, which showed some scattered calcifications, so they scheduled me for a repeat mammogram in six months to check on them again. When I went back for the six-month follow-up mammogram, there were other calcifications, so I was sent to see a surgeon for consultation. I had a biopsy that returned negative, but the surgeon, Dr. Legenza, felt something wasn't right. So Dr. Lagenza sent me to have another biopsy called a MIBB that took out several different samples from the breast, and it showed cancer."

     Schwartz describes her breast cancer journey as nothing like that of her daughters. "I ended up having a lumpectomy of my left breast. Thankfully, my cancer was caught very early, as it was all encased. I was diagnosed with stage DCIS stage zero, which means it was all encapsulated, so no lymph nodes were involved. I had surgery and had to allow time for the incision to heal. I was scheduled at the Tri-State Regional Cancer Center, to see the Radiation Oncologist. I was scheduled to start several rounds of radiation after they marked me and tattooed the left breast area, where they would radiate the area to kill any other cancer cells. I was also placed on Tamoxifen for the next five years, which is a pill you take daily to treat breast cancer and may also help prevent it in women at high risk. For me, my journey was not anything like what my daughter had to face. She is most definitely a "true warrior.” proclaimed Schwartz. "Beating cancer for me was great! But for me seeing my daughter beat cancer has been the biggest blessing in my life. I have never felt so guilty in all of my life because I was diagnosed at a very early stage and Heather had to go through so much with her journey. It should have been me that had to endure what she did—watching the journey she had to take before I was diagnosed, made my journey seem like nothing. After Heather and I were diagnosed with breast cancer, it made me realize, even more, that time is so precious we just never know what can happen in a blink of an eye. I am so thankful for God watching over us both through our journeys and all the kind people along the way that has sent up many prayers and all the kindness they offered. " added Schwartz.

     Breast cancer doesn't discriminate. It doesn't care how old you are or if you have a family history or not. It doesn't care if you've done all the right things to lower your risk of developing it. The bottom line is that it can still hit you when you least expect it. "So be diligent. Do your self-exams, know your breasts, and don't be afraid to ask for someone to check things out, if things don't seem right." declared Pack. Schwartz, Pack's mother, added, "I would like everyone to know it is very important to do your self-breast exams. If you feel anything of concern, please see your physician. A lot of people say they can't tell anything when they do an exam, but if you do your breast exam regularly, you will know if something feels different and when you are of age to have mammograms, please make them a priority. They can detect cancer at an early stage, even more so with the technology available today. Cancer knows no age, so please be vigilant with the breast exams and any changes you notice and seek medical advice for the next steps to take. As we all know, cancer has no age limits, and we know our bodies better than anyone else." 

Lifting It All in Jesus’ Name-Lori Beth Mays’ Journey

Deidra Bowling-Meade

The Ashland Beacon

“I pray for your healing

That circumstances would change

I pray that the fear inside would flee in Jesus' name

I pray that a breakthrough would happen today

I pray miracles over your life in Jesus name, in Jesus name”

Katie Nichole’s song “In Jesus' Name,” has carried Ashland Independent Schools Elementary Curriculum Coordinator Lori Beth Mays through her current battle with breast cancer.  Mays’ Christian faith above all else is what is seeing her through her recent diagnosis of invasive ductal carcinoma on June 27th, 2022… her 42nd birthday.  Invasive ductal carcinoma is a type of breast cancer that starts in the milk ducts of the breast and moves into nearby tissue. In time, it may spread through the lymph nodes or bloodstream to other areas of the body.

Mays had her first mammogram in May this year, and her doctor was concerned with the initial results.  More appointments were scheduled and a genetic test was ordered.  Mays stated, “My mom, Lena Rogers, was diagnosed in 2004 with breast cancer, and is a survivor of 18 years. She was 59 years old when diagnosed. Thankfully, we found out that I do not carry the gene. This was a relief as I immediately thought of my 11-year-old daughter, Raegan.” After much thought and prayer, Mays was scheduled for a bilateral mastectomy on August 18th, 2022.  The surgery lasted around eight hours with Dr. Legenza and Dr. Ray (reconstruction) involved. After all, reports came back from the double mastectomy, Mays was told she would need to undergo chemotherapy due to a high Oncotype score, meaning she was at high risk for recurrence.

Mays has been unable to work since her surgery, which she has found challenging. Most weeks are full of doctor appointments between her reconstruction doctor and medical oncologist.

Mays shared, “These last few months have been an emotional roller coaster for my family, and I know through prayer that God has helped carry us through the highs and lows we have experienced.  While being off work, I have been able to spend more time in my Bible and listen to music.  I have found that Jesus has been right there to comfort me through it all.  He has given me strength when I have been at my weakest.”  

The cancer journey is still a struggle even for a person of faith.  God understands this; it’s a growing experience in our relationship with Him.  Mays described her emotional journey: “I have had moments of fear throughout this process, the most recent when Jason had to shave what hair I had left on my head this past Sunday.  However, I have also felt an overwhelming sense of peace that God was at work in our lives.  Jason and I have tried to draw as close to God as possible over the last few months.  We have prayed more consistently as a family and have spent more time in our Bible.  God has been a part of this story from day one of my diagnosis, and I’m so grateful I can put my trust in Him.  He has blessed us immensely, even on our darkest days, we have felt His love.  We have also felt the love and prayers of our friends and family like never before.”

Mays has had an enormous support system to help her through this time. Mays proclaimed, “I feel so many people are praying for me and cheering me along each step.  It’s incredible to feel as loved and supported as I do now.  My family has been incredible throughout this entire journey. My husband has only missed one appointment, and a close friend, Christina Wamsley, was able to fill in that day.  My mom and sister have been able to join Jason on chemotherapy days and have been ready to fill in whenever needed to help with the kids.  My brother and nephew have driven to Ashland many weeks to make sure I get to sporting events, as Jason and I try to divide a conquer with two active children. My mother-in-law and father-in-law have stocked our refrigerator and pantry numerous times to make sure we are well-fed. My Life Group from Wildwood Church of God has covered me in prayers and prayed over me.  Family and friends from the Tomcat Basketball Team, Tomcat Baseball Team, Ashland Middle Cheerleading Team, and Tomcat Nation have gifted us with meals, gift cards, and love.  There are so many cancer survivors who have been there for all of my questions and are ready to help whenever needed, especially Jolinda Howard and Amy Lynch.  My hairdresser, Amy Gray, has been a blessing along with so many others in our community.”    

Mays is making progress daily and hopes to return to work as soon as possible.  She is driving again after waiting six weeks post-surgery and anticipates chemotherapy ending in early December. Mays is currently at the two-week mark from her first round of chemotherapy. Jason Mays, Lori Beth’s husband, added how proud his wife makes him, “She hasn't lost her joy.  Lori Beth has a huge joy tank that stays filled most time.  Her joy is derived from her faith, and she has been fervent in her devotions and her walk with God.  She hasn't missed much of Jayse and Raegan's activities.  Raegan is playing middle school basketball and Jayse is playing fall-league baseball with the high school - she has been to probably 95% of their games. Even in times like this, she always puts others above herself, especially her students and the student-athletes we are closely associated with.”

            Mays desires to positively influence others through her cancer journey.  Mays advises those who are hesitant about having a mammogram, “Please make the appointment, and don’t cancel it.  Find one to two friends that will hold you accountable… reach out to me, if needed. This is what it took for me.  Amy Lynch was one of two friends who held me accountable to make the appointment.  Amy would send me text reminders to make my appointment and she made sure I knew the phone number to call.  She was also there praying with me minutes after I received the call to come back for a second mammogram, and she’s been there ever since.  My cancer was caught early; it was stage one.  Thankfully it had not spread, and only one lymph node had to be removed.  I am forever grateful that I had friends making sure I did not cancel my appointment (this time).”  Above all, Mays is lifting praise in Jesus’ name.

Senior Internet Cafe Coming to Local Senior Centers

Morgan Hall

The Ashland Beacon 

     Local seniors will have the opportunity to go online at their local senior centers very soon. Tim Wright is an Aging Finance Specialist with FIVCO Area Development District. FIVCO serves five counties within our region. According to the FIVCO ADD website, they assist in: home care, regional transportation, revolving loan funds, tourism and recreation, workforce development, and aging & disability services. 

     Wright gives us a breakdown of how the senior internet cafe evolved, "I started here in March, we have seven centers in our five-county area. I was traveling around and introducing myself. I like computers and I like helping senior folks. I thought I would put this together and maybe it would be something they would like. We had some extra funds Kentucky had delved over to us and we were trying to find ways to use those funds. So, I proposed a basic computer class for seniors." After the proposal was approved Wright bought 36 Dell laptops, seven projectors, and other supplies needed. 

     In today's world of technology, seniors are expected to do more and more online. It's imperative that they have access to the internet and they know how to use it, as many companies prefer bill pay via online services. "We want to attract more seniors to the centers and help them with their fear of computers, this gives the options and confidence to maybe pay their bills online," explained Wright. 

      How many computers will be provided to each senior center? Wright shares the details, "We will have five Dell laptops per center. The first class will be on October 18 at the Greenup Senior Center and on October 19, I will be at the Boyd County Senior Center." Wright plans on using a PowerPoint presentation while keeping the seniors involved. He will be going over computer basics: mouse, keyboard, laptop vs. desktop, etc. He assures me he will give folks a lot of time for questions and demonstrations. 

      Amy Darby, Director of the Boyd County Senior Center shared via their Facebook page, "Since everything is moving to online, it is important for Seniors to learn at least basics computer skills." Darby is elated about the upcoming computer class at the center. 

      The senior centers that will be adding these new basic computer classes will be Boyd County Senior Center, Greenup County Senior Center, and Greenup County Flatwoods Nutrition Center. The first internet class is on the books. "I enjoy computers, I enjoy working with seniors and I enjoy teaching," added Wright. Wright explains that he works closely with the directors of the senior centers, "I just want to help you, I don't want to put any pressure on you. I'll bring it in, set it up and it will all stay there at the centers. If they want to use the laptops themselves- say the director wants to get them out one day a week, that's great. I'm going to be there for one hour once a month. So, the directors can allow access to them at their discretion."

     The Beacon wanted to hear about Wrights' passion for seniors, "I am older myself and to see seniors struggling, I just have the compassion to go help them to make their life a little bit easier. Seniors are often overlooked."

     Wright shared a study done by Meals on Wheels in the North Eastern District and Southern Western Ohio, "Seniors are consumers or customers and should be treated as such. Their opinions matter, they are real people." Wright suggested that once he is in their shoes, he hopes that people show him that same courtesy. Wright believes independence is key, "If you can be independent as long as possible, by using a computer to do the basic things, that's important. Who knows where we are headed electronically," explained Wright.

     If you haven't found a senior center to hang out in yet, you have so many to choose from in the tri-state area. If you wish to participate in the basic computer classes that will be provided in Boyd, Flatwoods, and Greenup, you do not have to be in regular attendance to come to check it out. There are no income restrictions. The only stipulation is that you are at least 60 years of age to attend. 

     If you're a senior and you're looking for a welcoming atmosphere, stop by a local senior center in your neighborhood. Spend your golden years making new friends and enjoying fellowship and fun with other seniors. There is a place for you, you belong, you're important and loved.

Naturally Rooted–Transformation Story of Kamilah Burke Asafa

Deidra Bowling-Meade

Ashland Beacon

Kamilah Burke Asafa could have easily given up, but now she is living her best life physically, mentally, and spiritually stronger; now that she is 12 years cancer free. Her cancer journey led her to change her lifestyle. Now, Asafa’s mission is to serve others and give them hope for a brighter future. 

Asafa shared her cancer diagnosis story:  “I was 27 years old when I found a spot on my right breast.  I went to my regular OBGYN for a check-up. At this time, I had our youngest daughter who was one and they were sure it was a clogged milk duct. They gave me instructions to go home, get in a hot shower, and press on it hard, to see if that should dislodge it and everything would be fine. I did that and nothing changed. I went back and they told me they would do an ultrasound, to ease my mind. They assured me at my age, there was nothing to worry about. Because I was nursing and my young breasts were very fibrous and dense. So, I did the ultrasound and radiology read it, and it said everything was fine and nothing was suspicious. I could come back in six months for a follow-up if I wanted. Upon follow-up, the same story occurred.  Nothing to worry about on the follow-up, nothing suspicious showed up. Within three months of the follow-up (so now we are nine months in from me initially finding it) I went to try on bathing suits and my husband was with me. I told him, you can see this spot. It’s so surfaced, you can see it through my bathing suit! At that time, I didn’t like the way it looked. I’m going back to the doctor to get this removed. They had to send me to a breast specialist since I was asking for a surgical procedure. Insurance wouldn’t allow me to have the spot removed without having a biopsy. In July 2010, I went in to get a biopsy with the breast surgeon. No one thought at all, that it was anything but a cyst or clogged milk duct. The surgeon was going to go in and get it removed. I got a biopsy, and I went back one week later by myself to get results because none of us had thought anything at all would be found. Since we had been told by numerous professionals, that there was no way I had anything to be concerned about.  I was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma.”

Asafa continued, “At that point because of my age and in complete transparency of what had unfolded, we wanted to be seen somewhere with a little more expertise. The specialist laid the path quickly for me to be seen as a patient at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.  Within two weeks, I was in Minnesota being fully checked out and given an option of surgical procedures and treatments. I had no family history of breast cancer since the young age of 28. Up until the time of my diagnosis, the fact that we had two young girls; led us to go forward with genetic testing. The BRCA 1 and 2 genes are thought to give you a possible predisposition for breast cancer. That test came back negative and due to my age, no family history, and other factors that they consider, it was determined that my cancer progressed due to the environment. There were cancer cells in my body and depending upon your lifestyle, we can proliferate those cells to grow at a higher rate. The thought was, that mine did that at such a young age; because of the size of my tumor. It was believed, I had it from when I was eighteen. The cells grew from what I put into and on my body.

  My husband and I talked through and prayed about every decision made. I decided to go through a very harsh chemo regimen after having a full bilateral mastectomy. I went through six months of chemotherapy and after that, we moved to Jacksonville, Florida for three months to be seen at the Mayo Clinic and have radiation treatment. We moved back; I healed for six months and then went back for my reconstruction surgery. That entire recovery time was between 18-24 months.”

Asafa had quite an emotional journey. She confides, “In the very beginning with diagnosis, I was in complete shock; having to share my diagnosis with my loved ones was emotional for me–telling friends and mom groups when I had to call my husband. I had to share my diagnosis with my mom, who was also battling illness at the time. Fear came and went, which is how I feel the enemy works. Peace is that passeth all understanding, was given to me through my faith in the Lord. Two weeks into diagnosis, I had what I know was a divine meeting with a woman I did not know. She spoke words of life and positivity over me. She said to me, I’m so sorry you’re going through this, but I want you to know that the Lord has given me the peace that you are going to be healed. She was right.  I’m 12 years cancer free!  Praise God!”

Asafa chose a conventional route for her treatment; however, she was changing her lifestyle in another way Asafa states, “We were in a place where we were starting to eat better and dabble in natural and holistic living. I didn’t have an education about it at the time, but this is what propelled me to dive into it and become a lifelong learner, passionate about sharing this information with others.  We started eating more on the organic healthy side. Going through the chemo, radiation, ion, and surgery my curiosity peaked and I started studying everything I could get my hands on, about health and wellness and how to prevent the recurrence of breast cancer naturally. I used conventional medicine at a time when it was needed and the Lord healed me. I believe the Lord made my body strong. He also made things to make my body stronger and to heal when my body was failing. To me, that is the definition of the holistic approach. We utilize the tools that He laid before us so that our body understands, whether it’s food, herbs, spices, or bionics to take better care of ourselves. The holistic lifestyle that I’ve grabbed onto isn’t 100 percent guaranteed. I do believe in holistic health and wellness. Watching what you put in your body and how you’re moving your body matters. By choosing this lifestyle, it  reduces your chances of dealing with breast cancer and all diseases at a much higher level, than those that choose not to live that lifestyle.”    

“When you know better, you do better,” is Asafa’s favorite mantra.  Asafa became a holistic living coach, certified herbalist and aromatherapist with her main focus on disease prevention.  Five years ago, Asafa created Seven Steps to Disease Prevention and it became her big coaching tool to help others. Asafa remarks, “It’s not to be burdensome. The busy mom can do it.  It’s baby steps toward a healthy life. Although I started this journey of holistic wellness to heal myself from what I had been through physically and emotionally, I also took on the mantle of keeping my family healthy. It was more than just healing and prevention, it became a lifestyle that I feel God created us to live. It snowballed into helping others. I spend my days helping people know the natural route to take, by recommending things so they can live a healthier, stronger life, as well as feel, look and perform at their best.”

Anyone can join Asafa’s wellness community on Facebook called “Our Naturally Rooted Life with Kamilah” and learn more about what she implements into practice. Asafa will gladly answer any questions and pray with you through your journey. Her transformation journey is an inspiration. Asafa concludes, “ I’m thankful for my cancer journey because I grew in ways I would have never imagined growing without it. The best thing that came out of it, is that I know how to take care of myself even when I might not be in control. Cancer is not the big C, Christ is the big C. He is in control over my life; there’s no fear of what if. To those going through breast cancer, my best advice is to keep your eyes on the Lord, to keep your attitude high and the people who love and support you close. Regardless of your diagnosis, we are never guaranteed tomorrow. If you take every day no matter what you’re going through, to make the most of today.  Life is now. Life is today. It’s not tomorrow, next week, or next year.  Live life to the fullest with gratitude, love, light, and peace. Share the moments, big and small with those around you.  It will be the largest part of your healing journey when you can look back. The ultimate goal for me is to walk through every day like I don’t know what tomorrow brings. I want to live my life in love and service to others.