For Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Engle Martin is dedicated to highlighting the strength, resilience, and courage of breast cancer survivors.
Engle Martin’s Regional Administrative Manager, Timi Branson, Anaheim, CA shared her personal breast cancer journey to help inspire hope and raise awareness, read more below.
Q: Can you share the moment when you first received your diagnosis?
Timi Branson: I had a mammogram done that showed a suspicious finding. They did a biopsy that determined that the growth was pre-cancerous. My doctor recommended a lumpectomy, and when doing the lumpectomy, she discovered other tissue that didn’t look normal but wasn’t visible on my mammogram, and removed it for testing. This is where the cancer was. The doctor called us to come into her office. I knew if it wasn’t cancer that she would have told me over the phone. My husband was there with me when we got the news that I had breast cancer.
Q: How did you feel when you received your initial diagnosis?
Timi Branson: I remember at the beginning of my journey, thinking it would be a 3-6 month process from start to finish. In talking with other survivors, I realized this was never the case. I had many setbacks on my recovery journey which included infections and additional surgeries to aid in my healing. When I was finally ready for my reconstruction surgery, I was excited, realizing that I had healed enough to begin the next phase.
Q: How did your perspective on life change after being diagnosed with breast cancer?
Timi Branson: Everyday moments became special. Time with family and friends is more precious than ever. I know that God has a purpose for everything and I am now able to share my journey with friends on similar journeys.
Q: What lessons have you learned through this experience, both about yourself and about life in general?
Timi Branson: I have learned that you don’t need to be strong for the people around you by putting on a mask that everything is ok. You can let others into your journey and give them the opportunity to serve and help you. This is so rewarding for both people, because most people want to help, but don’t know what to do.
Q: How can people play an active role in breast cancer awareness or advocacy?
Timi Branson: Early detection is key to survival. I am constantly having conversations with friends and family to encourage them to get regular mammograms. I try to encourage them by helping with whatever they need to make that appointment.
Q: If you could share one piece of advice or encouragement with others going through a similar journey, what would it be?
Timi Branson: My advice would be to let others help you, get a great support group around you of family and friends, let them help you clean house, cook, do laundry, drive you to appointments, be a listening ear and a shoulder to cry on. Knowing that you have this group brings such comfort when you are feeling alone and worried.
In support of breast cancer awareness, the Engle Martin team is joining together to support the charitable organization chosen by Timi. She has selected the Michelle’s Place Cancer Resource Center, whose mission is empowering individuals, and their families impacted by cancer through education and support services.
Click here to learn more about Michelle’s Place Cancer Resource Center and donate.