Tiffena Pierce

Survivor

I am 50 years old and was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015. I had taken a biopsy a few days before leaving to go out of town for my Residency, because i was working toward my Doctorate Social Work degree. I found out that that the biopsy tested positive during this time, but refused to go home. I have fought through 6 months of chemotherapy, 6 weeks of radiation, and bilateral mastectomy. I literally worked from my chemo chair, and I only took 2 weeks off for my mastectomy. Did I mention that I’m still in the Doctor of Social Work program with a 4.0 grade point average. I’m also encouraging and supporting a daughter in college. She is a senior in college. I’ve had some challenging situations: I’ve done all this without my car (had to get a motor, now other things are wrong with it, but I haven’t missed any appointments or work), radiation really damaged my skin and it has taken a long time to heal, and recently developed cellulitis). I am currently on arimidex and is constantly tired and it makes my body aches and makes it hard to walk, but yet I keep pressing on. Through it all, I remain thankful and I’ve kept the faith. I am very thankful for my support system. They have been great. My family has been with me every step of the way. My motto through my journey has been…… I refuse to let my diagnosis determine my destiny. Thank God for what HE has done and what HE is doing. I feel that it’s working.