A Story of Resilience
- Jordyn Mayes
- Apr 28
- 7 min read
Updated: Jun 16
Celebrating Advocacy and Triumph in the Fight Against Breast Cancer
October is special for many reasons. It is the month when we celebrate all things spooky leading up to Halloween, honor the history and culture of Indigenous peoples, and, last but certainly not least, recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Breast cancer can be defined as a disease in which malignant cells form in breast tissue. There are several types, and they can affect both men and women. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women, with a woman being diagnosed every two minutes. Below are some key facts to know:
1 in 8 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime.
In 2024, an estimated 310,720 women and 2,800 men will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer.
The average age of Black women diagnosed with breast cancer is 60 years old, compared to an average age of 62 for white women.
Black women are 40% more likely to pass away from breast cancer than white women.
Black women have the lowest 5-year relative breast cancer survival rate of any racial or ethnic group.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month was established in 1985 by the American Cancer Society and Imperial Chemical Industries to promote awareness and emphasize the importance of health for both women and men, as men can also develop this invasive illness. It is crucial to advocate for one another, spread awareness, encourage informed health decisions, and support those affected, as it is likely that you know someone impacted by breast cancer. On a brighter note, there is hope. When cancer is caught in its early stages, the five-year relative survival rate is 99%. Many advancements have been made in early detection and treatment, resulting in increased survival rates over the past few years.
The stories are not always about sorrow and loss; many survivors have triumphant testimonies to share. There are currently over 4 million breast cancer survivors in the United States. One of those survivors is near and dear to my heart, and I am grateful that she was open and vulnerable enough to share her story with me.
Meet Latonia Nelson-Woods, a devoted wife and mother, and a lifelong resident of Louisville, Kentucky. She has built a long career in education with Jefferson County Public Schools, making an unforgettable impact on young people since 1998. Additionally, she has been a licensed cosmetologist for 25 years. Describing herself as joyful, compassionate, and consistent, I can confirm that these traits are indeed true. To know her is to love her. For the past 25 years, Latonia has been a dedicated member of St. Stephen Church. Coming from a praying family, she has always understood the importance of church, community, and what it means to be a prayer warrior. In November 2016, at the age of 37, she received news that would change her life and draw her closer to God more than ever before.
Life was a no brainer for Woods, always on the go and juggling all of the things she had a hand in. She lived life like the average person, balancing life, family, and career. Never in a million years did she expect life to take the turn that it did.
Woods spent 16 years of her career with Jefferson County Public Schools, caring for elementary school students at John F. Kennedy Montessori School. She was passionate and dedicated to her job, often prioritizing her work over her own health. In September 2016, she had an upcoming OBGYN appointment, but due to her responsibilities, she decided to miss it. Months go by, and on a cold November morning, Mrs. Woods is getting ready for work as she always does. She is in the middle of her routine when she notices a lump under her armpit. Thinking the lump might just be a hair bump, she continues getting ready and heads to work. The uncomfortable lump remains under her armpit from that Friday until Monday, when it disappears. Mrs. Woods decides to call her doctor about the lump, and the doctor is able to see her the same day.
The doctor conducted a breast exam with a sense of urgency. Although the lump wasn’t visible, the doctor confirmed that it was detectable in the lymph node. The doctor then performed a mammogram and scheduled Mrs. Woods for a biopsy that Friday.
“I didn’t know what to expect,” Mrs. Woods expressed. “The procedure is incredibly invasive; you’re all alone, and the chip they place inside you during the procedure is permanent.”
Following the biopsy, there was a waiting period for the test results. It is now the week of Thanksgiving, and the Woods family is traveling to visit relatives. After 5 PM, Mrs. Woods receives a phone call from her doctor. Moments later, she is diagnosed with Stage 2 invasive ductal carcinoma.
Ductal carcinoma is a common type of breast cancer that originates in the cells lining the milk ducts, which carry breast milk to the nipple. Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) accounts for about 80% of all invasive breast cancers (WebMD, Alten-Schwartz, & Parker, 2024).
"I was numb for about five minutes. Internally, I was terrified; then my thoughts immediately shifted to, 'I have to go to war,'" Woods proclaimed. "I have too much life to live."
Mrs. Toni was diagnosed on November 26, 2016, and began chemotherapy on December 15. The doctor advised her to stay away from large crowds, and one of her close childhood friends, who also had cancer, told her that not everyone could accompany her on this journey.
“Some people won’t know what to say or do to be supportive,” shared Woods.
At that point, she decided to embark on her journey privately and did not announce the news on social media. The cancer treatment lasted for about 18 months, including chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation, followed by additional rounds every three weeks for another year. The chemotherapy hospitalized Woods twice during the treatment cycle. The journey was far from easy.
“I went from always being on the go to feeling completely shut down. I was drained and dehydrated, and my body was failing. My mother asked me what chemotherapy felt like...” Mrs. Toni expressed.
I had to insert the "..." because at that moment during the interview, I was more intrigued than ever. I thought it was an excellent question.
“Chemo felt like having the flu times ten. All I could do was lie down and sleep,” Mrs. Toni finished.
She was out of work from December 2016 to August 2017. During that time, she had 15 lymph nodes removed along with a lumpectomy, which involved removing half of her right breast.
Although she went through the physical experience alone, she had the unwavering support of her family, especially her husband, who took on her role as the primary caregiver and became the sole provider for the family. Not to mention the prayer warriors from all over who never left her side.
Today, Mrs. Latonia has celebrated her 45th birthday and has been cancer-free for seven years! She’s enjoying her free time with her family: her loving husband of 19 years, Andre Woods Sr., her son, Andre Woods Jr. (AJ), and her daughter, London Woods, along with her mother, other family members, and friends. She is also getting her creative juices flowing at her hair salon and photography studio, Picture This by LNW Salon & Photography Studio.
When all is said and done, Mrs. Woods hopes to leave a legacy of strength and courage, and she aspires to become a guide for those who are, or may find themselves, going through similar experiences.
“I’m God’s favorite,” Mrs. Toni exclaimed with a smile. “I still have work to do here, and I plan to fulfill whatever God has in store for me. Live your life to the fullest—life is too short, and stress is unnecessary.”
Mrs. Toni, thank you for sharing your story with me. It will undoubtedly inspire many.
If you are in the Louisville area and are looking for a hairstylist and/or photographer, you can follow Mrs. Toni on Facebook using the link here.
This month, we celebrate the strong, undefeated warriors of breast cancer. One of the best ways to catch cancer in its early stages is to attend your annual mammogram appointments and receive alternative breast exams throughout the year. It truly is a matter of life or new life on the other side.
If you feel inspired to make a difference, here are a few ways you can help. You can start by making donations to various foundations. A simple Google search for “where to donate for breast cancer awareness month”, will reveal many options allowing you to choose the organization that resonates with you.
Throughout October, numerous walks and events take place - join in and show your support! If time and money are tight, consider making cards or gathering friends to create cards for those who need encouragement the most. Most importantly, we must keep each other informed. In October, we wear pink.
“Each and every one of us breast cancer survivors are winners; some of us just win on the other side.” - Mrs. Latonia Nelson-Woods, 2024
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