North Jackson woman chronicles her fight against breast cancer
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NORTH JACKSON -- At 36 years old, Nadyne Fike's life dramatically changed during a daily shower.
Just two months prior, her primary care physician had handed her a clean bill of health after a routine physical. Yet, there it was: a lump in her left breast that felt as though it had materialized out of thin air.
"I just found it one day, and that was it," she said. "Everything changed."
Fike was diagnosed with noninvasive ductal carcinoma -- abnormal cells confined to the lining of her milk duct, right on the precipice of breaking into the surrounding breast tissue. Instead of celebrating her 37th birthday, Fike spent it on an operating table undergoing diagnostic surgery. It kicked off a grueling treatment regimen: six months of chemotherapy and three months of radiation. She also underwent a lumpectomy.
She learned quickly how important early detection and paying close attention to your own body are when it comes to waging a war against cancer.
"I have been told if I hadn't found it when I did, I probably wouldn't be here now," Fike said. "I was told it can be very aggressive."
THE BATTLE BEYOND
THE ILLNESS
The physical toll of the disease was only part of the battle. Fike, who now lives in North Jackson, had just moved to Ohio from Greenville, North Carolina, but had to return to North Carolina for treatment. She said that at the time, the most challenging part was being away from her home in Ohio with no family or friends close by.
"But I was lucky to get a lot of visitors during that time, friends and family. My sister was about three hours away in South Carolina. She was there most often," she said.
Then came some of the added struggles that a cancer diagnosis can bring, including job loss and the inability to care for yourself or pay your own bills.
"I went to get a treatment and was told I had no insurance," she said. "I was terminated from my job with no notice. I had been at my job for 20 years when they let me go. No warning. I've heard of this happening to others. Talk about stress. "
She moved to Sumter, South Carolina, to live with her sister and brother-in-law. They helped her with the financial strain as she continued radiation treatments.
"It was challenging to not be able to provide for myself," she said. "I worked two to three jobs over the years, and at that point, I couldn't work at all. I struggled with that a lot."
THE KINDNESS OF OTHERS
More than ever, Fike learned to rely on others -- a shift in mindset that can be very difficult for anyone who is used to taking care of themselves. A benefit took place to help with expenses.
"I was thankful for a church that paid my electric bill at one point and for a caring landlord that let me out of my lease early," Fike said. "And thank goodness for social media back then because there was an outpouring of love and support from home that way. I realized later I wasn't as alone as I had thought I was."
THE CONTINUING FIGHT
"I sometimes think that some people think when you're done with treatment, everything is then OK," she said. "But there's the fear of recurrence never truly goes away."
That, added to the brain fog, also referred to as chemo brain, and the physical changes, can alter you for life, she added.
"I lost my hair, but I also lost toenails, eyebrows, things like that I still deal with," she said. "There's also tooth loss even with the best dental care. I had perfect teeth before chemo. Your body parts change. And being a woman, a young woman when it happened, I feel like I was worried more about my appearance than reality. I was worried about my appearance and being desirable since I didn't have a husband at the time."
HELPING OTHERS
Part of Fike's life now heavily involves doing what she can to help others facing cancer. She has been actively involved in Rock for the Cure, a fundraising concert in Lordstown each year to benefit the Mercy Health -- St. Joseph Cancer Center's Care Closet. She also is the fundraising coordinator for Mahoning Valley Pink Out, a nonproft organization that hosts an annual free music festival for cancer patients each October that focuses on raising awareness and recognizing cancer patients and survivors, as well as remembering those lost to the disease.
"Pink Out is so important to me because I love to see everyone just not worrying about their illness even if just for a day. Enjoying themselves and being truly happy. I didn't have an outlet or many resources when I was sick. So this is an amazing opportunity to give back to others. It makes my heart happy," she said.
LIFE LESSONS
Fike, who will be 16 years cancer-free on her birthday on Dec. 17, said her illness gave her whole new perspective on life.
"I learned to live life to the fullest from the experience," she said. "I always had a love of travel and after that it was even more important to me than before. I don't sweat the small stuff. I literally stop and smell the roses. I know it all sounds cliche, but it's true. We all need to take a step back and enjoy the path we are given. It won't ever be easy, but it's worth it."
Fike lost her first son, Aidan, to stillbirth in 2003 when she was 42 weeks pregnant. She was told she wouldn't be able to have children following her treatments. However, a second son, Avery, came when she was 42.
"He is my miracle baby," she said. "Avery truly is my miracle rainbow baby. My best advice after going through this, to anyone fighting cancer or any other major life struggle: Keep fighting. Don't give up. It's worth it. Miracles do happen."