Having breast cancer and the treatment she went through isn’t something SaCarrie Rogers, CMA, would wish on anyone.
But she thinks of her favorite scripture in the Bible, the story in which Jesus is washing His disciples’ feet, which reads, in part: “Jesus replied, ‘You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.’” The quote varies in different versions of the Bible, but maintains the same meaning.
Rogers, who cares for interventional pulmonary patients at TidalHealth Peninsula Regional, relates this to her own experience.
“I never understood why I got cancer, but I understand now,” Rogers said. “So I can help others.”
She can share her story with others, and she’s also connected with a group of other breast cancer survivors. It’s been 10 years since she was diagnosed in 2015.
Rogers was in her 30s when she noticed something that felt weird in her breast. She had a mammogram and biopsy and was diagnosed with breast cancer.
She underwent surgery; chemotherapy for six months, every other week; and radiation for 12 weeks.
Rogers said people should make sure they take care of themselves and check themselves. In her case, she found the lump well before age 40, the recommended age to start regular mammograms.
“You’re your biggest advocate, and you have to take care of you,” she said.
You can make a difference
Help save lives in our community by supporting the Sheila Zimmer Breast Screenings Fund. Created in memory of Sheila Zimmer, a Salisbury native who bravely battled breast cancer twice after a lifetime of giving back to others, this fund helps provide access to life-saving breast screenings and care up to diagnosis for patients in need. Through this effort, Sheila’s legacy of compassion and generosity will continue to touch lives.
