I’d like to share my story with you. I am a mom of 3 amazing boys, I have been a full-time Realtor in the Houston area since 2006, and I love Jesus. I share my story not because it’s great or even all that different than a lot of other women but because hopefully I can be an encouragement to someone else.

 

I was diagnosed in July of 2019 with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, a lot of big words for breast cancer. Getting that phone call on was life changing,… I was unmarried, self-employed and not prepared. Thankfully God was in all of the details because I was never alone, I received financial support from so many generous people and my faith absolutely became bigger than all of my fears.  30 days after being diagnosed I had a double mastectomy, which was a 16 hour surgery, my friends and family filled a waiting room for the whole 16 hours. After that was 14 rounds of chemo, 30 rounds of radiation, a full hysterectomy and several other surgeries due to infection and complications from my mastectomy. It was a super long year and a half of being down. I was very blessed with a strong support system comprised of amazing motivators who rallied around me. I was absolutely humbled by the kindness that was shown to me; I really don’t know how I would have made it without that support. As soon as I was feeling better I wanted to find a way to give back and support other women who were getting that same phone call that would change their lives. One of my greatest fears was not the chemo itself, but the effects of chemo and the possible loss of my hair. As much as I was struggling inside, I didn’t want to look sick on the outside. I did research to find a possible deterrent to hair loss and I learned about cold capping. A cold cap is worn during chemo sessions, and it freezes the hair follicles, which prevents hair loss. Cold caps are not a 100% effective for all breast cancer patients, but it was my saving grace. Keeping my hair gave me the strength to face every challenge with positivity and confidence. I was the first patient to wear a cold cap at Houston Methodist of Clear Lake. It is now a standard option for chemo patients who would like the chance to save their hair.

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I am now on the other side; I’m a breast cancer survivor. My mission is to support, encourage, and be a cheerleader for other women fighting their way through this terrible disease. I’ve got an amazing group of girlfriends who support all my crazy ideas. The Boots, Boobs and BBQ Cookoff is a fun event and an opportunity to show these women some love. I hope to grow our mission and add fun events over the years. God intended us to live in community, we need each other and I want to pass on the kindness that has been shown to me.

 

Rachel McMurray