The annual Breast Cancer Awareness walk is hosted by the Oxford High School Superiors. The Proceeds from t-shirt sales are benefitting one of the survivors, Cindy Bigham. Bigham is the district’s assistant director of special education. Bigham, after having a yearly mammogram conducted in May of 2022 with normal test results, felt a lump in her left breast three months later. The radiologist ordered a biopsy. She then received the results from the biopsy on Nov. 10, 2022. Her diagnosis was Invasive Lobular Carcinoma Grade one -ER, PR positive and HER2 negative.
“While a little overwhelming, the members of my family with medical backgrounds were very reassuring it was caught early and presumably treatment would be minimal,” Bigham said.
Bigham had her first surgery on Jan. 23, 2023. Unfortunately, the pathology reports from the surgery noted that cancer cells had spread to six of her lymph nodes.
“My goal was to find joy in the small things that my cancer diagnosis provided, one of which was spending time with my dear friends and family members while healing from surgeries and undergoing treatments,” Bigham said. “An unexpected delight was getting to know the amazing staff of doctors, nurses, technicians, admin staff, and other patients at the various facilities where I was treated.”
Bigham encourages young women to take self breast exams very seriously and if anything is ever detected to act immediately. Early detection can make possible cancer diagnosis easier to treat.
“As the assistant special education director for the OSD, I have the pleasure of working with the most encouraging and hardworking individuals. Each of whom selflessly took on my responsibilities when I had to be out for surgeries and treatments,” Bigham said.
Bigham was initially told a small lumpectomy would be sufficient with a few weeks of radiation to follow. Bigham started her treatment plan March 14, 2023.
“It can be overwhelming, but appreciating the challenges God allows in life, and leaning in on what you can learn and give back will make it all worthwhile,” Bigham said.
Bigham’s surgical oncologist ordered more tests which ultimately changed her prognosis. With much prayer and support from family and friends Bigham decided to have a bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction.
“Reminding myself to have faith over the fear helped me tremendously this past year and can help anyone during the difficulties faced in life,” Bigham said. “If I could give any advice to someone diagnosed with breast cancer it would be to look for the small blessings all around.”
The pathology reports form surgery changed Bigham’s diagnosis from Stage one to Stage three Grade two breast cancer, but her medical oncologist told Bigham matter of fact that this was treatable and curable.
“I must say, I spent the most time at the Baptist Cancer Center here in Oxford and will forever be grateful for each and every person I encountered and the special relationships that were forged,” Bigham said. “We are so fortunate to have the Baptist Cancer Center as part of our Oxford community.”
The biggest challenge that Bigham experienced during treatment was having to slow down and allow people to help her.
“I truly believe what helped me the most were the heartfelt prayers lifted up on my behalf from family, friends, and coworkers which made this unplanned journey much easier to manage,” Bigham said. “Several things that really helped me during my treatments were continuing to exercise, working, and praying.”
