Quwanda’s journey began in November 2020. She went to see her doctor because she felt that something was wrong with her breasts.
“My breasts became entirely too big for my body frame,” Quwanda said. “I went from a C cup to an F cup within 30 days.”
“Very much not normal,” she added. Quwanda requested to have a breast reduction.
On January 5, 2021 Quwanda had surgery at Northside Hospital Atlanta. Her plastic surgeon sent some of the breast tissue to Pathology for testing. Shortly thereafter, Quwanda received a call from her doctor that cancer had been detected in her left breast.
“I was shocked by this news,” she said.
Over the next few weeks, Quwanda had numerous appointments at Northside, including multiple mammograms and ultrasounds, a biopsy and genetic testing.
Quwanda has a family history of breast cancer, but she had no idea until after undergoing genetic testing.
Once all of the results came in, Quwanda was referred to Dr. J. Patrick Luke at Surgical Specialists of Atlanta, a Northside network provider.
On November 9, 2021, she had a bilateral mastectomy and began receiving weekly fluid in her tissue expanders to prepare for future implants.
“My reaction to my diagnosis was my viewpoint on life: always look at the bigger picture, remain focused, be positive and always keep God first,” Quwanda said.
She added that her diagnosis has had a “beautiful” impact on her life, because she gets to share her story and experience with other women who may be scared to speak up about changes to their body or get tested.
Today, Quwanda said her health is “absolutely great.”
“I’m in the entertainment industry; so from my fans, family and my team – everyone has been absolutely amazing during this journey,” she said. “I want to take this time to thank EVERYONE at Northside for their hospitality.”
*The health story shared here may portray atypical results of survival for this type of cancer, given its severity and stage. Atypical results are considered surviving a cancer that has less than a 50% five-year survival rate. Patients should consult an expert to discuss specific treatment plans and the possible outcomes before making medical decisions.
