A 26 Year Journey with Breast Cancer: The Lump that Started it All

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – More than 300 new cases of breast cancer are recorded each year, with 48 percent of the women diagnosed with breast cancer in The Bahamas under the age of 50, according to doctors at Family Medical Center.

This is how it happened to Porsha Rolle.

In 1996, the young and vibrant 23-year-old felt a lump in her armpit and dismissed it as a reaction to her deodorant. Little did she know that lump would change her life drastically.

Rolle saw a doctor and at first nothing was found, so she was sent home. However, the lump did not go away, and began to grow rapidly.

It was after her biopsy at her second visit, she realized what was happening to her.

“I was in complete shock! The doctors contacted my older sister and she contacted my close girl friend. We went in together and received the horrible news. I felt as though my life was over in an instant,” Rolle said.

Rolle was hit with another bombshell; by the time she received treatment, the doctor determined she had stage four breast cancer.

Komen Bahamas research showed 44 percent of Bahamian women with breast cancer were diagnozed at stage three or higher. Advanced breast cancer needs immediate action and attention to increase the rate of survival.

At 23, Rolle had no prior experience or encounters to determine if her lump was something more.

“It never occurred to me that it was more than a deodorant reaction. I had no knowledge of breast cancer. I never had a mammogram, which I thought was only for women 40 years and older,” she explained.

Rolle is the youngest daughter out of four, but the first to be diagnosed with cancer.

“Since then I’ve had three other sisters with breast cancer. They are all older than I am and of course we did genetic testing. I had two sisters with breast cancer and another sister with lupus. Two of them have passed and two of us still remain,” she said.

Genetic research proves that Bahamian women have, “the highest prevalence of an inherited gene, the BRCA gene in the world [and] 25 percent of Bahamian women with breast cancer have this inherited pre-disposition,” according to Komen Bahamas.

Reality did not set in for Rolle until she underwent surgery and various treatments.

Rolle tested positive for BRCA I and II in her left breast. Her course of treatment included mastectomy on the left breast and mastopexy on right breast followed by chemotherapy, radiation and TRAM reconstruction.

During her fight against breast cancer, Rolle felt herself succumbing to feelings of depression. But with a tenacious mindset, these feelings did not last. She made up her mind that cancer will not stop her life.

“I refused to allow my circumstances to determine who I was. I resumed my life as a normal 23-year-old. I didn’t stop working. I received my treatment on Fridays, recuperated over the weekend and returned to work on Monday. I was determined to enjoy my life regardless of my diagnosis,” she said.

Years of recovery were interrupted in 2007, when cancer was found in Rolle’s breast again. Doctors had let her know there was a chance this may happen.

But this time she wasn’t afraid. Rolle conducted a breast self-exam and was able to find a lump in her breast in this way.

This time the cancer was detected in the right breast which was treated with chemotherapy, radiation and a lumpectomy.

Rolle had two children before her second diagnosis. She kept fighting on because of them.

“Mentally I kept myself occupied with work, close family and friends, researching more about the disease, joining the cancer society, and speaking to other cancer survivors. I mainly kept positive,” she said.

During her normal checkups they found she developed lymphedema (fluid build-up from lymph nodes removal) in 2008 and had fluid drained from her left hand.

But through it all Rolle is grateful because she has been cancer free for 13 years. Her six month checkup was moved to once a year because of her “unremarkable” mammograms, ultrasounds and if necessary blood work or CT/MRI scans.

Throughout her journey, Rolle tells Our News she has found a deeper meaning for life and has learned to be more appreciative, positive and grateful.

Now Rolle encourages women to get mammograms, physicals, breast self-examination, learn about their body and family history.

Research proves, they all can detect early signs of breast cancer, allowing women to be proactive and in control of their lives.

Rolle continues to live a vibrant and positive life and encourages all others to do the same.

“This has been a 26 year long journey. As I approach my birthday next month, I want to encourage cancer patients to remain positive, don’t overthink your situation, trust in God and put Him first in every decision you make.”

She added that survivors should, “maintain a peaceful environment and positive relationships, meditate and pray. Focus on your goals and your reasons for wanting to survive. Organize yourself or join a support group if you can. These are the key factors to survival.

“It’s okay to cry and feel sorry for yourself at times, you are human and you’ve been through a lot,” she expressed.

Her faith in God kept her from 1996 to 2022. She said she asked God to keep her alive to raise her three children. Moreover, the support from her family has been priceless. From loved ones to close friends, Rolle said all have been an emotional and physical help to her.

Breast cancer is the world’s most prevalent cancer with  over 2.3 million new cases and 685,000 deaths worldwide in 2020.

“It is estimated that a full 23% of Bahamian women diagnosed with breast cancer carry the BRCA1 gene mutation. If one of your parents carries a BRCA gene mutation, you have a 50% chance of also having the mutation”, according to FMC.

During the month of October, the world continues to raise awareness for Breast cancer by supporting the fighters, admiring the survivors and honoring those who have passed on.

What you don’t know CAN hurt you!