Pamela Wells: Seasoned, Sassy, and Surviving Cancer

“You are an active, healthy 68-year-old, but you have breast cancer!” Those were the words I repeated to myself on the day I got my cancer diagnosis—April 18, 2024, three days after I celebrated my 68^th birthday.

After being diagnosed, the first question to the radiologist was “What will happen to me?” The radiologist replied, “You will be assigned to a wonderful Medical Team, and they will take care of you.” And they did!

On the drive home alone, I remember not crying even though I was in shock! Like a mantra, I kept repeating those words, “You are an active, healthy 68-year-old, but you have breast cancer!”

In May, I was introduced to my new normal: rounds of testing and meetings—biopsies, MRIs, imagining, an echocardiogram, meetings with an oncologist, nurse practitioner, surgeon, radiation oncologist, pharmacist, and social worker.

On June 17, the infamous chemo port was surgically implanted into my 68-year-old “healthy” body. The procedure was a harsh reality and an awakening moment. Before the surgery, I silently acknowledged God with a prayer and tears. You see, frightened and uncertain, I had decided to embrace my journey spiritually and positively. To that end, I named my chemo port Job, based on Job 5:7 and 42:10.

But no wearing of pink for me! As a child of God on this journey, I was going to rock (wear) the color purple and keep my appearance intact. In the Bible, the color purple symbolizes royalty, majesty, wealth, and divine authority.

I vowed not to be a “Debbie Downer,” either and let others affect my mood or spirits. Although this was never their intention, family and friends’ feelings of indifference, silence, advice, comparison with others’ diagnosis and pending death inadvertently became a burden. My oncologist gave me wise advice: “Cut out the noise.”

Understandably, this is one of the reasons people, myself included, initially choose to keep their cancer journey private. I want to give a heartfelt shout out to my emotional and spiritual warriors (you know who you are!), and I thank you for the prayers, patience, understanding, and unconditional love!

In the summer of 2024, I got a wonderful surprise! I received an unexpected package from Phil’s Friends. Although I don’t know who sent it, I’m going to assume someone from my Medical Team submitted my name.

When I opened the box, I remember feeling grateful that someone took the time to send it. It was filled with warm sentiments. The most memorable items were the pink and gray blanket, which seemed to be handmade, and the jokes written by children. Then and now, those items have given me joy, comfort, and have strengthened my relationship with God. While on this cancer journey, this ministry’s thoughtfulness and kindness has been a heartfelt reminder that I am not alone.

July through November consisted of chemotherapy, referred to as the Red Devil, which I named to represent the “Blood of Jesus” (1 John 1:7). My IV pole got a name, too: Moses. (Exodus 14:21-22).

Through it all, I was blessed to be accompanied by a strong, radiant, positive, externally and internally beautiful 13-year metastatic Cancer Thriver, Charmaine (Cha) Tyson, Care Manager for Carolina Breast Friends-NC. The remainder of my 12 chemo treatments were accompanied by wonderful nurses, God, and me! The first “bell” was rung!

December was surgery month, and I was extremely anxious, yet calm. Thanks to an awesome surgeon, the surgery was successful. Two loving family members accompanied me and I cooked them brunch, even with the anesthesia still hanging around.

January through early March 2025 began a season of healing, both physical and emotional: neuropathy in my hands and feet, changes in the body, emotional tears, anxiety, combatting What-Ifs, new life adjustments, short-term memory loss, and lack of sleep. Mid-March entailed enduring 30 rounds of radiation, which ended on March 27th. The second “bell” was rung!

On April 15, I celebrated my 69th birthday! The remainder of the year consisted of more healing, meds, therapy, and follow-up appointments with my Medical Team.

In all transparency and honesty, my journey, both emotionally and physically, has its Jitter-Joys (a term given by my Massage Therapist). Conscientiously, I embrace my new normal and live life abundantly!

On April 15 and April 18, 2026, respectively, I celebrated my “Seasoned & Sassy @ Seventy” birthday, and two years of being declared in remission. There is no evidence of any cancer on my scans.

Prayerfully and hopefully my testimony to Phil’s Friends will be a blessing to all who are on this cancer journey. Cancer patients: please give yourself grace, and how you embrace the journey is between God and you!

My favorite verse, which has seen me through many hard times, is “For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but JOY cometh in the morning” (Psalm 30:5).

I also love the poem “Footprints in the Sand,” because my neighbor and fellow believer, Kevin, was the first person I told about my cancer outside of my family. He gave me a leather journal with that poem.  He has been my Number One supporter—ordering food for me, running errands, etc. As a single woman, he showed Christ’s love to me when I needed it most.