On June 30, 2023, Nakisha lost her best friend of 30 years, Shawn, to colon cancer. Shawn was only 49. Nakisha had prayed she would make it to her 50th birthday on September 1—but instead, she was preparing to honor Shawn’s memory.
What Nakisha didn’t know was that Shawn’s birthday would become the day she discovered her own breast cancer diagnosis—a moment that would change her life forever.
In August, Nakisha experienced what she thought was a urinary tract infection and made an appointment with her OB/GYN. During the visit, her doctor noted she hadn’t had a mammogram in over two years and performed a breast exam. That’s when she felt something.
“I feel something in your right breast,” the doctor said. “You need a diagnostic mammogram.”
Nakisha didn’t wait. She scheduled her mammogram right away, and within a week, she was in for imaging. Afterward, she was told she needed a biopsy. Her care team moved swiftly, and she received approval for the biopsy that very same day.
Shawn’s 50th heavenly birthday arrived, and Nakisha was at work—overwhelmed and running behind. She stepped away to the restroom, opened her patient portal, and read the results:
Invasive Ductal Carcinoma
ER/PR Positive. HER2 Negative.
After 18 years in radiology, Nakisha didn’t need a doctor to interpret the results. She knew what it meant.
She whispered the news to her coworker and went back to caring for her patients. Later that day, she arrived at the cemetery for Shawn’s balloon release. She hugged Shawn’s mother and shared her diagnosis—feeling, in her heart, that Shawn was still with her, guiding her to this discovery.
Nakisha quickly underwent further biopsies, genetic testing, and imaging. She assembled her oncology and surgical team, and together, they created a treatment plan:
Throughout every step, Nakisha remained rooted in gratitude—for her care team, her coworkers, and her unwavering faith.
Nakisha’s mother is a Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer patient—ER/PR Negative, HER2 Positive. When Nakisha told her the news, her mom believed she must have misread the pathology report. But Nakisha knew better. She had worked in radiology nearly two decades. She trusted her training—and her instincts.
Sometimes, it’s hardest for our loved ones to accept what we already know.
Being diagnosed on her best friend’s birthday felt like more than coincidence—it felt like a divine message.
Nakisha believes Shawn was still watching over her, guiding her toward a diagnosis that may have saved her life. Her message to others: don’t delay your screenings. Trust your gut. Speak up when something feels off. You know your body best.
We are honored to share Nakisha’s beautiful and courageous story. Her journey is a testament to the power of friendship, faith, early detection, and the strength it takes to face cancer with your head held high.
To learn more about breast cancer detection and treatment, visit these medically vetted Learn Look Locate resources:
Thank you, Nakisha, for sharing your light with the world.
Your story will help countless others recognize their own strength.
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