“Don’t put too much pity in the party.” – Valeda Keys
Valeda Keys was diagnosed with breast cancer when she was just 37 years old, and her recently released book, “My Strength is Your Strength: Winning Against Breast Cancer” tells it all.
The diagnosis caused an “interruption of life,” as she calls it, that was shocking, scary and exhausting. She underwent a lumpectomy, followed by radiation therapy. She then found out she was positive for BRCA2, meaning an increased risk of breast, cervical and ovarian cancer. She began taking a drug called Tamoxifen to help prevent breast cancer from returning. She was also closely observed through frequent mammograms and MRIs.
And just when she began to breathe a sigh of relief and hoped the experience was all behind her, one year and five days after the initial diagnosis, she found out she had breast cancer again, this time in the opposite breast. Her oncologist told her to get rid of the Tamoxifen, because it had not worked for her. She also advised that having both breasts removed would be the best way to prevent a third cancer.
Keys has now had a total of seven surgeries, including a lumpectomy, double mastectomy, reconstruction surgery, and robotic hysterectomy to prevent ovarian and cervical cancer.
Her book “My Strength is Your Strength: Winning Against Breast Cancer” is described as the raw and uncut journey through the pain, perils and pearls of her seven-year journey through her battle against breast cancer. She tells it all – the good, the bad and the ugly, ultimately sharing her strength to fight and win.
Also available is the accompanying “My Strength is Your Strength” journal to keep track of your personal journey, capturing your own thoughts, hopes, fears and desires.
“I am hoping my book will give readers hope and strength after traumatic experiences and tragedy,” Keys said.
“I always knew I was going to be an author, even as a kid,” Keys said. “I just didn’t know what I was going to write about. Then came breast cancer twice, seven surgeries, gene mutation and BRCA2 positive diagnosis, all before I was 40. I have been working on my book for eight years.”
Editors for the book were Amy Kohlbecker and Megan Frank, who is also the illustrator.
Keys also gives speaking engagements, when she gives her testimony, telling her story and sharing tips about breast cancer.
“Do not ignore any abnormalities, make and keep your mammogram appointments, research and ask questions. Also, not having medical insurance should’t be an excuse for not having a mammogram. There are resources out there, and organizations that assist with payment of a mammogram,” Keys said. “Show Me Healthy Women is one resource. And of course, know your family medical history.”
Keys founded the nonprofit Valeda’s Hope, which navigates women through the breast cancer process and educates women on health issues.
“We also deliver recliners to women who undergo a double mastectomy due to the diagnosis of breast cancer,” Keys said. “We even delivered a recliner in Capetown, South Africa in 2017!”
Since 2013, Valeda’s Hope has collaborated with Siteman Cancer Center to provide a mobile mammogram van for the community.
“‘Mammogram Mondays’ is a way we remind women for 52 weeks every Monday to make and keep their appointment for a mammogram, and to reschedule if the appointment is cancelled,” Keys said.
“Our mobile mammograms are held at the Rock Road Library throughout the year. It has been a pleasure and honor to have women come to the library to receive their mammograms,” she said. “The library is where your friends are.”
This year, Valeda’s Hope will hold its eighth annual Pink & Pearls Luncheon and Conference from noon to 3 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 19, at the Hilton Frontenac, with Carol Daniel serving as mistress of ceremonies. Tickets are $60, and are available at eventbrite.com.
Keys’ book is dedicated to her family, survivors and caregivers who helped carry her through her journey.
Keys is a contributing writer for Community News, and her story has appeared in Redbook and Heart & Soul magazines, among others. She received a proclamation on March 27, 2019, from Mayor Lyda Krewson for her foundation and continual work with Valeda’s Hope.
Keys is serving her first year as a councilwoman in Missouri. And most recently, she received the 2019 Women of Achievement Award for Health Advocacy.
The book and journal can be purchased together or separately at amazon.com. To request an appearance or book signing, send an email to Keys at valeda@mystrengthisyourstrength.com.
