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Rachel
Moscoso Denis Diagnosis Date: 1996
For several years, I worked in Haiti as a high profile designer. I worked long hours, traveling throughout the Caribbean, Europe and the US exploring fashion fairs, fashion shows and presenting my own designs. Life was beautiful and I enjoyed every moment of my career. I was passionate in my design creations and always gave one hundred percent in all of my works. Suddenly, I noted certain symptoms, which I could not explain or identify. I became increasingly tired and started losing weight. Such a happy and lively person could only be losing weight because she was on a diet! - which I was.
But the weight kept coming off and the fatigue continued to creep in. I now became short of breath and I also developed a cough. The coughing became more and more and I developed a rash on my chest, waist and thighs. My physicians could not explain my symptoms. This could not be Rachel. As time went by, I was unable to fill the demands of my customers.
Finally one day, I went to my family physician Dr. Gregaire Jean- Louis. The doctor spent two hours on my physical exam. He noticed a lump on the left side of my neck, which I had never noticed. Dr. Jean Louis immediately referred me to the office of Dr. Serge and Dr Regine Duret for a sonogram. The sonogram a revealed a large mass behind my left thoracic cage, so large it protruded to the left side of my neck. It was the pressure from this mass on my windpipe, which caused the coughing and the shortness of breath. After viewing the sonogram the doctor felt that it might be cancer but only a biopsy could give a definitive diagnosis. I also have a strong paternal family history of cancer amongst them, my aunts, uncles, cousins, great aunts, great grandmothers and great cousins. Although the doctors could not decisively diagnose me, I heard for the first time the word lymphoma, a form of cancer. My symptoms finally had a name. I was happy to have an answer to my symptoms but in my mind this was impossible because cancer was not for me.
Before long and a few more tests later, I was on a plane to Florida to see an oncologist, Dr. Myriam Landrin at Cedars Medical Center. I was accompanied by Myrna Joseph, who I consider not just a friend but a sister and a guardian angel. Although it was hard dealing with my symptoms back home, the real fight began once I reached the hospital. My fear and anxiety was eased by being surrounded by people such as my cousin Danielle Beauvoir who I also consider my guardian angel and of course my good friend Dr. Myriam Landrin. As soon as I reached the hospital, the chemotherapy started, then there were the radiation treatments and a whole lot of prayers. My doctor Dr. Landrin remained at my side during my entire treatment course and her involvement in my treatment decisions was crucial to my survival.
I did not want to hear anything about the word cancer. I simply went through my treatment sessions closing my ears and holding God's hand.
During this period and between treatments, I developed a love for architecture and historical architectural preservation. I fell in love with Miami, its treasures, and its history. I held onto God's hand even harder and surrounded myself with "beauty". This is how I led my fight. This disease was just another lesson which taught me just how much I love and appreciate life. It also taught me that early detection is so important. With my faith in God and with my courage, and with the kindness, love and encouragement from the people so dear to me - today I am a survivor. Today I am alive and well.
To all those with cancer, I would like to say to you, that no matter how hard and tough is the chemotherapy and radiation treatments - it may be the right price to pay for life.
