At the age of 32 Dee Odom of Cordova has already received her MBA, opened her own business and survived cancer. Odom received the devastating news in February of 2001 after feeling some pain in her armpit. She wasn't surprised to learn she had breast cancer. It runs in her family.

"I knew it was only a matter of time before I would have to face my own issues with cancer, but what caught me off guard was that I was only in my twenties," says Odom. Odom's mother Bennie Odom was diagnosed with cancer at age 36 and is doing well today. She lost her two sisters Marcella Liggins and Shirley Jones to cancer after they were diagnosed in their late twenties.

Odom was living in New York at the time and says it wasn't easy getting help. "Because of my age, I faced difficulties getting appointments and being taken seriously during the diagnostic process. Even the radiologist said not to worry. He said he didn't feel a hard mass. In fact, I had to refuse to leave the radiology office when nothing suspicious showed up on my mammogram. I insisted upon having an ultrasound. I knew that my breast tissue was too dense at age 27 for a mammogram to detect changes." Someone finally listened. Someone miles away in Memphis.

One of the toughest challenges Odom faced in her battle with breast cancer was hair loss. "I once thought it vain to be so concerned about hair. That was before my oncologist told me that I would lose all of mine. It was far from vain. It was a physical, highly visible manifestation of a life-threatening illness that gave no other outward clues of its existence. Because of the hair loss, others would know that I was ill." Odom has opened a wig boutique called Bella Cabella in East Memphis to help patients restore their appearance and self-esteem. "I'm working with cancer patients every day in my wig shop. I am strengthened and encouraged by their faith, perseverance and hope. I have come to understand why hair loss was the most difficult part of my personal experience with cancer."

Today Odom is celebrating five years of being cancer-free. She says the greatest lesson she's learned is to know your body. "I was frustrated that my concerns about my cancer risk seemed to have not been taken seriously. You are your best advocate! It's important to know your norms and pay attention to all signs of change."

Odom is sharing her story now to raise awareness and money for the American Cancer Society. She's a volunteer and the Survivor Chair of the Shelby County Relay for Life in Downtown Memphis. "Cancer patients and survivors need your support. Please cheer on those who are willing to tell their stories and offer support and encouragement to those who need more information about cancer resources. Fighting cancer is difficult alone. Together, we can!"

Appeared in:

• Commercial Appeal & website
• Proud Magazine