This Article appeared in the Million Dollar Round Table Magazine March/April 2007
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'Planning to spend a couple of months at home after a simple surgical procedure, Brenda Christobelle Mohammed had no idea that she would spend the next several months treating a cancerous tumour.
Brenda, a four-year MDRT member from Trinidad postponed a doctor recommended surgical procedure to late summer 2005 to allow her to attend the 2005 MDRT Annual Meeting as planned for June in New Orleans, Louisiana.
The day after the surgery, Brenda’s doctor told her news she did not expect.
The procedure had been interrupted because of what the doctor found, and she was awaiting lab results.
A few days later, Brenda was discharged and instructed to retrieve the results, then bring them to the doctor to open.
But, Brenda was too anxious to wait. “I ripped open the envelope and was stunned to see the comments,” she said. “I had a malignant tumour.”
The doctor had more bad news.
The cancer cells were the type that could rapidly spread and required immediate treatment abroad.
Brenda obtained the name of a well- referred oncologist and flew to the United States to see him.
”He was calm and very reassuring, explaining that he could not perform another operation so soon after the first,” she said.
The oncologist recommended that she do three sessions of chemotherapy to stop the cancer from spreading before another surgery could be done to remove the tumour.
When the whirlwind of the cancer diagnosis began to die down, new fear about the cost of treatment crept up on her.
She was forced to stay in the United States for several months to receive treatment.
Though she was able to stay with her daughter in Florida, the treatments were expensive at US$16,000.00 per session.
Before she left Trinidad, she thought ahead and submitted claims for her two critical illness policies, worth US$65,000.00.
Group medical insurance was provided by her employers, but she had to pay upfront and submit the claims afterward.
“When the doctor’s assistant called with the cost of the chemotherapy, it was very high, but luckily I had critical illness insurance and the peace of mind that I had the funds,” she said.
With the second surgery, the doctor successfully removed the tumour, and the chemotherapy treatments had stopped any spreading.
As a precaution, she continued chemotherapy for three months, first returning to Trinidad to celebrate Christmas with her family.
Between the chemotherapy treatments, both before and after surgery, and the surgical and hospital fees, her bout with cancer cost US$123,000.00. Her health insurance combined with critical illness insurance payouts covered $113,000.00, leaving her savings to bear the rest of the burden.
“Without those insurances, my savings and those of my husband would have been depleted completely, and we may even have had to borrow some,” she said.
This experience has made me more determined to tell everyone about the value of insurance.
Without it, I would not have been in a position to afford overseas treatment, and be here to tell my story.”
Read Brenda's Memoir, I am Cancer Free available at Amazon Universal Link
The Book received the Mc Grath's House Award for Best Non=Fiction in 2016.
It also received a five-star review and seal from Readers Favorite in 2017.
Look out for the new Book Cover coming soon.
Showing posts with label ovarian cancer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ovarian cancer. Show all posts
Saturday, 17 June 2017
Wednesday, 3 May 2017
Six Fascinating Memoirs and Reviews written by Brenda Mohammed
Book Review
My Life as a Banker
ByBookaholic on July 7, 2016
Format: Kindle Edition 5.0 out of 5.0 stars
My Life As A Banker: A Life Worth Living is a fascinating, intimate story. The author has an engaging writing style that draws you into the story and you feel as though she is talking directly to you, the reader. There is a nice balance between the professional and the personal and while I found the professional aspects rewarding, the highlight for me was reading about the author's interesting life.
The social history aspects of the book also fascinated me, particularly the descriptions of life in Trinidad and I would imagine that this memoir will serve as an important document for social historians in years to come.
This might sound strange to say about a book with Banker in the title, but the author demonstrates quite vividly that there are far more important things than money in life.
BOOK REVIEW
The book takes the reader on a journey of fun and adventure through many travels
By L.K on October 6, 2014
Format: Kindle Edition 5.0 out of 5.0 stars
Retirement is Fun: A New Chapter, is a seamless account of family life, hard work, and dedication. The author talks about her impressive career from banker to an insurance agent, to a lifetime member of the company that she worked for. Through it all, she beat the odds of life-threatening health problems. The book takes the reader on a journey of fun and adventure through many travels, work, and family life, that make retirement seem worthwhile.Roza K.
Book Review
TRAVEL MEMOIRS WITH PICTURES Exploring the World By Brenda Mohammed
By Josephine Calabrese on February 15, 2017
Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
5.0 out of 5.0 stars
Enjoyable Memoirs of Author's Travels
An informative and enjoyable book to read. The author writes of her world travels with her family. She shares her experiences with the reader.
You'll read about the various sites to see in each location, the restaurants with delicious foods, and which restaurants are more reasonable in cost and which more expensive. She writes about the various ways to travel and of the climate of the location. You read her travels to different locations in the world:
Paris, Germany, Amsterdam (Holland), New York (USA), LosAngeles, California(USA), Las Vegas, Nevada (USA), London (United Kingdom), Toronto (Canada), Colorado (USA), New Orleans (USA), Italy, Spain, Miami (USA), Orlando (USA), Caribbean Vacations, Anguilla, Puerto Rico, Caracas, Barbados, Cruise to the Bahamas, Cartegena, Cruise to Cozumel (Mexico), Trinidad and Tobago.
Nearing the end of her book she ends with a delightful poem of her travels. This was a nice touch!
Book Review
completed on:
02/16/2017
Review Rating:
5 stars! Download your free 5 Star Seal.Reviewed By Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite
I Am Cancer Free by Mrs. Brenda C. Mohammed is the poignant memoir of the author's personal battle with cancer. Her faith in God and proving that ovarian cancer need not be a death sentence are what make this memoir a heartrending read. The author's 'never say die' attitude, the decision not to give up in life, and finally being cancer-free will encourage everyone who has been diagnosed with the disease or who has suffered from cancer. The memoir recounts from the time of diagnosis the experiences the author went through during the treatment, her emotions, fears, finances, until the successful treatment of the disease. It is a courageous story of survival, faith, and strength.
The author chronicles every step of her journey methodically, without leaving anything out, making the narration very personal, honest, and palpable to readers. The presence of God in everyone's life, a positive attitude, and the power of prayers run through the memoir. The author reiterates the fact that faith in God removes all obstacles in life. The conversational style of writing connects well with readers, making it easy for them to understand her journey. The author has also shared the poems she wrote during that phase in her life, where she again speaks about her story, faith in the Lord, and a Higher Power. For all those who are suffering from cancer and are battling the disease, this book is a must-read as it will give them hope, strength, and courage to fight the disease.
Book Review
A Time to Read: A Beautiful and Soulful Tale about Trust and Belief in the Lord!
By Author JB Richardson November 16, 2016
Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
5.0 out of 5.0 stars
Having herself experienced a lifetime of tragedy and joy, Author Brenda Mohammed assumes the mantle of theologian/philosopher in her quest to understand and explain the elegance and meaning found in the biblical verses extolled in Ecclesiastes 3.
In "Your TIME is NOW: A Time to be Born and a Time to Die", Mohammed fully examines each memorable and precious verse and applies them to her own life experiences.
In doing so, she takes the reader on a journey through a lifetime filled with trials and tribulations, despair and hope, loss and success. The author eloquently defines Ecclesiastes 3, pointing out that, by freely accepting God's will, she has been amply blessed with a faithful family, loyal mentors, good friends, and a full life.
She successfully leaves her readers with a message of hope and inspiration by sharing her belief that, through introspection and prayer, one may find meaning within the events of their own everyday experiences. She appears to be a firm proponent to the old adage, "When days seem at their darkest, surrendering and trusting in the divine will ensure peace and prosperity".
All in all, I found this book to be quite engaging. The author's reflections on her childhood were beyond charming in some spots, yet brought me to tears in others. Her candidness about her relationships with parents, siblings, husband, and her own children reminded me so much of my own family's saga, and I must admit that I was thrilled to find a read that tugged at my heartstrings the way this book did!
For any individual seeking solace and meaning in today's hectic world, "Your TIME is NOW: A Time to be Born and a Time to Die" is a beautiful and soulful read.
Thank you, Brenda Mohammed, for sharing your journey with me!
Book Review
AN INSPIRATION TO ALL
ByJosephine Calabrese on February 22, 2017
Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
5.0 out of 5.0 stars
Memoirs of Dr. Andrew Moonir Khan: Journey of an Educator by Brenda Mohammed
Reading of Dr. Andrew Moonir's youth, life as an educator and church leader, I have come to know this man as a decent man, individual of good character, and a man who thought, planned out, and in a step-by-step process persevered to achieve his goals. Great men aren't forgotten and all learn from such men.
If a documentary hasn't been done on Dr. Andrew Moonir Khan's Life, his life should be filmed in a documentary. He is an inspiration.
Josephine Calabrese
Writer, Lyricist, Publisher, and Teacher
AUTHOR’S BIOGRAPHY
Brenda Mohammed is an award –winning multi -genre writer and former Bank Manager who has written sixteen books to date.
She is an accomplished traveller.
Her travel experiences have translated into a captivating array of travel-inspired non-fiction books. A reviewer of one of her books on travel said,
While many people travel, few of us are capable of sharing our experience in a meaningful and relevant way with strangers. This author does a superb job.
Brenda is also a writer of fiction.
This excerpt from a review of one of her books from Readers Favorite confirms that she is very good at it.
Revenge of Zeeka, by Brenda Mohammed, is a one of a kind novella trilogy that delivers an incredible story guaranteed to give readers an absolute sci-fi treat.
I especially liked how Brenda used current events as the pivotal point from which to build this amazing sci-fi horror. This made the story even more relatable. More importantly, however, I admired how she owned her story and created this captivating version of events. She captured with an amazing depth the setting, characters, plot, and emotions in such few words.
Brenda won awards for her books from Metamorph's Publishing and Mc Grath House in 2016. She loves to interact with her readers and other authors.
Brenda lives in the beautiful Caribbean island of Trinidad and is a fan of photography and art.
She willingly donates books to children's hospitals, national libraries, and school libraries.
Feel free to connect with Brenda through Facebook and Twitter.
Buy the books at Amazon Universal Link
Wednesday, 12 April 2017
A True Tale - A Poem in the book I am Cancer Free: A Memoir
The poem in the video was written by Author Brenda Mohammed
Listen to the book description in Video.
Here is Brenda's biography in Video
See this #AmazonGiveaway for a chance to win: Zeeka Chronicles (Revenge of Zeeka) (Kindle Edition).
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY.
Ends the earlier of May 6, 2017, 11:59 PM PDT, or when all prizes are claimed.
See Official Rules
Tuesday, 15 November 2016
Winner of Mc Grath House Indie Book Award 2016 - I am Cancer Free
I am Cancer Free - A Memoir, was declared Winner in McGrath House Indie Book Award 2016 in the Category Non- Fiction.
It is a most touching and emotional true story of the author's battle with Ovarian cancer.
The Author relates events when her life and financial well-being were threatened by this killer disease.
Her strong faith in God saw her through all the trials she had to undergo during her several months of chemotherapy sessions and cancer surgery in a foreign country.
Writing this book gives her the opportunity to demonstrate to others the meaning of prayer and family unity.
The book serves as an inspiration for those in a similar situation to not give up, trust in god, and continue fighting.
Ovarian Cancer does not have to be a death sentence.
Ten years hence she is Cancer Free.
A must read for anyone with or without an illness!
The author has included her thoughts on The True Value of Insurance.
*****************************************************************************
Top Reviews
Everyone should read this!
By Book Bug on August 1, 2016
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
I picked up this book, as my father has been diagnosed with stage four cancer. I wanted to read this from the perspective of someone who has been there, so that I could better support him.
What I will say is that everyone should read this book. We are all touched by this horrible and untimely disease, and reading the author's story helped me understand a little more how my father might be feeling. Whilst I know he will never be cancer free - I wanted to understand more.
It's emotional, heartfelt, honest and transparent. The author has told the story with true authenticity.
Highly highly recommended!
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Thoughtful and detailed account of defeating the most terrible of diseases
By Kato's Revenge on May 21, 2016
Format: Kindle Edition
I am Cancer Free is an extremely positive title for something that is so terrifying to pretty much all of us, were we to be diagnosed with it.
No illness is pleasant, but surely cancer is one of the very worst, and although survival rates are increasing all the time depending on the type of cancer concerned, it is good to know that the author, who thankfully defeated this terrible disease, overcome it in order to pen this extremely good read.
From a carefree life, visiting friends and relatives, through to the initial concerns and then onto the diagnosis, the author takes us on a journey in this book. But potential readers shouldn't be put off by the subject matter. The author has bravely chosen to share her experience with the reader. It is never negative, although some of it is very harrowing to read.
The description of the subsequent and very necessary operation which resulted in the author regaining her full health is a case of just enough information. There's no need for gory details and we don't get them. In essence, the author has the balance right between info-dumping and info-giving.
Again, it's a book that educates and informs.
Thank goodness for medical insurance. In the UK, we are fortunate that the NHS provides many life saving treatments. I do hope the government (s) wake up and spend money on research to defeat this terrible disease in all its forms.
Well done to the author on the beating of this disease and in the creation of this book.
************************************************************************************************************
Remarkably detailed, and poignant description of the author's experiences as she was diagnosed and treated for ovarian cancer.
By Arabella Persaud on June 19, 2014
Format: Paperback Verified Purchase
This true story should be read by every person who has been diagnosed with or who has ever suffered from cancer. Their loved ones will also benefit from reading this autobiographical account. The author has an impressive memory for details and gives an excellent account of everything that she went through during that trying period from her diagnosis to the successful treatment of the disease. She narrates, in depth, all her experiences during her treatment, including her personal feelings, her understandable fears, and even financial matters. Displaying an exceptionally lucid memory, she remembers every single person who supported her during that time period and every single little detail including the hurricane that struck Miami after her second chemotherapy session and the inconveniences incurred with regard to electricity in the house and gas for the car. She also remembers in detail every restaurant in which she ate in Miami and everyone who visited her. Her memory of every important date is extremely remarkable.
During all the upheavals, the author never lost her faith in God. Her undaunting faith upheld her and comforted her during this dark period of her life. Her story clearly demonstrates that faith in God surmounts all obstacles.
The book makes easy ready and the style is almost conversational. One gets the feeling that the author is speaking directly to the reader. It is an intensely personal narration and I recommend this book highly.
***************************************************************************************
Get the Book at Amazon, Barnes and Nobles, or Create space.and
Books2Read Universal Link
Friday, 20 May 2016
Celebration Time - Ten years since I am Cancer Free
Come celebrate with me. It is now ten years since I am Cancer Free.
I am offering my story of my battle with Ovarian Cancer FREE with a Kindle Free Book Promotion from Sunday 22nd May to Wednesday 25th May 2016.
Read one of the latest Five-star Reviews below:
John Hennessy - Goodreads
Thoughtful and detailed account of defeating the most terrible of diseases
I am Cancer Free is an extremely positive title for something that is so terrifying to pretty much all of us, were we to be diagnosed with it.
No illness is pleasant, but surely cancer is one of the very worst, and although survival rates are increasing all the time depending on the type of cancer concerned, it is good to know that the author, who thankfully defeated this terrible disease, overcome it in order to pen this extremely good read.
From a carefree life, visiting friends and relatives, through to the initial concerns and then onto the diagnosis, the author takes us on a journey in this book. But potential readers shouldn't be put off by the subject matter. The author has bravely chose to share her experience with the reader. It is never negative, although some of it is very harrowing to read.
The description of the subsequent and very necessary operation which resulted in the author regaining her full health is a case of just enough information. There's no need for gory details and we don't get them. In essence, the author has the balance right between info-dumping and info-giving.
Again, it's a book that educates and informs.
Thank goodness for medical insurance. In the UK, we are fortunate that the NHS provides many life saving treatments. I do hope the government (s) wake up and spend money on research to defeat this terrible disease in all its forms.
Well done to the author on the beating of this disease and in the creation of this book.
Saturday, 16 April 2016
Ovarian cancer is not a death sentence.
Ovarian Cancer is not a Death Sentence. Read a Survivor's story.
Amazon Universal Link
I am Cancer Free: A Memoir @mirroe https://t.co/9lLsOqNBOJ I am Cancer Free is a most touching and emoti #novels 4 pic.twitter.com/nppOpLPa0C
— Readers Gazette (@ReadersGazette) April 12, 2016
Amazon Universal Link
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