County Commissioner Prepares for Breast Cancer Radiation Treatments
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A new chapter for a Montgomery County Commissioner battling breast cancer — Commissioner Ronda Walker now faces new challenges in her journey towards being cancer free… She was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer back in December. Walker has her eighth and last chemo treatment, but the journey doesn’t end there. Now, she’s facing surgery and radiation. Another county commission meeting. Ronda Walker hasn’t missed one since she was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer. She’s still making decisions, but her personal journey carries on… “I’m going to have a bi-lateral mastectomy. And that is a major, terrifying, life-altering procedure,” Said Walker. We’ve followed Walker’s journey from the beginning. She’s already endured seven chemo treatments, along with the aesthetic changes that come with that. There have been hard days and nights, all while balancing her work and family schedule. With 28 radiation treatment coming after her last chemo treatment that’s what her attention has turned towards. “And you do it 5 days a week, everyday,” Said Walker. Along with that, the effects of breast reconstruction. “The surgery itself — everybody handles it a bit differently, but you’re down for about a month, you can’t raise your arms. I’m anticipating being in bed. They say don’t expect to work,” Said Walker. Still, she keeps going with the support of her co-workers. “I think we should give god a hand clap or praise for Ronda Walker,” Said Commission chairman, Elton Dean, During the commission meeting. The crowd clapped. “That’s all I have to say because He is a miracle worker.” But beyond that, it’s her faith in God and the support from her family and friends that keeps her going. “You come together as an immediate family as a husband and wife and say, “Okay, what do we have to do to get through this? But then I also have an extended family that I’ve just been really blown away,” Said Walker. She’s exepcting her last chemo to go well, she’s had a fairly steady last few sessions. Walker is using her platform as a county official to send a message out: Get checked. Walker was 42 when she was diagnosed. Alabama News Network will continue to follow her journey in the coming weeks. Walker’s last chemotherapy treatment will be next Monday.
