This Week's Topic: Fck Cancer Pink Series Up Close And Personal With Lyshelle Bailey

THE INTERVIEW

Talking Career, Travel, and Cancer with Lyshelle Bailey

In this conversation, I sat down with Lyshelle Bailey to talk about the realities of working on Young, Black & Brilliant (YB&B) while being diagnosed with cancer. She shares how she stays productive on the go, the biggest challenges of balancing work and life, and her advice for anyone looking to be a support system for someone fighting cancer or a cancer survivor.

I asked Lyshelle about the common misconceptions of cancer, any symptoms that appear, how her everyday life has changed, and how she sustains and builds her career remotely. Here’s what she had to say. Listen to the full interview on the Podcast.

What kind of cancer do you have, and where is it located?

“Stage 1B Carcinoma in left Breast nipple ducts and left Breast lymph node, later downgraded to Stage 1A”

I asked Lyshelle to tell the story of the first person she told her news to. She said, “I told my boss Vanessa first. I had a Parent/Student intake to enroll two new teens to our book club at 5 pm, and was told this at 4:43 pm, so I needed her to do it for me, but she heard me and immediately called my “Girls” on a 5-way call and one of them is my caregiver’s daughter and they both came right over.”

Do you experience more anxiety or “what-ifs” in your head since your diagnosis? If so, how do you cope with that?

“I do wonder… did they get it all? Will I lose all my hair? Am I going to look too sick, or is this it? I try to block those thoughts out and clear my mind, so I’ll start a project like making a flyer for YB&B (Young, Black & Brilliant) and our upcoming events to focus my mind on something else.” Hear the full story on the Podcast(available on 10/31).

TODAY’S WORKSPACE

Live from Waterfront Park in Seattle, Washington

When we sat down for this interview, Lyshelle had just stepped out the car near the new waterfront park in Seattle, Washington, and we sat down in a quiet restaurant tucked into the nook of Downtown Seattle. With the Puget Sound breeze coming in strong and the crisp smell of saltwater after an early morning doctor’s appointment, she found a cozy spot at the counter of 13 COINS Restaurant and sat in a huge captain’s seat to settle in. Her Tablet balanced on her lap, pen in hand, and the seagulls just within earshot, it’s the kind of setup she used to dream about.

Now, it’s just a regular Tuesday.

How has cancer changed your everyday life, responsibilities, and relationships?

“Cancer has completely shifted my thinking after battling kidney failure and winning. I thought I’d face my hardest fight and should finally be free to pursue my dreams and live my life. But God had other plans. Now I feel a responsibility to tell everyone about the importance of getting tested. My relationships have grown stronger, and my people showed up, and they’re still showing out.”

What advice would you give to someone who has just been diagnosed with cancer?

“If you want to keep it a secret, that’s fine. But I promise you, if you have even one or two people who truly care and will stand by you the whole way through, tell them. What’s carried me through everything I’ve faced in my life has been my family and friends being there for me.”

TRAVEL STAPLES

Lyshelle’s Favorite Finds for Life on the Road

▶ Favorite remote-friendly city: Phoenix

▶ Podcast on repeat: FckTheDumbSht Podcast

▶ Current read: Driving While Black by Bello Bey

▶ Must-have gear: Compact goodie bag + Lip Gloss

BLOOPERS

When The Phone Call Decided to Take Over

About ten minutes into the interview, just as Lyshelle was explaining how she builds routine into her travels, her phone started buzzing, it was her boss calling to check her ETA for their upcoming meeting.

Lyshelle quickly muted herself and sent a note in the chat: “Sorry — quick call from my boss, give me one sec.”

We paused for a moment while she answered, reassured her she’d be there right after the interview, and then picked up right where we left off.

Please help us keep sharing real stories

Breast Cancer Resources

Here are several trusted resources that provide reliable information and guidance on mammograms and breast cancer screening:

• CDC — Screening for Breast Cancer (includes info on free/low-cost mammograms) CDC

• American Cancer Society — Mammograms & Early Detection Cancer.org

• American Cancer Society — Breast Cancer Screening Guidelines Cancer.org

• USPSTF — Breast Cancer Screening Recommendation Statement USPSTF

• CDC — Find a Screening Program Near You (NBCCEDP) CDC

• National Breast Cancer Foundation — Breast Cancer Resources (includes help finding facilities) nationalbreastcancer.org

• Breast Cancer Stages — Learn the stages of breast Cancer