This Week’s Topic: Fck Cancer Pink Series Up Close & Personal With LaNita Thomasson

THE INTERVIEW

Talking Family, Career and Cancer with LaNita Thomasson

When we met for this interview, LaNita had already found a quiet spot at the Blue Water Bistro along the shores of Lake Washington. The morning light shimmered across the calm water and the scent of pine and salt mingled in the cool breeze. Seated by the window with a warm cup of clam chowder in hand, LaNita spoke about the realities of working remotely while navigating cancer, how she balances work, family, and treatments, stays productive, and finds strength in community. She also shared her thoughts on common cancer misconceptions and what it truly takes to build a sustainable, purpose-driven career from home. This is what she had to say.

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

“I was diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC), one of the most aggressive, fastest growing, and spreads more quickly. It gets the name Triple Negative, because the cancer cells lack estrogen and progesterone receptors, which cannot be treated with targeted hormones.”

Did you have any symptoms, and what signs should others look for?

“About 9 months before my diagnosis, I was severely fatigued, which is beyond tired. I felt unwell, drained, and slept a lot and struggled through my work days. Went on vacation to my daughter’s in Atlanta and all I did was sleep. My doctors were running all kinds of tests and blood work but nothing was showing up. Breast cancer cannot be found in blood tests unless you run a specific test for it.”

TODAY’S WORKSPACE

Live from Lake Washington

We settled at a small table outside the Blue Water Bistro, on Lake Washington. The morning light danced across the surface of the lake, and a soft breeze carried the sounds of distant laughter and clinking dishes from inside. The atmosphere was calm yet alive, a perfect balance of serenity and energy. It was the ideal setting for an open, honest conversation to unfold.

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What treatments have you undergone, and how have they affected your daily life?

“I had regular chemotherapy April 18th-Oct.3, 2022. I had a lumpectomy and a few lymph nodes removed from my left breast and under arm in Nov. 12, 2022. Infusion immunotherapy Dec. 2022. Radiation every day except weekends in Jan. 2023. I began oral immunotherapy in March 2023. I completed infusion immunotherapy in May 2023, and was able to ring the bell as being cancer free. I finished oral immunotherapy which was the official completion of my treatment.“ Listen to full story on Podcast (available 10/31).

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

“I had to start individual counseling, and joined a cancer support group Cierra Sisters. Get into a support group as soon as possible. Never go alone to appointments. Sometimes you have to take someone to chemo with you too,because some medications you don’t remember anything. ASK QUESTIONS and do your own research. Share your experiences with others because it can be healing. LET PEOPLE HELP YOU!!!”

TRAVEL STAPLES

LaNita’s Favorite Finds for Life on the Road

▶ Place on Bucket List: Jamaica

▶ Podcast on repeat: FckTheDumbShtPodcast

▶ Current read: Queen Charlotte from Brigerton Series

▶ Must-have snacks: Bon Bombs + Berry CBD Jellies, and neck pillow

BLOOPERS

When Kiera Decided To Take Over

About thirty minutes into the interview, just as LaNita was explaining how she builds routine into her travels, her phone started yelling, it was daughter Kiera called from Atlanta, Ga checking on her. LaNita quickly muted herself, then dropped a message in the chat: “Sorry, this is my Kiera.” We paused for a few minutes while they talked, i gathered a few more questions, then picked up right where we left off.

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