She’s a Breast Cancer Survivor Helping Women Be Their Own Advocates

On Tuesday, April 19, 2016, Dorchelle Spence noticed a gumball-size knot in her right armpit that changed her life forever. Initially, she was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer, one of the most aggressive forms of the disease. Dorchelle later learned she had been misdiagnosed, and the experience prompted her to self-advocate as she navigated treatments. Still later, when she was nearly given a chemotherapy drug that could have caused permanent hair loss, she realized she needed to share her story with other women so they could speak up and advocate for their wellbeing, too. 

A native Memphian with a thriving career, Dorchelle didn’t let cancer slow her down. Throughout her treatment, she continued working and taking care of her family. But when she felt overwhelmed by her cancer battle, she turned to writing, using material from her journals to help bring her stories to life. Now, Dorchelle’ has a book, Into the Gathering Clouds: Surviving the Diagnosis and Treatment of Cancer with Faith, Friends, and Finesse, which was released in May of 2022. It explores her complex experience of breast cancer — from diagnosis through treatment and survival. Meet our newest FACE of Memphis, author and breast cancer survivor, Dorchelle Spence.

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Can you tell us about your new book, Into the Gathering Clouds?

Into the Gathering Clouds was meant to help women understand what this cancer battle is like and, more importantly, to help their support system understand what this battle is like. The support system that surrounds us — they don’t know how to talk about it. They don’t know what you want; they don’t know what you need. This book puts some form around that. We’re still ourselves. We’re going through something, but we really want what we’ve always wanted. We’re still us.

After you learned your surgical oncologist was incorrect about your triple-negative breast cancer diagnosis, how did you change your approach to your treatment plan?

That was the first thing that let me know that doctors are not infallible and that I needed to be paying attention. You’re paying attention to other things when you’re diagnosed. You’re paying attention to your family — specifically your children, your spouse, or the people closest to you— and how you’re feeling. But that told me I needed to be paying attention to what the doctors were saying and doing.

What practical tips can you offer to women regarding standing up for themselves with healthcare professionals?

Believe in yourself. You know your body better than anyone else and what your “normal” is. You know what isn’t normal. Speak about that with authority. Sometimes we get intimidated by physicians — they’ve been through all this school, and they cut you off because they’ve already made a determination about what’s wrong with you. But continue to ask questions. “What about this symptom?” “How does this fit into this diagnosis?” Continue to probe until they hear you. The answer may be the same, but at least you don’t walk away feeling as if you haven’t been heard or expressed your concern.

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According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer has surpassed lung cancer as the leading cancer death amongst Black women. Furthermore, Black women are 41% more likely to die from breast cancer than white women despite a lower risk of being diagnosed with the disease. What do you think needs to be done to change these harrowing statistics?

The campaign for getting mammograms is working. We African American women are hearing more and more how important mammograms are. We’re talking about mammograms more. So continuing those campaigns targeted at our communities and where we hear these messages is important. We need to talk about it on Black radio, in hip hop, in sports — the places where African American women and men get their messaging. We need to put the advertising there.

Mammograms are not enough. Many Black women have dense breast tissue. When you have dense breast tissue, the mammogram film is not as effective at finding masses. But there is a solution. Women can request an ultrasound or an MRI of their breasts. We must realize that breast cancer presents itself in many forms. There’s a website called Know Your Lemons that shows the 12 visible or sensory symptoms of breast cancer using lemons. We have to be aware that it’s more than a lump. If you have hardness or redness, or leaking nipples, you need to see your doctor.

You’ve had a very successful career in nonprofit work, including serving as vice president of an organization that managed the Memphis waterfront. How did your cancer diagnosis affect your professional life?

Things did not immediately change. It’s not until you can sit back and reflect — after you’re better and not focusing on treatment — that you can say, “Am I spending my life the way I need or want to?” I found the answer to be that I wasn’t. What I loved about [my work] was talking to people. I loved sharing a vision, hope, and opportunity. What I didn’t like was fighting with opposition and fighting for funding.

I decided I wanted to do more enriching, enlightening and inspiring, and less arguing, proving, and fighting. What became a priority for me was being a light. So, I left that position and focused on my writing and speaking. I found that I am more fulfilled. I also have more time to spend with my family.

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What do you like to do for fun?

I really enjoy travel. I love a road trip! I want to visit cities, walk to places, and understand how people go about their hustling and bustling lives.

I love New Orleans. For me, it’s the walkability, diversity, and laidback style. I also like Indianapolis. What they’ve done with their downtown and how they’ve connected the hotels, convention centers, and shopping areas is great. It’s very easy to maneuver. As for international cities, I’m a fan of France. Nice is a great city.

I also enjoy going to art festivals. I buy a lot of jewelry and handmade pieces. And I love to read.

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What’s the best advice you’ve been given?

Early in my career, a colleague shared some feedback, and it was simply “Believe in yourself.” It has really helped when I’ve been confronted with being dismissed because of my gender or race in a room where I am the minority. My opinions and learned knowledge through experience are just as important to the discussion as [they are from] someone who is typically sought after for their insight.

Other than faith, family, and friends, name three things you can’t live without.

Earrings, books, and lip balm.

Thank you, Dorchelle! All photography provided.

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