Conversations with Leslie Travis-Cook

Today we’d like to introduce you to Leslie Travis-Cook.

Hi Leslie, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
In June 2018, I was diagnosed with Stage 2, HER 2 positive Breast Cancer. I was not surprised that Breast Cancer would re-appear in my family again. My maternal grandmother was diagnosed with Breast Cancer in 1982. I was eighteen years old. At that time, I don’t remember if she was given the subtype back then. If so, it wasn’t shared with us. I remember grandma being diagnosed, having a mastectomy, and passing away with pancreatic cancer within a year. Because of this, I was very proactive when getting my mammograms. As a matter, I started having mammograms performed at the age of 30 because, for some reason, I always felt that it would re-visit my family. It did. Out of my grandma’s four granddaughters, my three sisters, and myself, I was the one affected. I wasn’t surprised. However, I was disappointed. When your doctor calls you on a Friday night and requests that you call their office on Monday morning to make an appointment, you know. Why should I wait to hear the devastating news? I said to my doctor, “I already know the diagnosis. You may as well tell me now so that I can cry, go to sleep and be ready to start fighting on Monday.” My doctor said, “Leslie, I’m sorry. You have Breast Cancer.”

Let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I cried that night, and I probably cried a time or two after that, but that was it. Why was that? I was busy consoling my son and a few friends that I didn’t have time to cry anymore. Besides, my husband jumped into action the morning after my informal telephone diagnosis. He took me to see a Naturopathic Doctor for a consultation. I did seek a second opinion, and we decided to go with the second opinion as a family. I’m glad that I did. This Hospital treated me very well. I was assigned Providers that I didn’t know that I would need. I had 4 Chemotherapy treatments and 14 Targeted Therapy. That’s 18 Infusions. Challenging? YES!
I experienced multiple side effects. My eyes and nose were constantly running. I would wake up with my eyes crusted shut. My mouth was parched. I would wake up with my tongue stuck to the roof of my mouth. I had to learn how to sleep on my back. I had a port inserted in my chest. My first 4 chemotherapy treatments were 7 hours long. The next 14 Infusions were 4 hours long. My Infusions were every 3 weeks from July 2018 until July 2019. My surgery was delayed for 6 weeks because I developed a blood clot in my jugular vein. I was hospitalized for 4 days. I had to start injecting myself with Lovenox, a blood thinner. I could barely walk up and down stairs or get in and out of a car. The bone and muscle ache was horrendous. When I woke up, I was stiff. I had neuropathy in my hands and feet. Of course, my hair started falling out, but after my first chemo treatment, my husband took me to his barber and had him remove what was left. I never wore a wig. I was more a fan of baseball caps and beanies. I had an excellent Care Team. When I went to the Hospital, it was an all-day experience. The completion of my Infusions was threatened when an echocardiogram detected that my heart muscle had weakened substantially.
My ejection fraction was at 50% and would continue to decline if something was not done immediately. I was determined to finish my remaining Infusions. I was assigned a Cardiologist directly and was put on meds to sustain my heart so that I could complete my treatments. My liver enzymes were elevated. My Hemoglobin A1C indicated pre-diabetes. My red blood cells and white blood cells were constantly abnormal. I had diarrhea frequently. I took pills for that. I was coughing all of the time. I had pills for that as well. I had a constant headache, and I was constantly tired. I never complained. NEVER! I also endured 33 bouts of radiation. That was a very challenging year, and I overcame some obstacles. I received a ton of prayers. Several friends and family members stepped up to make sure that I was taken care of.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
Before I even experienced my first chemotherapy treatment, I had a dream. My, I started a Non-Profit Organization and called it Huggs and Kisses. Huggs and Kisses were to distribute complimentary Chemo Kits to Breast Cancer patients going through chemo. When I woke up, I told my husband about my dream. He said, “That’s a good babe.” like he always does. I talked to my friend Twanda, and we agreed that because I had not experienced chemo yet, I had no idea what to put in the Kit. I was about to find out very soon. The side effects that I experienced prepared me to gather the Kit’s contents. My friend Mildred wondered why I was being so exclusive. She said, “Leslie, I’m sure chemo patients suffering from other cancers have the same side effects. Why not be inclusive?” And so we are. Huggs and Kisses Non-Profit Organization launched in May of 2019. I was still in active treatment. Huggs and Kisses distribute complimentary Chemo Care Kits to all Cancer patients experiencing chemotherapy. Our Motto is: We show care, concern, and compassion. We are most proud that we can connect with each patient. Every person who connects with us via our website receives a phone call from either myself or our co-founder Twanda. We send our Kits throughout the United States. We are also proud that all Kits are shipped free of charge. We are so grateful to the kind people who donate to our Organization, and our hearts melt when we hear from the recipients of our “Love Bags.”

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Having a Mentor is priceless. I have a few. I have learned to place myself in the company of people who know more than I do. I ask plenty of questions. I do not have a problem admitting something I don’t know or understand. There is no I in Huggs and Kisses. It is Us and We.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.huggsandkisses.org
• Instagram: @chemobag
• Facebook: Huggs and Kisses Non Profit Organization
• Twitter: @HKlovebags