Adams tackles cancer with courage

Less than a year ago, Rachel Adams was living life with few worries. In December 2021, a discovery changed everything. It seemed minor, but that little lump in her breast quickly grew from the size of a dime to 13 centimeters by April 2022. That’s just over five inches.

On September 29, she rang a bell, signaling the completion of 16 rounds of chemotherapy.

“I’m still trying to process it in my brain,” she said. “My mom, Linda Greer, came in and said, ‘I need you to come outside,’ and I laughed and said, ‘Is it a new car?’ My mom started unplugging my IV and I walked out there and all my family and friends were standing there. Even my dad, Robert Greer, was there. He travels for work, but they all surprised me. It was amazing.

If it wasn’t for the support of my family, the community and my friends, I seriously wouldn’t be doing as well as I am.”

“There” is the Duncan Cancer Center.

Adams said it all began when her ex-boyfriend discovered the lump. She wasn’t too worried at first. When it started getting larger, she knew she couldn’t ignore what was happening.

“Don’t ignore your body, it knows what it’s saying,” she said.

“I called Heath Boyles and he did some testing. Then he referred me to Dr. Che Miller, and Dr. Watkins.” She needed a day planner just to keep track of all the appointments.
“I had four different types of chemo. It’s hard physically. I can’t even sweep the floor without getting tired and sitting down,” she said. One of those chemo treatments has an accurate name. “It is seriously called Red Devil. It made me so sick.” The chemo treatments worked in getting the tumor to shrink to 3 centimeters.

Through it all, she hasn’t given up because of the overwhelming support of her family, friends and the entire Marlow community.

“I’m treating my life as normal as possible, as much as I could. There were days when my best friend, Sarah McAdams would say, let’s go golfing and I would. Then I would feel great after that,” she said.

Adams has even worked throughout the treatments, and thanks her employer for being as supportive as her community has been. She refuses to restrict herself.

“Working has been the most restriction. I’d be in Odessa, Texas, right now if it wasn’t for this. I work for a pipeline, right-of-way company to acquire easements,” she said. “I work remotely and my company has been wonderful. They have prayed with me on Zoom meetings and even sent me flowers. Being out is kind of a risk for me, my immune system is shut down.”

She admits to being as brave as possible, especially around her family. “My mom is taking it the hardest.” She has absolutely no hard feelings at the circumstances the cancer has caused. Adams even gives a pass to her ex-boyfriend. “He didn’t sign up for that.”

She has a new boyfriend, Coey Rosen. They live together and it’s been a blessing to have him in her life, she said. “We were friends in high school. We started hanging out in May. He knew what he was getting into. He’s very supportive. Coey has been there for me emotionally, physically. I’m very thankful for him. He chose to be there for me.”

Adams believes her mental attitude is key to overcoming the cancer.

“I’ve never really laid in bed all day. I’ve never really allowed myself to rest. I wanted to be normal. Being social and having my friends and family and getting out has kept my mindset positive to where I’m not depressed and feeling sorry for myself.”

Even so, she said she has thought, “I have cancer, this is stupid, why me?” And it’s that reason why she shares her story.

“I used to think I wouldn’t want to know if I had cancer. I do have my moments, but most of the time, I’m pretty positive. Plus, I look at other patients at the Cancer Center and think I could be way worse.”

During this process, she learned that her cancer is genetic and had she known, there were steps she could have taken. The downside is the financial impact of the genetic testing, which can run into thousands of dollars. She has a long road ahead of her. There are masses on her ovaries, but it isn’t known yet if they are cancer. Because her breast cancer is ductal, she’ll need to have surgeries. “They will have to remove all the mammary glands.”

“I’m a big advocate of not ignoring your body. It’s not just me going through it, physically yes, but mentally no, it’s all of us,” recognizing her family and friends for their sacrifices.

Rachel’s advice for other women: Treat yourself as normal as possible - go to the doctor! I’m a big advocate of not ignoring your body.”

Miranda Hance, The Review’s own advertising representative, stepped into the interview for a few moments.

“Rachel, telling your story could give somebody hope,” she said. Adams was happy to hear those words.

Shave Party

“I always wanted to see what I would look like bald.

My nieces and nephews have been amazing. My two nephews, Jett, 10, and Jaxon, 7, even shaved their heads. They are in elementary school. My niece, Marlee is eight; and there’s Lexi,11, and in 5th grade, and Rex, 14. Lexi made a pink bracelet when I got diagnosed, and she made me a sign for the bell ringing. She brought me a pink wig.” Her brothers and sisters also have pitched in.

Community fundraising efforts have ranged from T-shirt sales, to garage sales, a lemonade stand and an account established at BancFirst-Marlow, solely for medical expenses. “Mom handles that. We had a garage sale and Lexi had a lemonade stand and made over $1,000.”

“People, they are just amazing. I’ve had so much support and help. Even Jessica Garvin and Brad Boles – they had a donor drive and took donations in my name at the State Capitol. Jessica has reached out multiple times.”

“The community has always been there for our own,” Hance said.

Adams wants everyone to know that she realizes they are all worrying for her and yes, she does try to pretend everything is okay. “I try not to show weakness or anything, because people are worrying. That’s the worst part is pretending everything is okay. It’s a mind game, you never know how you are going to feel.” She has access to mental health counseling, but so far, hasn’t really needed it because she does have such a strong network of supportive friends and family. She finds staying as happy as possible is helpful.

“Even in school she was bubbly, always laughing,” Hance said.

Besides her parents, Coey and others, she also mentioned her siblings, Jeffrey Adams, and two stepsisters, Keri Freeman and Kelsi Turner.

“I just want people to know, never give up. Don’t go to a dark place, there’s no use in that. It doesn’t help anything. Lean on people. It’s not the end.”

I want to raise awareness.