Birmingham Community Celebrates Breast Cancer Survivor’s Remarkable Journey
Birmingham, Alabama – The community of Birmingham is rallying around one of its own, Toyal McLain, who is marking an incredible milestone in her fight against breast cancer. As an assistant principal at P.D. Jackson Olin High School, a licensed minister at Liberty Baptist Church in Alabaster, and the owner of McLain Consulting Services, McLain wears many hats. However, it is her title as a breast cancer survivor that she holds most dear. This December, she will celebrate nine years cancer-free.
A Shocking Diagnosis
Like many women, McLain, who was just 35 at the time, went for her first-ever mammogram during her school’s Spring Break in 2015. The experience was far from routine as she found herself at Brookwood Baptist Medical Center in Homewood for an unsettling five hours of evaluation.
“My heart and mind said, ‘Something is wrong,’” she recalled. A week later, her fears were confirmed when a biopsy revealed she had triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), a more aggressive form of the disease, which is known to disproportionately affect Black women.
“The cancer was so invasive that it started to spread to my left arm,” McLain explained, expressing disbelief. “I didn’t feel bad. I wasn’t sick.” Despite having a family history of breast cancer—her mother had battled the disease twice—her insurance initially denied covering the mammogram due to her age.
The Three P’s of Survival
McLain’s journey through treatment began with a process she refers to as the “3 P’s”: prayer, prioritizing, and praise.
“Prayer had already started,” she said, reflecting on the emotional rollercoaster that followed her diagnosis, which included not only fear but also moments of anger and sadness.
After gathering her support team—family and church members—she prioritized her health, stepping away from work to focus on a detailed treatment plan that consisted of harsh chemotherapy. “I had to take a leave of absence from work,” she added. “My focus was on my health.”
Facing Adversity
During the initial months of chemotherapy, McLain faced physical and emotional challenges, including the loss of her hair and extreme fatigue. “My husband and children had to assist me, and I had never felt so weak,” she shared.
To complicate matters, during her treatment, her family faced further tragedies, including a fire at her parents’ home and her father suffering a heart attack. McLain’s planned double mastectomy had to be postponed due to these overwhelming circumstances, including the unexpected passing of her father in November 2015.
After enduring a total of 13 lymph nodes removed, McLain developed lymphedema, which requires her to wear a compression sleeve daily.
Support From Family and Community
“I had to sleep in a chair for two months after surgery,” she said. “My mother moved in with me, and my sisters created a rotating schedule to help.” McLain profoundly values the support she received, noting how it taught her to appreciate her family and health.
As she completed a grueling series of treatments, comprising 26 rounds of radiation, McLain highlighted that she and her mother shared the journey, visiting the same doctor, both battling cancer.
A Fighter With a Purpose
Today, McLain continues to advocate for breast cancer awareness and shares her story to inspire others facing similar challenges. She embraces her role as a mother, educator, and minister, bringing her experience into her community work.
“I am still on a light form of chemo and must take 12 to 15 vitamins a day to keep my energy up,” she said, confirming her commitment to her health and her students. With a track record of professional accolades, including multiple Teacher of the Year awards and community leadership recognition, McLain remains a pillar in her community.
Conclusion
Toyal McLain’s journey from diagnosis to survival is a testament to resilience, faith, and the invaluable support of family and community. As she looks forward to celebrating nine years free from cancer, her story serves as a reminder of the importance of early detection and the strength found through adversity.
For anyone looking to support breast cancer research and awareness, McLain encourages donations to local organizations dedicated to the cause.
