BREAST CANCER SURVIVOR: SHAWN BROWN — Inspiring And Empowering Ladies

Photo retrieved from Cheesecaked Instagram page

On October 1st I came across a post which read: “I am officially Breast Cancer Free” posted by Shawn Brown, the owner of Cheesecaked. This led me to www.caringbridge.org to learn more about Shawn’s story and honor her fight in this blog. Cheesecaked is known for its over the top milkshakes and desserts. Cheesecaked is a Food Network winner and has been featured on Good Morning America, Sister Circle, Fox 5 Atlanta among others. Late 2019 Shawn began experiencing tenderness in her right breast, which evolved into pain and burning. She didn’t equate breast cancer with pain. She simply believed it was nothing more than a cyst, nothing life-threatening. Brown had just opened her newest and largest location surely this was no time to slow down but to keep the momentum going.

Then her right breast began leaking a clear fluid. This prompted her to consult her aunt who is a Registered Nurse for medical advice. Her aunt advised her to get a mammogram expeditiously. Shawn obliged and proceeded to Piedmont Rockdale to get a mammogram and ultrasound. Dr. Perez informed Brown that she had two lumps which were masses not cysts, and he was not sure if they were cancerous. A biopsy would need to be done to determine if the lumps were cancerous or non-cancerous. Brown had the biopsy which was extremely painful. On November 18th she received the biopsy results which revealed an abnormal lymph node which was suspected to be cancerous and both masses being cancerous also.

This caused Shawn to have so many questions and emotions, rightfully so as she just received a life-altering diagnosis. Some of her questions were:

Should Cheesecaked close and if it does my employees would be forced to find new jobs?
Will my business contribute to my stress of receiving this diagnosis?
Will I have to choose between my business and my life?
How will I support myself and my children without disability insurance?
Should I allow someone to run the business on my behalf?
Would someone else hold my business to my standards?
How will I look bald?

Shawn was in prayer constantly as she feared for her children, family, and business. Her oncologist believed the stage of her cancer was 2B and ordered an MRI and lymph node biopsy. The MRI revealed the stage of cancer was 3B and her treatment plan would need to be initiated immediately which would result in her not being able to work much. Her intense treatment plan consisted of 5 months of chemotherapy, 1 month of rest, surgery, 1 month of rest, 6 weeks of radiation, additional chemotherapy if necessary, and reconstruction surgery. Initially, Shawn attempted to continue working but found that she lacked creativity, and was unable to find her happy place. As a result, she decided to step back to ensure that she could provide her customers with her very best.

Shawn formulated a plan to fight for her life and it includes trusting God, selling equipment and supplies to raise money for the household, sacrificing, and concentrating on her health. Shawn also reached out to the American Cancer Society for resources for breast cancer which she found to be very beneficial. ACS suggested that she begin a fundraiser in partnership with them for anyone out of state that may want to help. All of the proceeds raised will be used for food, healing treatments, house cleaning services, wigs, and other head garments, mortgage, utility bills, compression garments, parking fees, and transportation fees to and from chemotherapy.

Shawn had a double mastectomy on June 11, 2020. Cheesecaked is temporarily closed while Shawn continues the fight and focuses on her health. Continue to uplift Shawn, children, family, and business in prayer. Connect with Shawn Brown on Instagram at www.instagram.com/cheesecaked and at linktr.ee/FightLikeShawn