Ayisha Haynes wants to do it all. She wants to see her children get married, and she wants to be crying in the first row. She wants to meet her future grandkids. She wants to go on trips, and she wants to go on adventures.
And she will, because she’s a fighter.
Just two years ago, Ayisha received the devastating news that no one wants to hear: she had cancer. Her diagnosis came only a year after her father passed following a two-year battle with colon cancer.
Struggling with uncomfortable, painful symptoms in December 2022, Ayisha knew that she needed medical attention. Her Ascension Wisconsin primary care provider referred her to a urologist shortly after. Just two weeks later, she was diagnosed with urothelial carcinoma, more commonly known as bladder cancer.
“Everything went so fast after I received my diagnosis. I was a wreck,” Ayisha recalled. “Once I learned it was stage four and that it spread to my bones and lymph nodes, my mind just couldn’t stop racing. I had so many questions, and all kinds of thoughts running through my mind. But by far, I have the greatest support system and they helped me through everything.”
Despite there being a terrible snowstorm on the day she received that call, Ayisha’s sister braved hazardous roads — snacks and comfort items in hand — to be there for her. This was just the beginning of the unwavering support from her loved ones.
Ayisha and her four siblings joined a group call with her oncologist, Dr. Francis Cuevas, to understand her diagnosis better.
“They were asking questions I didn’t even think of, and we developed a plan,” Ayisha said. “Dr. Cuevas was honest and said he can’t promise a miracle, but that we’re going to start this and see how it goes. I placed all of my trust in him, and throughout that whole time, I knew my dad was watching over me as my guardian angel. He was looking after me.”
On March 3, 2023, Ayisha underwent surgery to remove her left kidney. After a four-day hospital stay, she began immunotherapy at Ascension Mayfair Road a few weeks later.
Having spent most of her life on the move, Ayisha had to adjust to a slower pace. The mother of four paused her full time caregiving job to focus on her health. She began taking time to journal, read, walk and pray more than ever before.
Every morning and night, Ayisha prayed.
“I prayed so much every night, and even in the morning. I probably even prayed in my sleep sometimes,” Ayisha laughed. “I told God that He doesn’t need to take my cancer away, but He just needs to help me get through it. My mom prayed, too. Every time she prays, I can feel it and know that she’s praying for me.”
With the power of prayer, an incredible support system, a dedicated care team and her own immense strength, Ayisha showed that she’s more than her diagnosis.
“Oh my goodness, if I could mention everyone that’s helped me throughout my journey I’d have a long list of names. If I could mention every nurse, from Danny, to Emma, to Savannah and to Julie…they are always there for me. They are so great. And Dr. Cuevas is the best, so is the social worker, Leanne. Everyone is there for me.”
Today, Ayisha continues to fight. She receives treatment at Ascension Mayfair Road every three weeks and eagerly awaits the day she will ring the bell to mark the end of her treatment. As she keeps fighting her way through the twists and turns of cancer, nothing can stop her. No matter the challenges, Ayisha’s resolute mindset, strong support system and deep faith keep her going.
“When I’m in my 70s, I want to look back and say ‘wow, you really got through that when you turned 40,’" Ayisha said. “I want to say, ‘I survived. I did that.’ I want to ring the bell. I’m going to fight. I want to fight for my life. I cherish my days. I cherish every moment. I cherish all the time I have.”