By Chanda Temple
LaKisha Cargill was 28 years old when she learned she had Stage II, ER+, HER- and ductal carcinoma in situ. The year was 2006.
She underwent chemo and then had lumpectomies to remove the tumor in 2007 in her left breast. She thought she was in the clear of Stage II breast cancer.
But nearly a decade later, cancer returned. This time, it was Stage IV.
Today, LaKisha is a thriver as she lives with cancer every day, balancing treatments and checkups with work, travel and writing in Birmingham.
“Live your life to the fullest,” she said.
LaKisha, now 47, made a promise to herself to live life on her terms, including eating the foods she enjoyed.
- Since cancer treatments can cause a number of digestive issues and problems with one’s mouth, LaKisha found cold foods helped minimize nausea and ease chemo side effects such as dry mouth and mouth ulcers. She favored a Frosty from Wendy’s, Blue Bell vanilla ice cream, the Chick-fil-A Dream Cream, Icees and cold cut sandwiches.
- She turned to the old school frappe, made with lime sherbet and ginger ale, when her mouth got dry from treatments.
- Mouth sores made it difficult for her to enjoy her favorite “All the Way” wings from Green Acres in downtown Birmingham. Salsa and tacos were also favorites. She still enjoys these things, but takes her chances with them as she indulges in moderation.
- She found a boost of protein to battle fatigue in the BLT salad with grilled chicken and a side of Ranch rings from Firebirds in Hoover, AL.
- She liked to make dishes from a cookbook for cancer patients, “Prescription to Taste: A Cooking Guide for Cancer Patients.” Go here to see the digital version.
During her cancer journey, she also started the search for the “best chicken and waffles,” trying different locations in Birmingham and Atlanta. But it wasn’t until Yo Mama’s opened in downtown Birmingham in 2015 that she found what she had been looking for: a plain waffle with warm maple syrup and an oh-so-good seasoned chicken tender or flat.
“I love Yo Mama’s chicken and waffles because they have the perfect mix of flavors that actually complement each other,” she said.
“This is still a go-to for when I need a pick-me-up.”
LaKisha likes to cook, sometimes making her own chicken and waffles when she cannot get by Yo Mama’s.
Cooking brings her joy, especially when she makes a recipe with meaning. A while ago, she found an award-winning peanut butter cookie recipe written by a little girl who lost her cancer battle. It’s a simple recipe made with 1 cup peanut butter (smooth or chunky), 1 cup sugar or Splenda and 1 egg. The recipe is on page 57 of the “Prescription to Taste: A Cooking Guide for Cancer Patients.” Go here to see the cookbook.
“I make these cookies often, and they are a hit with everyone,” LaKisha said.
By day, LaKisha works as a claim team manager for an insurance company in Birmingham. In her spare time, she writes about breast cancer. She’s also served on the Young Supporters Board of the UAB O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, where she worked to raise funds for cancer research. Currently, she serves on a customer care panel to help answer questions about her experience with certain medications and treatments.
“It is important to be your own advocate,” said the Birmingham native. “You are a part of your care team. Make sure you stay involved and work to understand what your options are.”
NOTE: In America, one in eight women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer during their lifetime. In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I will be profiling one female breast cancer survivor each day in October 2025. The stories will also highlight a food from a Birmingham, AL restaurant or food vendor they liked at some point during their breast cancer journey or today. The series is called “SurviveHer at the Table: Food. Faith. Fight.”
Each story posted this month is the opinion of the survivor, with a goal to increase awareness about early detection and treatment for breast cancer. Readers should consult with their physician for medical and health advice and their nutritionist for healthy eating tips. Links to area resources will be shared in future posts this month.
Chanda Temple is an award-winning writer living in Birmingham, Ala. She blogs at http://www.chandatemplewrites.com. If you have a food story idea, email her at chandatemple@gmail.com. Follow her on Instagram at @chandatemple.
Copyright © 2025, All rights reserved.
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