Survivor’s Stories: Celebrating Breast Cancer Awareness Month

In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Give A Green Bag is highlighting survivor’s stories. In 2010, an estimated 207,090 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in women in the U.S., along with 54,010 new cases of non-invasive (in situ) breast cancer. Each post, we’ll talk with women who’ve been through the struggle and can offer hope for those struggling right now.  Our first story comes from Patti, a Ph.D. in Oklahoma.

“As with many working women, I rushed through my day barely keeping up with my children, husband and full time job.  I did, however, stay committed to taking care of myself to reduce my ‘risk factors’ for breast cancer.  I watched my diet, exercised, went for every annual test and had no risk factors for breast cancer except age.  At that time, experts argued the benefits of yearly mammograms and suggested  they were unnecessary for women my age. Every other year would be sufficient.  I decided this would be my last yearly test.  I squeezed it in my schedule, to check off my ‘to do’ list.  I was surprised when I received a call from the Imaging Center to schedule an additional mammogram. The results, they said, were inconclusive.  Since I worked in a hospital, I got an appointment within a day. I wanted to clear my ‘to do’ list.

When I arrived, I was told that the radiologist wanted to talk to me.  I noted several people I knew would not look me in the eye while I signed in. Shortly, I was with the radiologist, a good friend.  He broke the bad news: a nodule in my breast not palpable on my monthly self-exams.  My life passed before my eyes and I’m not sure I heard everything he said. I began thinking of the important things I’d miss.  Everything was on hold.

Since I worked in the hospital, I got things moving quickly.  The radiologist would do the next tests immediately and produce results within two days. I went home and thought about who my diagnosis affected.  I had daughters, sisters and nieces who would need to know.

I opted for a lumpectomy the next week, followed by radiation. Finally,  I told my family.  I said Having a relative with breast cancer changed their risk profile. My daughter responded, “You can’t do this to me, I need you”.  My son asked if he needed to be worried.  I said no and would let him know when he should start. My husband was devastated, not at the physical changes, but if treatment was not successful.  I called my sisters,  letting them know that having a relative with breast cancer changed their risk profile.  I told very few.  The ones I did share with often began tearing up and I felt the need to comfort.

At the end of four months of treatment, I was told everything looked good.  I would go for quarterly mammograms and begin medication to reduce the possibility of reoccurrence.

It was somewhat of a long and lonely road. There were bumps but I tried to be the reassuring one.  As a nurse, I’m a better care taker than patient.  I didn’t question why.  I needed the steps to get this off my ‘to do list’.  Contrary to my usual way of approaching problems, I did no research. Instead, I put myself in the hands of competent physicians, strictly following their recommendations.  I fought with my life, trying to work and manage my family “normally”for almost a year until testing was positive.

I can’t say I don’t have anxiety each time I go for results but I believe I overcame this life threatening situation.

Although its strange, I feel it was a blessing in disguise.  I make each day count.  I rarely get angry and tell my family and friends how much I care for them. I have quit climbing unconquerable mountains and  done away with my need for things and possessions.  I have my life and live to leave my family with great memories.

Probably the one thing I am most passionate about since my experience is to pester female family and friends about their annual mammogram.  Had I not gone for mine, I may not be here to tell this story.”