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In Their Own Words...
Pam Stockley The effect of Breast Cancer on my life... Looking back on my mother's fight against breast cancer I think the most important advice I can give is communication and honesty. I had an incredibly fortunate childhood, I was blessed into adulthood. When my mother was diagnosed my little bubble exploded and at the age of thirty seven, as a mother of three I had to grow up. My sisters, father and I spent most of our remaining time with my mother pretending that this nightmare wasn’t happening to us. We skirted the issues and some of us didn’t face the truth. If I could have the time back I would have insisted that we communicate better and more often. I would have spoken more honestly with my Dad to help him understand better. We all have plenty of communication now, but it’s just a little too late for my Mom. Susan Colledge From a 2008 LI2DAy Finisher...65 years old: I had breast cancer 18 years ago.....
I live life to the fullest, and say "Go for the gusto". No one is given tomorrow........ Betty Manzella As a five-year survivor, one tip I can offer those undergoing treatment is put on your best attitude and face the world head on. Putting on a little make-up and a big smile, even when I had no hair, made me feel better and sent a message that everything was all right. I think there was a psychological aspect to people seeing me with a little color and a cheery attitude that allowed them to treat me ‘normal’ instead of with pity. Their positive reinforcement coming back to me helped me maintain a positive outlook. Nancy O’Leary I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2003, and it was not a shock, as I was the one who found the lump. This is when my world changed. Surgery was in March and chemotherapy and radiation followed. I know this will sound strange, but Breast Cancer changed my life for the better. I have met the most wonderful people, both, in treatment and those finished with treatment. I am now a volunteer for the American Cancer Society’s “Reach to Recovery Program”. I walk in the Susan G. Komen walk in New York City. I am active in Casting for Recovery. And I have raised thousands of dollars by walking in the LI 2 Day Breast Cancer Walk for the last 4 years. It was a great challenge to take back my health, and LI 2 Day supported me all the way. I have 5 “Breast Friends” that walk also, and strive to raise both awareness and funds. Together we are unstoppable. My husband has supported me, and walks with me in the LI 2 Day, and he cooks dinners so that I can be with other women struggling with this disease. One suggestion I would give to women is to be kind to yourself. It is ok not to do the dishes and let someone else do it for you. People really do want to help! Sometimes the best gift we can give or receive is someone’s time, that way you can focus on the other things that need your attention, like rest. Susan Corbe Four years ago the unthinkable disease called Cancer came into my life and blew it apart. I religiously go for my mammography every 6 mos. In July of 2003 I went and was told not to come back for one year, 3 mos. later I discovered a lump under my arm, went to my Primary Care for a prescription for a sonogram, went for my sonogram only to find out I had Cancer. After 2 opinions I stayed with my doctor who gave me hope, and confidence I could beat this. I was at Stage 3 breast cancer that had already spread to my lymph nodes. I had a lumpectomy and 18 lymph nodes were taken out. Next step the dreaded Chemo, I being one of the most neurotic people about my hair went completely bald and was so sick, then I did the radiation and now I am a survivor for over 4 years!! My advice is: Denise E. White, BBA, MBA Hello, Wendy Skinner I was diagnosed with breast cancer in October 2004 when I was 32 years old. I am 36 now. I completed chemotherapy and radiation in 2005. Janine Augustine I would strongly recommend joining a support group. After my diagnosis at age 43 with Stage 2A breast cancer I was terrified. I joined a group for newly diagnosed women. We went through hospitalizations, hair loss, radiation, etc. together. When one of us was down there was always another who could pick a girl up and offer support. The group became so close that when our time was up we couldn't imagine not seeing each other regularly. The ten of us stayed together and formed our own support group. We still meet once a month at a member's house. We are still there for each other during the scary things like tests, medication side effects and exams, but now we also share in the joyous events of life like birthdays, graduations and grandchildren. We walked as Team LI Speedbumps in the LI2Day and raised Stacey Kerley My name is Stacey Kerley and I am a breast cancer suvivor. I have walked in the last two LI2daywalks. I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer, stage 2, at the age of 35, 3 years ago. I have had two firends have breast cancer who live in the same town and both were also diagnosed at a young age. These girls helped in a way that know one else could. I looked up to them because they were survivors and I knew I could be strong and get through my treatment because they did. I am sure our oncologist looks forward to our visits but we go together. It makes the appointments easier for us.....so I want to thank my BREAST FRIENDS...All survivors should have atleast one breast friend to help support them..My love to Carrie Liebman and Jackie Lieberman. Jody Cross I supported LI 2-Day Walk by walking across the bridge. Having just finished my last round of chemotherapy I was still very weak and this was my first day out. My tip for women not diagnosed with breast cancer is, (in addition to regular mammos), do your own self-exams, NO MATTER WHAT YOUR PERCEIVED LEVEL OF RISK. I have no breast cancer in my family at all and I was only 41 when diagnosed. I could have found the lump myself (therefore caught earlier in the cancer spreading process) had I been giving myself thorough self-exams. My tip for women diagnosed: follow the old Cheers song: you want to go where everyone knows your name. My doctors and nurses from start to finish knew my name, my family, some even knew my pets. Two doctors offered their cell numbers. I am not just a chart to them...I'm a mother, a daughter, a professional, a neighbor, and more. Linda Geremia I am a 3 year breast cancer survivor. Breast cancer awareness is why I am a survivor. Talking and networking is how I got through my battle. You need a support system before, during and after mastectomies, chemo, and or radiation. It doesen't end after your treatment ends, life is different. No one knows "how" to "be there" for a survivor, better than a survivor. Get involved in a support group and TALK, ASK, and LISTEN. We walk the walk for this reason. The LI2day has been a saving grace for myself and everyone it has touched in the past 5 years. Hillary Van Scoy I would urge anyone diagnosed with breast cancer to get more than one opinion regarding treatment options, even if they are comfortable with the plan suggested by the first doctor seen. This holds true both prior to and after initial surgery. There may be updated treatments that certain facilities incorporate that may shave time off post-op treatment and protect other vital organs. I would also suggest investigating side effects vs. benefits of certain treatments—remember, it is your body and you have the final say. Susan Barry Roden South Fork Breast Health Coalition - was a beneficiary and i am the president and cofounder of the coalition - i am a breast cancer survivor and walked in the 2 day event my advice to those diagnosed with breast cancer - reach out to other survivors - the reason we are here on earth is to help others. 2 pieces of advice that i received and keep passing along it is ok to visit the dark side just don't stay there to long Peggy Reach out for support Sue Grimm Getting through breast cancer: It takes a village – family, friends It takes a sense of humor- keeping everyone “abreast” of the situationIt takes a positive attitude- knowing in your heart and soul that you will be okLI 2 day walk provided all of these things- Diagnosis and surgery is a blur, and one is left feeling like those around you have moved on – even if you yourself have not. I found the planning and execution of the walk a huge help to take the cancer experience in and sweat it out, mile by mile. SYMA JOFFE GERARD Donna Jurasits, Ex. Director After my breast cancer diagnosis in 1997, support came from many directions: family, friends and co-workers. All wanted to help me in some way but were in the dark as to what they should do: babysit, cook dinner, clean, grocery shop? They were waiting for a cue from me but I was in denial and too overwhelmed to ask for what I needed. in fact, I didn't even know what I needed at the time. I've since learned I did a real injustice to everyone who wanted to support my family and me. When people want to help in a time of crisis, it's an actual kindness to allow them to do so. It sounds pretty strange, but I realized my cancer offered the people in my life an opportunity to get closer to me, to give of themselves and to reach out emotionally. All wanted and needed to do i that for their own reasons. However,by remaining stalwart and self-sufficient, I denied them that opportunity and though unintentional, it was ultimately selfish. As director of a non-profit breast cancer organization, I am frequently asked how best to support someone dealing with cancer. I now suggest the following: Ask outright and if you don't receive a direct answer, just jump in. Let your common sense guide you. If there are children in the household, kid-friendly meals are always welcome: mac and cheese, spaghetti and meatballs or a pizza can solve the nightly "what's for dinner" question. Walk the family dog daily, drag out the garbage cans the night before collection, wash a car, mow a lawn, whatever. Just announce your intentions and follow through. Sometimes, a weekly phone call, cuttings from the garden, a funny card or a tasty dessert does the trick. The point is: Just Do It! Kathy Ryan Survivor 2008 LI2DAY Participant Take one day at a time. Remain positive. Accept help from family, friends, and neighbors – and be very specific! Be honest with your doctors and family. Keep a journal. Write down questions. Have someone attend appointments with you. Help is out there; reach out to an organization that deals with breast cancer -- they have many resources available. When you are up to it, contact a local support group. It is empowering to have encouraging “sisters” who have traveled the same path and have made it through. Maintain your follow-up visits. Beth Gilman The one important piece of advise I give as a BC survivor is to not let it get you down. POSITIVE attitude and get up every morning, take that shower and get dressed. No matter how much you want to through the covers over your head and stay in bed. Gail When my cousin was going through stage 2 BC, I sent her a funny card every week - those shoebox "Cope" cards or a "Thinking of You" card - just to let her know she was in my thoughts. I especially noted her 1/2 way point through chemo and other "landmarks" and congratulated her on completing chemo and then radiation. I was in a Hallmark store the other day and they actually have an extensive section of cards to send people with cancer - wow. I just know she appreciated getting the cards and knowing I was thinking of her (of course, we are close and I called too, but sometimes that is awkward if you don't know the person well) Cathy N. It had been a very long time since I last had a mammogram; my reasoning, breast cancer happens to other women, not me! I was diagnosed with Stage II breast cancer September 21, 2007. I had a mastectomy and chemotherapy followed. A simple, annual mammogram could have detected it much sooner. Early detection is your best defense in the fight against breast cancer. The good news is that as a result from the excellent care that I received from Fortunato Breast Health Center in Port Jefferson and the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, both NYC and Commack campuses, I'm now cancer-free. |
