How has breast cancer affected your life?
My awareness of the impact of this disease certainly has been heightened. In spite of having several friends go through the breast cancer experience and one of those friends dying from her breast cancer, I still had the attitude “oh it won’t happen to me”. I know differently now. I find that I don’t take things for granted as much (especially my own personal health.)
How did the medical community help you during that time for your life?
It was because I have had yearly mammograms since I was 40 that my breast cancer was detected. My 2008 exam was clean, my 2009 exam showed something of concern. In the time frame of just one year things had changed. When I was called back for a second mammogram because something looked suspicious, I was scared.
I have only had positive experiences when using Inland Imaging for my yearly mammograms. When I needed to come back for further diagnostic work, I was treated professionally yet always with kindness and compassion and reassurance.
More importantly my (our) questions were answered straight forward. Procedures (tissue biopsy etc) were explained thoroughly: what they were doing, how it would feel, always asking me how I was doing and providing encouragement and support; from Dr. Balmforth who detected the mass on the first mammogram to Rosie prepping me for the tissue biopsy to Dr. Gin talking me through the biopsy.
Once I knew what I was dealing with we set out a game plan and we worked that plan, with the best team of doctors. (CCNW)
In spite of the trauma of this life-threatening disease, I never once lost confidence in my doctors and other health care workers who helped me thought it. After the initial shock of discovery- I never lost confidence in myself that I wouldn’t survive!
How did you stay motivated during your treatment?
My husband was in my corner 24/7 during my ordeal and his love and support were the biggest motivators for me to get through this, get better and get on with our lives! I was determined to keep upbeat. Keep my sense of humor and look for the good in every day.
My friend that died from breast cancer lived everyday of her life to the fullest and gave of herself endlessly – I keep (kept) her spirit in my heart through my treatments and treasure it now.
What has life been like since you became cancer free?
I think I am a little more reflective now. It’s not so much a sense of urgency but rather a “don’t want to take life for granted,” attitude change. I can do everything I did before my cancer and am grateful and thankful for that opportunity.
What did you think when you heard that only half of Spokane women were having their annual screening mammogram?
My first thoughts of learning this, was, “that just can’t be.” But then I would hear from so many women – things like “Oh I haven’t had a mammogram for several years,” or it’s been a while or’ “it’s so uncomfortable”–Just such a cavalier ho hum attitude.
I figure it was the 40 minutes— Including parking and elevator time that I took that saved my life. We caught my cancer when it was small and early—it hadn’t gotten to my lymph nodes. Wouldn’t you rather find out earlier than later if you had a problem? Would you rather put up with a few minutes of being “uncomfortable” or go through surgery, radiation and chemotherapy? Better still find out that you’re okay for this year and go out and celebrate!