How did you find out you had cancer?

 

It was time for my yearly female checkup and when I called to schedule they said “Mrs. Garrett you are 40 now and you need a mammogram.”  I did not want one, but I scheduled one anyway.  The day of my appointment, the lady that did the mammography had to cancel due to family illness, so I rescheduled.  The next appointment came and I had an emergency at work and I had to cancel, so I rescheduled.  The third time I was on my way to the appointment and got stopped on I-40 in traffic and sat there for quite a while.  So I called from my cell phone and she said that it was slow and to come on in.

The next day I received a phone call at work from the doctor’s office stating I needed more tests, an ultrasound and a more extensive mammogram. 

 

Who did you tell about your diagnosis first and how did you tell them?

 

Since I was at work when I got the phone call, the girls in the office and the doctor I worked for all knew.  I waited until after those test to tell my family (no need to worry them at that point). 

 

How did you cope with the diagnosis?

 

I was very positive; I knew God would not put more on me than I could bear.  The tumor was 1.7 cm and the lymph nodes were negative, so no chemo was recommended.  I did a lumpectomy and 6 weeks of Radiation Therapy @ CARTI.

 

 

How did family and friends show you support and encouragement?

 

All of the people around me, family, friends, fellow church members and coworkers were very supportive. 

 

 

How long have you been cancer free?

 

I was cancer free for 6 years and had a recurrence in the same breast.  My options were limited to mastectomy, so I opted for a bilateral mastectomy.

 

 

How has the experience changed you?

 

During that time I had the opportunity to come to work for CARTI, so I can mentor breast cancer survivors. 

 

 

How does the threat of recurrence affect your life?

 

During my recurrence, my mother was diagnosed with stage IV Lung cancer, and a brother with ocular melanoma.  I had to be strong and positive. I think once you have had cancer you live daily with the threat of recurrence, but what you do with that is your decision.  You can worry and fret, or you can work to find a cure and support the cause. 

 

 

What advice would you give someone battling cancer right now?

 

 If I could tell anyone battling cancer one thing, it would be to keep the faith with a positive attitude.  We may not find a cure in my days, but I will continue to believe that we will and generations to come will reap the rewards.

 

How would you answer “If I knew then what I know now, I would have…”

 

I don’t know that I would do anything any different.  We are all put on this earth by God and will be removed at some time. 

 

Who is in your support system?

 

 I have a huge support system, I am blessed. I just hope I can be a support for many other women out there. 

 

What is the most extraordinary thing someone did for you?

 

 I have wonderful memories of a dear friend who has passed and she would always bring me little trinkets and things that she had made. 

 

 

Tell us a little bit about your life today.

I have been here at CARTI now for 9 years and I have the privilege of mentoring to other cancer survivors. 

 

Where do you see yourself in five years?

 

I think in 5 years I will still be here and I will still be mentoring. 

 

 

What is your greatest passion, favorite hobby?

 

My greatest passion is my family. I love to do things with them and go places with them.  If it were practical I would have both daughters, son-in-laws, and 3 grandchildren all live with me.  I also love bowling and working in the yard.