How did you find out you had cancer?

Self Breast exam.  I found it myself one year ago on September 9 randomly did an exam knowing it had been months since I’ve done one. I called same day for immediate mammogram.  It was done on September 13th.  Oncologist visit  2 weeks later.  And, for the first time in 12 years, I was not in downtown Little Rock for the Race.  I sat at home to watch it on TV as I tried to adjust to the fresh news of my upcoming surgery in November. 

What was the most extraordinary thing someone did for you?  Prayer from so many loved ones and friends came from so many!  It was shocking! My Christian faith strengthened me through those prayers to fight my battle. Every act of kindness was so appreciated – all the cards, prayers, meals were humbling.

My children were so very supportive. My son, Todd, came from TX for the surgery and doctor visits. My daughters, son, sister or friend went with me to each/every appointment.  They made sure I wasn’t alone for one single visit. They took notes and were great advisors helping me ‘hear’ everything while my head was still spinning from the word cancer! My youngest daughter, Rachael, organized an drive to donate hair to cancer victims through “Beautiful Lengths” in February, 2010.  Channel 4 featured her efforts in their ‘Hero’s Central’. Then, my oldest daughter, Melody, arranged to come from VA and stayed 6 weeks while I was in radiation treatments.  She drove me daily from Prattsville to Little Rock for treatments, then onto work in Malvern.  This allowed me to rest and nap on my way to work to minimize my missed work time.  She drove more than 150 miles a day to keep me going, cooked, cleaned and made sure I got plenty of rest in that mix too.  I didn’t lift a finger.  [Yes, I got pretty spoiled.]  I will NEVER forget these amazing acts of love from all my children, family and friends.  

What advice would you give someone battling cancer right now?  Listen and LEARN everything you can, as quickly as you can.  Be your own advocate, research the internet well.  Early detection is key.  Do the self breast exams.  Get your ANNUAL mammogram!  

Why is the race important to you?  I started working for the Komen RACE committee 13 years ago in memory of my grandmother who was a double mastectomy.  First one was in the late 1940s.  Cancer came back for second surgery in the early 1960s. Thankfully, she lived another 15 years after her 2 bouts with cancer.  NOW, … THIS year… it is even more PERSONAL than ever.  I’ll wear my pink shirt for my own survival victory.  I must say that I have loved every tiring minute, I have spent on the RACE for the CURE committee!

Are there any other messages you would like to share?  Because of what I have learned from working with the Komen Foundation, I KNEW how far technology has come in just the last 15 years. I knew I had found my lump early.  It was late stage 1 bordering on stage 2 even with me faithfully doing my annual mammograms.   I had the confidence of knowing early detection was the key!  I knew I had found my cancer early.  I knew it was not a death sentence with early detection.  I knew it could be treaated.  I knew I could get past this ‘bump’ in my life’s journey. I strongly suggest everyone be your own advocate.  You WILL get past this too!