From the “C” word to “Survivor Sister”: My Journey

by Vicki Paul

October is “Breast Cancer Awareness” month, and I have a personal story to share.

As a health care professional and the Executive Director of Aunt Ann’s Home Care, I like to think I take pretty good care of myself. At least when it comes to regular screenings and immunizations. Around the first of February, my birthday month, each year I make my appointments as needed. OB-GYN check-ups, mammograms, etc. I have no family history of any kind of cancer so my screenings are every two years. In 2006 I had my screenings. Imagine my surprise when I received a call to return for a repeat mammogram on Feb. 10, 2006, my 55th birthday! Oh well, I thought, probably just a technical problem. I cheerfully took off work a little early and kept the appointment they gave me.

After the second mammogram things began to move very quickly. I had a very small lump. A biopsy was needed using ultrasound technology. So small, they said, probably nothing. The radiologist even said that she may have removed it entirely just to get a biopsy, it was so small. It will be fine; I thought, this is all just a pain...

I attended my IHSS Advisory Committee meeting the first Monday as usual. I explained that I was expecting a phone call from my doctor and would need to excuse myself from the meeting to take it; however, it would only take a minute and I would be back. Still knowing that everything was fine. The phone rang, I answered the call, and the doctor said, “Your biopsy shows invasive, ductile carcinoma of the breast.” All I heard was the “C” word. Shaking, I made my way back to the meeting and excused myself. I don’t know how long I sat in my car. My phone kept ringing, “Appointment with the surgeon is on... need to get pre-op exams..." So many decisions?!?

I made no secret of my diagnosis. I wanted my family and friends to take this journey along with me. I had surgery on March 13, 2006. The cancer was stage one, very tiny, and removed entirely. I did not need chemotherapy. I did require thirty radiation treatments. I continued to work during radiation therapy and had very few side effect.

My regular screenings paid off! While my journey is on-going -- three years, seven months so far -- I work hard not to dwell on the “C” word and meet each day with a smile. I am forever changed both physically and mentally. I keep my journey positive and live each day to the fullest! With generous support from family and friends I will make it through this difficult journey!

Take what you will from my story; however, know that early detection saved me!! The “C” word is more treatable than ever. Please support Breast Cancer research whenever you can. When you see someone wearing Pink this month, think of me and all my Survivor Sisters!!!

For more information contact the American Cancer Society.
 

Labels: breast cancer, mammogram

posted @ 3:00 PM
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