Beyond The Diagnosis:
A Journey through Breast Cancer. The Begining, Middle and Far From the End.
A Journey through Breast Cancer. The Begining, Middle and Far From the End.
By: Jules Perkel
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You could say that being diagnosed with Breast Cancer is heavy news. But, don't let the diagnosis fool you. Many women, our family, friends and loved ones, continue to overcome Breast Cancer, displaying exceptional resilience, strength, courage and compassion.
According to breastcancer.org it is estimated that the incidence of Breast Cancer in women in the United States is 1 in 8 (about 13%). Also, the most significant risk factors for breast cancer are gender (being a woman) and age (growing older).
Jennifer Moore, now 49 years-old, of Narberth Pennsylvania, loves to run. She is also a survivor of Breast Cancer. Her story is one among the millions, however this athletic mom of four never allowed cancer to stop her from doing the activities she loves. When faced with a decision to join a team of breast cancer survivors or competitive rowers Jennifer was faced with a decision that mirrors the choices other survivors face.
"I chose the [competitive] team because to me [breast cancer] was an experience I went through. Some women go through it and that is what their cause is- I'm happy to share [my story] but I don't feel like I want to carry it with me," Jennifer said.
However, whenever Jennifer has a tough day she thinks back to that time when she persevered through Breast Cancer, and it reminds her of an intense will to succeed.
The Beginning.
Breast Cancer became part of Jennifer’s life at the age of 36, when after coming home from a daily run she jumped in the shower. Jennifer never had done a self breast exam before but something that day told her to give it a shot. Jennifer put her finger right on the lump.
"I went to go see my gynecologist two days later."
It is recommended that women, young and old engage in yearly breast exams with their physician. Feel empowered to perform your own monthly breast exams while in the shower or lying down on the bed ( http://breastselfexam.ca/section3slide1.html ). Seeing a variety of health care professionals and getting many opinions may be helpful in the discovery phases. Sometimes, the doctors may suspect it is nothing, as they did in Jennifer’s scenario. She was diagnosed on May 22nd, the day of her anniversary.
"The initial feeling after getting the call was shock and being scared because I didn't know what it was. Also, was I going to be there for my children?"
Start Spreading the News. Having Breast Cancer not only affects the person who has it, but reaches to other social circles such as family and friends. For the survivor, picking the right place and time to tell loved ones is difficult. Everyone reacts differently to the news as well. Jennifer remembers her sister vomiting after finding out the news, while her mother never let anyone know of her worries. Jennifer recalls her mother keeping so strong, and firmly believing everything was going to be fine; she was a very positive support system for Jennifer.
"They [my four children] went by my emotions- the huge thing for me was to keep their life and schedule as normal as possible and I think I did a really good job. It was not that they were unphased, I just think they did pretty well to the whole thing [breast cancer]," Jennifer said.
The Middle.
There are stages and types of Breast Cancer, and they are as varied as the many women who experience the cancer. Jennifer was diagnosed with Stage 1 because it the cancer was small and contained. In Jennifer's case, a surgical procedure known as a lumpectomy ( http://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/surgery/lumpectomy/ ) was performed to see what kind of cancer it was. This was also done to determine the type of chemotherapy required to treat it.
"In my frame of mind I wanted to do everything I could to stay on this earth," Jennifer said.
After the Chemo, which lasted the duration of the hot summer months, an intense seven hour surgery to rebuild Jennifer’s breasts, known as a Tram Flap reconstruction (http://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/surgery/reconstruction/types/tram.jsp ) was performed. This procedure uses extra fat on the body to rebuild the breasts.
The Demise of Breast Cancer, But Nowhere Near the End of Recovery.
Gaining Inspiration along the Way. As with other hardships, relating to others can strengthen your spirit. Other women who experienced Breast Cancer are sources of empathy and support for current survivors.
"I remember one instance where I was walking [in town] and at the time I had lost my hair- I saw an old friend. I told her [about my diagnosis] - she said 'I went through that in my 20's' - [I thought to myself] My god and you’re still here," said Jennifer.
Spirituality also plays a huge role in recovery. Beliefs in a higher power surmise an unbelievable strength and will to be on this earth. For Jennifer, it was also to be here for her children- that devotion made her not question her survival, no matter the severity of her course of treatment.
Medical Support. Having a caring team of doctors can make all the different in a survivor’s recovery. When Jennifer was anxious her oncologist would calm her down and call her right away with test results. Her surgeons were all very helpful and passionate.
Getting Back in the Swing of Things. Being diagnosed with a serious illness can certainly change the life course of a person. Maintaining balance and staying engaged can allow you to resume a routine of activities you enjoy. When Jennifer met the coach of the men’s rowing team which was starting to be a mixed team, a window opened. She tried out for nationals and then to be on the world team. Breast Cancer made her work harder because she didn't have certain muscles from her mastectomy operation.
“Hey, I went through this but I still can do it. When I was trying out for the team, [my son] was trying out for the varsity soccer team in high school- we would both push one another. We would check in with one another. It was pretty cool.” said Jennifer.
She has also done triathlons with her daughter. Overcoming Breast Cancer has given her the strength to try her hardest.
“Everyday- feel blessed to be alive. It’s the little things in life I really love. [Living through breast cancer has] given me a huge positive outlook.”
According to breastcancer.org it is estimated that the incidence of Breast Cancer in women in the United States is 1 in 8 (about 13%). Also, the most significant risk factors for breast cancer are gender (being a woman) and age (growing older).
Jennifer Moore, now 49 years-old, of Narberth Pennsylvania, loves to run. She is also a survivor of Breast Cancer. Her story is one among the millions, however this athletic mom of four never allowed cancer to stop her from doing the activities she loves. When faced with a decision to join a team of breast cancer survivors or competitive rowers Jennifer was faced with a decision that mirrors the choices other survivors face.
"I chose the [competitive] team because to me [breast cancer] was an experience I went through. Some women go through it and that is what their cause is- I'm happy to share [my story] but I don't feel like I want to carry it with me," Jennifer said.
However, whenever Jennifer has a tough day she thinks back to that time when she persevered through Breast Cancer, and it reminds her of an intense will to succeed.
The Beginning.
Breast Cancer became part of Jennifer’s life at the age of 36, when after coming home from a daily run she jumped in the shower. Jennifer never had done a self breast exam before but something that day told her to give it a shot. Jennifer put her finger right on the lump.
"I went to go see my gynecologist two days later."
It is recommended that women, young and old engage in yearly breast exams with their physician. Feel empowered to perform your own monthly breast exams while in the shower or lying down on the bed ( http://breastselfexam.ca/section3slide1.html ). Seeing a variety of health care professionals and getting many opinions may be helpful in the discovery phases. Sometimes, the doctors may suspect it is nothing, as they did in Jennifer’s scenario. She was diagnosed on May 22nd, the day of her anniversary.
"The initial feeling after getting the call was shock and being scared because I didn't know what it was. Also, was I going to be there for my children?"
Start Spreading the News. Having Breast Cancer not only affects the person who has it, but reaches to other social circles such as family and friends. For the survivor, picking the right place and time to tell loved ones is difficult. Everyone reacts differently to the news as well. Jennifer remembers her sister vomiting after finding out the news, while her mother never let anyone know of her worries. Jennifer recalls her mother keeping so strong, and firmly believing everything was going to be fine; she was a very positive support system for Jennifer.
"They [my four children] went by my emotions- the huge thing for me was to keep their life and schedule as normal as possible and I think I did a really good job. It was not that they were unphased, I just think they did pretty well to the whole thing [breast cancer]," Jennifer said.
The Middle.
There are stages and types of Breast Cancer, and they are as varied as the many women who experience the cancer. Jennifer was diagnosed with Stage 1 because it the cancer was small and contained. In Jennifer's case, a surgical procedure known as a lumpectomy ( http://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/surgery/lumpectomy/ ) was performed to see what kind of cancer it was. This was also done to determine the type of chemotherapy required to treat it.
"In my frame of mind I wanted to do everything I could to stay on this earth," Jennifer said.
After the Chemo, which lasted the duration of the hot summer months, an intense seven hour surgery to rebuild Jennifer’s breasts, known as a Tram Flap reconstruction (http://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/surgery/reconstruction/types/tram.jsp ) was performed. This procedure uses extra fat on the body to rebuild the breasts.
The Demise of Breast Cancer, But Nowhere Near the End of Recovery.
Gaining Inspiration along the Way. As with other hardships, relating to others can strengthen your spirit. Other women who experienced Breast Cancer are sources of empathy and support for current survivors.
"I remember one instance where I was walking [in town] and at the time I had lost my hair- I saw an old friend. I told her [about my diagnosis] - she said 'I went through that in my 20's' - [I thought to myself] My god and you’re still here," said Jennifer.
Spirituality also plays a huge role in recovery. Beliefs in a higher power surmise an unbelievable strength and will to be on this earth. For Jennifer, it was also to be here for her children- that devotion made her not question her survival, no matter the severity of her course of treatment.
Medical Support. Having a caring team of doctors can make all the different in a survivor’s recovery. When Jennifer was anxious her oncologist would calm her down and call her right away with test results. Her surgeons were all very helpful and passionate.
Getting Back in the Swing of Things. Being diagnosed with a serious illness can certainly change the life course of a person. Maintaining balance and staying engaged can allow you to resume a routine of activities you enjoy. When Jennifer met the coach of the men’s rowing team which was starting to be a mixed team, a window opened. She tried out for nationals and then to be on the world team. Breast Cancer made her work harder because she didn't have certain muscles from her mastectomy operation.
“Hey, I went through this but I still can do it. When I was trying out for the team, [my son] was trying out for the varsity soccer team in high school- we would both push one another. We would check in with one another. It was pretty cool.” said Jennifer.
She has also done triathlons with her daughter. Overcoming Breast Cancer has given her the strength to try her hardest.
“Everyday- feel blessed to be alive. It’s the little things in life I really love. [Living through breast cancer has] given me a huge positive outlook.”
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