I am a high school teacher, so the morning after graduation In June 1999, I was beginning my day at a leisurely pace. While lying in bed, I decided to do my BSE. To my shock, I found a lump; I was 37.
After my mastectomy, my prognosis was fantastic. My tumor was small, and there was no sign of cancer in my lymph nodes; however, I was young, so my oncologist strongly recommended chemotherapy, and I agreed.
While my battle with breast cancer was filled with ups and downs, what I remember the most was the love and support all around me throughout my ordeal. During my chemo days I worked as often as possible; being around my students and colleagues lifted my spirits tremendously. Watching how open and honest I was with the staff and students, the school nurse suggested I do a breast cancer awareness seminar for our female students. I agreed to do it, and it has been an annual event ever since.
The style of the seminar is one of open, honest communication; no question is taboo. In fact, part of the seminar is a show and tell. I chose not to reconstruct and so my students get a chance to see the effects of a mastectomy on someone who wears it proudly as a survivor.
I have since invited other survivors such as colleagues, friends, and former students, to speak with me. The variety of stories is wonderful and the students learn that everyone's journey is different.
My main purpose is to encourage communication and to lessen their fears. My hope is that they will talk with others about what they've learned and, if some day they should face this disease, they will courageously fight it and win, as I have.
Placerville, CA
