Maureen King, New York Mills, MN

7 Year Survivor

My surgery was 7 years ago last March; it took place at the Dakota hospital in Fargo, ND.  I can remember Dr. Paul Fleissners’ words that were spoken to me in that emergency room that fateful day as if it were yesterday.  My response after being told  I had cancer was to say yes I would receive treatment, because to not have any sort of treatment would have been like committing suicide; at least that is how I felt. 

Before I developed breast cancer I had  very low self-esteem.  I thought I had little or no reason for living and I just existed.  During my radiation treatments my granddaughter was born, slowly I began to feel that this was my purpose in life.  The best medicine for me to a healthy recovery were and are the visits from my granddaughter; we play, go to a near by playground, watch movies and eat popcorn.  We also do baking and have fun sleepovers.

My dog died of old age in 2006.  This March I purchased a small dog, whom I named Snow Bear, he has kept me on my toes constantly.  Snow Bear helped me to learn to love each day as it arises!

Since my surgery I have become a much stronger and determined individual.  I’m better at speaking up for myself and less intimidated by others.  I now make better decisions concerning my welfare.  Also I am a better –balanced person.

I remember before all my hair fell out and being alone with my young nephew he asked point blank “Are you going to die?”  My prompt reply was “No, I’m going to live for a long time yet.”

My maternal grandmother had died of breast cancer in March of 1977, so here I was exactly 24 years later with the same diagnosis.  It was a fearful time, very overwhelming and many family members fell into the non-supportive roles.  Scared and basically facing this devastating disease alone.  My surgeon opted to remove the lump instead of performing the biopsy that, fateful day. 

Two years later I needed to have scar tissue removed (2003).  The scar tissue had not mutated.  Then in December 2005 I found a lump on the opposite breast.  The surgeon that did the biopsy, told me to not worry, go home and enjoy the Christmas holidays.  I got my results January 9th.  The very next day I was on the operating table.  The surgeon took out a walnut sized lump, pink in color as compared to the first one, which had been an ugly shade of gray.  The ten-day waiting period was awful.  A wonderful friend accompanied me to the doctor’s office.  When Dr. Stolee, my surgeon, announced that my lump was benign my friend and I exchanged big hugs of joy.  Due to my newfound determination I have lost over 60 pounds and have been able to maintain it.  The weight loss has taken 2 and 1/2 years.  I have gone with a short and sassy hairstyle.  It has also become easier to face my other not so life threatening surgeries, which total 4. 

When I received my first prosthesis, I remember how empowered I felt.  To once again after 4 years of wearing bulky clothing to hide my deformity, suddenly I was looking normal in appearance.  How absolutely wonderful it is to feel whole again.  My granddaughter was my first angel and Marvelle is my second angel. 

Spring 08’ newsletter

 

Anonymous

25 Year Survivor    

My surgery was 25 years ago at the Spring Branch hospital.  Doctor Dullefonte told me I had a dimple above my left breast nipple and he wanted to see me at the hospital that night.  I told him I had 17 things on my list to do... I didn’t have time to go to the hospital, but I did meet with him at the hospital as my coworker took up the slack.

     Before surgery I felt fine.  I didn’t know I had anything wrong except I had noticed a little difference in the shape of my breast 6 weeks before, but too busy to think about that.

     After surgery I felt weak, very white from the blood transfusions and extremely cold.  I couldn’t even move or adjust my pillow, but nurses made me feel like I was no trouble, even having to help me to the bathroom. 

     I was in the hospital 5 days and went home with a drain tube.  That went well also and I made it to my mothers 90th birthday party three weeks after surgery, a trip of 1300 miles one way. 

     The best medicine for me to a healthy recovery was a visit from a breast cancer survivor who was back to playing tennis.  She also invited me to a cancer support group that meets 4 times a year.

     Since my surgery I have become stronger at not being anxious in nothing..

     When I received my first prosthesis I remember the freedom of not having to wear a jacket etc….and I was grateful to learn where to get my mastectomy bras and silicone prosthesis.

Spring 08’ newsletter