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Archive for the ‘Survivor Spotlight’ Category

Survivor Spotlight – Merrilynn Cushman

Posted By on March 16th, 2012 at 9:02 am | 4 comments.

When I was diagnosed with breast cancer I was a 40 year-old single mother of two, a 3 year-old and a 5 year-old. They were my touchstones. Every decision was based on what would give me a better chance to be here for them. My first baseline mammogram detected the breast cancer. I had a needle localization biopsy and was told that the margins from that procedure were adequate and I could proceed to radiation and tamoxifen. I wasn’t comfortable though and I went to Dr. Norman Wolmark for a 2nd opinion.

I had read that the risk of recurrence after a mastectomy was less than 1% as compared to 5% with a lumpectomy. One of the things I love best about Dr. Wolmark is that he never leaves the room until all your questions are answered. After discussing it with him, I decided to have a mastectomy. During that surgery, previously undetected cancer cells were found deeper in my breast. Listening to my own inner voice was the right thing to do.

I live 250 miles away from my closest family but my sister, sister-in-law and mother took turns coming to stay with me. A friend made a schedule for others in the community to drive me to appointments, cook meals, and do whatever I needed. I had purchased new wallpaper for my living room and when I came home from the hospital I found that they had put it up!

I’m private and hadn’t planned on sharing so publicly about having breast cancer. But after my surgery my 5 year-old daughter (who is now 14) touched my face. She said “I’m like you. Will I have breast cancer too?” That motivated me to support finding a cure. That, and the desire to pay back for all the help I received.

Merrilynn is Community Relations Director at Titusville Area Hospital and represents Crawford County in the PBCC traveling photo exhibit. She loves spending time with her children and running.

Contest: Share Your Survivor Story!

Posted By on February 17th, 2012 at 9:03 am | 0 comments.

Are you a breast cancer survivor living in Pennsylvania with a story to share? The PBCC is seeking your survivor stories to possibly be featured in an upcoming Pink Link or Front Line. Those selected to be featured can choose from a complementary registration for the PBCC Conference in Harrisburg on October 9, 2012 OR a complementary single batter registration for a 2012 Home Run Derby event (for you to use or for you to give as a gift).

Please limit your story to between 300 and 350 words, and send a photo of yourself along with your submission in the event your story is chosen for publication. If your story is selected, you will be contacted to confirm your details and your choice of a prize. Email Amy at amy@pabreastcancer.org with your story.

Survivor Spotlight – Dawn Jones

Posted By on February 17th, 2012 at 9:01 am | 2 comments.

Dawn Jones wrote down affirmations to heal herself after experiencing a particularly hurtful encounter on Fifth Avenue in New York. Dawn was diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer and, after her mastectomy, doctors advised her to wait at least 12 months before having reconstruction. Bald, with a size 44D breast on one side and flat on the other side, she held her head high. But on this particular day she came face-to-face with cruelty.

She was strolling down the street reflecting on the lovely luncheon she had just had with other breast cancer survivors when her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of derisive comments. She was shocked to realize they were being directed at her, about her appearance. She felt like melting into the street. Her ears were red, her heart was pounding, but she refused to cry. Her affirmations and her beautiful spirit are reflected in the following poem “I Am” which has drawn over 11,000 “likes” on her Facebook public figure page “DawnInRealTime.”

“I AM” by Dawn P. Jones

I AM Loving

I AM Caring

I AM Compassion

I AM Truthful

I AM Strong

I AM Successful

I AM Wealthy

I AM Joyous

I AM Young

I AM Immortal

I AM Great Health

I AM Courageous

I AM Fearless

I AM Relentless

I AM Grounded

I AM Kind

I AM Forgiving

I AM not the scars you may see,

I AM not the Lymphedema swelling you may see,

I AM not the discolored skin you may see,

I AM not the pain and the nausea,

I AM not my hair,

I AM not cancer,

I AM a daughter, a mother, a sister, an auntie, a lover and a friend,

I AM LOVE,

And what I want you to see is,

I AM A WOMAN, and I AM BEAUTIFUL…….

DawnInRealTime includes a series of short videos chronicling her journey through treatment, and almost daily positive, uplifting messages like “I handle difficult situations with calm endurance” and “I am responsible for my own attitude.”

She was first diagnosed in 2000 and had a year of chemotherapy, a mastectomy, and reconstructive surgery 18 months later. Then 7 years later it returned, this time in her neck, lymphatic system, and chest and back. Doctors at the hospital in Queens where she was being treated said there was nothing else they could do for her. They did not expect her to survive this time. Then a neighbor suggested she research Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Philadelphia where she continues her treatment today.

Dawn takes care of her 86 year-old mother who lives with her now. She says her full-time job is to take care of herself and take care of her mom. She wants everyone to know “We are not the cancer; we are not the disease. We are women. We are women!”

Survivor Spotlight: Ann Dorrance, Dauphin County

Posted By on January 16th, 2012 at 9:01 am | 0 comments.

In December 2002 Ann Dorrance was a 46 year-old mother of 4 ranging from twins in the 4th grade to a daughter in college. Even though a mammogram the previous year showed nothing, she could feel a lump. Not while lying down though. She could only feel it when she was sitting or standing. Ann has always been a person to forge through and do whatever needs to be done.

She had a biopsy, then chemo to shrink the tumor before surgery, a double mastectomy, more chemo and radiation. She put her trust in her physician, Dr. Bob Gordon in Camp Hill, and she believes finding a doctor who really hears you is an extremely important part of the healing process.

A breast cancer diagnosis affects the whole family, not just the patient. Ann’s oldest daughter was scheduled to go to school in Italy for six months but cancelled the trip without telling her mother. It was important to Ann to continue attending her children’s soccer games and other events. But she emphasizes that there is no right or wrong way to handle your treatment. Whatever works for one person doesn’t necessarily work for the next.

The one thing she advises other women is to tell your friends and family how they can help you, because they want to. Some days that might mean telling them to let you be sick alone. Other times you might ask them to cook dinner, especially on chemo days. And it’s a good idea to share your experiences with other women who have walked the path you’re traveling. They understand things you’re going through that no one else can.

Survivor Spotlight – Marjorie Stromberg, Centre County

Posted By on December 16th, 2011 at 9:01 am | 2 comments.

It was the happiest time in my life. I had just gotten engaged two months before, had just finished running my first two 5Ks, and was in the best shape of my life. My job was great, I loved my family and friends and social life, and now was planning to marry the love of my life. That’s when I was diagnosed with breast cancer and my world changed. I am Marjorie, a 26-year-old newspaper reporter who was diagnosed with breast cancer in April 2011.

I had recently lost about 30 pounds on Weight Watchers, and was running 5Ks with my fiancé. I found a lump in the shower while doing a self-breast exam. Being a childhood cancer survivor (I had Leukemia when I was 12), I was understandably worried. But when I called my doctors they reassured me: I was 26. Too young to get breast cancer. The lump was probably just a cyst.

Luckily, my doctor scheduled a fine needle aspiration anyway. A few days later, on the first day of Passover, I was at my fiance’s family’s house near Philadelphia when I got the call at 8:30 in the morning. That’s how I knew something was wrong. The doctor told me, over the phone, that some cancer cells showed up in my fine needle aspiration, and I would need to be treated. Days later I was in Hershey, and for the two weeks that followed my life was a blur. There was test after test after test. And after each test was more waiting. And wondering. And crying. Would I get married in March like we had planned? Would we even be able to plan this wedding? Why was this happening to me, right now? I’m a 26-year-old bride-to-be at the prime in her life. Why me, and why now?

Later it was confirmed I had DCIS- Ductal Carcinoma in Situ. I had a right mastectomy in May with three lymph nodes removed. Luckily, the cancer was caught so early it hadn’t spread to the lymph nodes, and no invasive cancer was found, so no chemotherapy was needed. I tested negative for hormone receptors, so I didn’t receive any type of hormone treatment, and tested negative for the BRCA gene, so the doctor didn’t recommend a bilateral mastectomy.

During my mastectomy surgery I had a tissue expander put in to prepare my skin and chest for a permanent implant later down the road. My doctor confirmed that the mastectomy got “all of it” but was still concerned about how close the tumor was to my skin, so I went in for another surgery in August in which she removed more skin, muscle and fat to get a clear margin. The pathology came back clear. It was officially gone. Now I have just finished my second round of saline fills for my expander, and am waiting for my implant surgery which will be in the end of October.

The wedding planning is well underway and we are scheduled to walk down the aisle in March! My fiancé and his family, and my family, and all of our friends have been absolutely phenomenal throughout the process. I don’t know what I would do without them by my side. Although my treatment is done, I still have my reconstructive surgery left. I’m also left with fear and anxiety of the cancer returning, or occurring in the other breast. I am learning to deal, each day, with my “new normals” – having a very painful tissue expander, and eventually silicone implants. And knowing I lost a breast at the age of 26 to cancer.

Each day is a new journey, and I’m chugging along, but I’m scared, hurt and torn up. I know I have the inner strength to get through this, and an amazing support system to lean on. I know this experience, however painful and devastating, both physically and emotionally, will make me a stronger, better person in the end. I’m working hard to be my best me.

I want younger women to be aware that breast cancer can happen to them, and to do self-exams. If I hadn’t found my own cancer I don’t know how many months, or years, it would have been until it was found. People don’t talk enough about young women with breast cancer. But, we’re out there and we deserve to be heard.

Marjorie Stromberg is one of two Survivor Story winners from our September Pink Link contest. 

Survivor Spotlight: Kathy Clarke

Posted By on November 17th, 2011 at 9:01 am | 0 comments.

This is my story of how being diagnosed in my thirties with breast cancer forever changed my life. I just turned 36 years old when I was diagnosed with Stage IIB Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. I was a healthy mother of two young boys (ages 2 and 5) and had no risk factors for developing breast cancer. Everyone deals with cancer in different ways. For me, having a positive attitude was so important in dealing with cancer.

I remember one day at work, a co-worker asked me about my diagnosis. I explained it to her as I explained it to anyone who asked. I remember when I told her that I felt lucky that my cancer did not spread any further that it did (3 cancerous lymph nodes of the 29 removed), she was surprised and said, “Wow, I can’t believe you just said that you feel lucky.” I really did feel lucky and I knew that I was going to get through any adversity that I may face throughout treatment. At that point, I was determined to not let anyone bring me down or feel sorry for me, so I surrounded myself with people who had positive attitudes.

My children kept me focused on getting through all the treatments and adversities. Although this may sound very simple, my goal throughout treatment was to be able to read books to my children every night before bed and except for a few days that I was hospitalized, I accomplished my goal.

I hope that I can use what I have learned to provide support and comfort to others going through similar situations. I received a Friends Like Me care package from the PBCC shortly after my diagnosis and my husband and I spent an evening looking at everything in the package. I have since referred several newly diagnosed women to the PBCC for information.

I know that my breast cancer experience has made me a very strong person. My life is not all that much different than before breast cancer except that I do not worry as much about small stuff, and I find joy in many more things than I used to.

I feel honored that I am now one of the women who represents Cumberland County in the PBCC’s 67 Women, 67 Counties: Facing Breast Cancer in Pennsylvania traveling photo exhibit. For the past three years I attended the Penn State Lady Lions Pink Zone basketball games. Those games have been an awesome experience and what an amazing increase in support I have seen in just 3 years!

It has been three years since my breast cancer diagnosis and I know that whatever the future holds, my family and I will be able to handle it. My experience with breast cancer has taught me to never take ANYONE or ANYTHING for granted and that life is about family and friends: love them and spend time with them while you can! I know that early detection saved my life!

Kathy Clarke is one of two Survivor Story winners from our September Pink Link contest. Look for the other contest winner’s story to be featured in the December Pink Link.

Survivor Spotlight: Karen Byers, Cumberland County

Posted By on October 19th, 2011 at 9:17 am | 0 comments.

When I was diagnosed 22 years ago, things were quite different. Sometimes I feel like I had breast cancer in the dark ages. And in many ways, I did. There was very little information. This was pre-internet. The library had books on the subject but they were medical journals that I couldn’t understand. Now I see women who come through our support group and I’m amazed at how informed they are because of the internet. In 1989 there weren’t even articles in women’s magazines. Now hardly a month goes by without features about new studies.

I became involved with the PBCC at its very beginning. Four years after my diagnosis I was invited to a meeting about a new organization that was just starting up. That was a good year, 1993. The PBCC was created and so was the ABC’S (All Breast Cancer Survivors) support group in Carlisle, and I’m still very involved with both groups. The PBCC gave me the wings I needed to fly and to do more than I had done before. I was able to speak to groups, become involved in advocacy, and to be a helping hand to newly diagnosed women. That’s when I really blossomed.

People ask me why I’m still involved with support group after so many years. It’s my way of showing appreciation for what was offered to me. With a diagnosis of any kind, you can crawl in a corner and have a lifetime pity party. I opted not to do that. My kids were 14 and 20 years old so I could talk with them and share whatever the doctor told me. My heart breaks for moms whose small children only know that mommy is sick. I knew everyone around me would respond to whatever way I accepted the diagnosis. My theory is when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. I made a lot of lemonade.

I discovered a lump in August 1988 and had a mammogram right away. It seemed to be nothing more than just a thickening. I was scheduled to see my doctor again in January and that suited me just fine. After all, my husband Ralph coached soccer and my son Mark played. So I wanted to get through soccer season, Thanksgiving and Christmas first. But before Christmas my breasts became engorged and the nipple inverted. I knew I had a problem. A biopsy confirmed that the milk ducts had filled with a malignancy.

I had a modified radical mastectomy at the age of 44. I had positive nodes and underwent six months of chemotherapy, 12 treatments twice a month. I was fortunate to have a surgeon who was informative and a hand-holder, a very understanding and compassionate person.

I learn something from the incredible group of women in the ABC’S every time we get together. I learn from their drive, and from how they fight to make things better for those who will follow. I’ve also been awed by the dear friends we’ve lost from our group and how courageous they were. They taught us to be brave and to look at life as a gift and to continue to care about others.

I want other women to know that they are not alone, especially in Pennsylvania. First of all, you have the PBCC. And you have free treatment for breast cancer. We are very blessed in this state. Having breast cancer is like joining a club… a group that you never really want to join, but once diagnosed you are grateful for the women who take your hand and walk you through it. They are your friends for life.

Karen Byers has been a PBCC volunteer since 1993. She coordinates the registration booth at the conference with the ABC’S, and represents Cumberland County in our traveling photo exhibit. Karen was a past recipient of the Shining Light Award at the PBCC Conference. She loves spending time with the lights of her life, her grandchildren. 

Survivor Spotlight – Heather Stempka, Erie County

Posted By on September 19th, 2011 at 2:03 pm | 0 comments.

Following her second breast cancer diagnosis at 33 years old, Heather Stempka wanted to reassure other young women that they didn’t have to take the breast cancer journey on their own. She co-founded Linked by Pink, which is a nonprofit organization that raises awareness about breast cancer in young women, particularly those who were diagnosed under the age of 45, and that provides resources to them.

While Linked by Pink is based in Erie, PA, Heather has used social media outlets like Facebook to broaden the horizons for the organization. Heather will be presenting the “Advocacy Using Social Media” workshop at the 2011 PA Breast Cancer Coalition Conference on Tuesday, October 11.

Heather’s passion for helping people led her back to school to finish her degree in psychology with a minor in crisis counseling. She will graduate next summer from Liberty University.

Linked by Pink offers $500 medical grants to assist women battling breast cancer. Currently, the grants are only available to those who live within a 45 mile radius of Erie, PA, although they hope to extend their reach further in the future. For information on how to apply for these grants, visit the Linked by Pink website.

Survivor Spotlight – Julie Rockey

Posted By on August 15th, 2011 at 8:55 am | 4 comments.

Julie Rockey describes herself as a Type A personality, someone who is always on the go. Combine that with her love of organizing fun and interesting things to do and you get the Ta-Ta Trot, a fundraiser to benefit the PBCC! Julie was diagnosed with breast cancer in February 2010. She was 30 years old at the time and went for a routine ob/gyn exam. She was just checking to be sure everything was fine to get pregnant; a breast cancer diagnosis was the last thing she expected that day.

Her doctor did a breast exam, sent Julie for a mammogram, and within a day she learned that she had breast cancer. Julie was very open about what she was going through and was able to create a large support system with work, family and friends.

While she was going through chemo a friend who was planning a 5K walk/run approached her with the idea, offering Julie the option to select the nonprofit to benefit from it. He also introduced her to Cheryl Delsite, a breast cancer survivor and long-time PBCC volunteer. It was important to Julie that the money raised through the event would be used locally to help women in Pennsylvania. After talking with Cheryl, Julie decided that the PBCC would be the best organization to receive the funds.

Ta-Ta Trot was held in Sunbury, PA on July 9th and drew an astounding 655 walkers & runners who raised over $14,000! Everyone in the community is excited for next year and the goal is to increase to 1,000 participants! All the proceeds from the event benefitted the PBCC in memory of Marie Lamey, R.N., a breast cancer nurse at Geisinger Health System, where Julie is Senior Director of Operations. Many of the volunteers were Geisinger employees who wanted to honor Marie with their participation, and Dr. Victor Vogel, Director of the Geisinger Cancer Institute, spoke at the opening ceremony.

Julie completed her breast cancer treatment in June. She tells other women that she thinks of breast cancer as a life sentence, not a death sentence. She has learned to level out and take a deep breath once in a while. She decided from the first day that she would not let it bring her down. Now, because of having had breast cancer, she has hundreds of friends that she didn’t have before. And probably hundreds more next year after the Ta-Ta Trot!

Survivor Spotlight – Nicole Shaffer – Lititz, PA

Posted By on July 15th, 2011 at 8:55 am | 0 comments.

Nicole with husband Dave and their children Blair, Brandon, and Brady.

Nicole Shaffer was familiar with the PBCC years before her breast cancer diagnosis. Nicole, an occupational health nurse practitioner at Johnson & Johnson in Lititz,  participated in the annual Freshburst Race to benefit the PBCC in 2007. In December 2008 at the age of 35, Nicole found a lump in her breast.

A mammogram and an ultrasound both came back negative, but she wasn’t satisfied. That lump bothered her and she followed up with a surgeon and had an MRI. The surgeon confirmed that she had DCIS and Nicole had a bi-lateral mastectomy.

She has expanded her commitment to the PBCC, representing Lancaster County in our traveling photo exhibit, and co-presenting the workshop “Young Survivorship: Finding Your New Normal” at the 2010 PBCC Annual Conference.

Nicole believes that her purpose in life is to help other women. She was always a compassionate nurse but now where cancer is involved she finds herself reaching out even more. She never misses an opportunity to remind a woman to listen to her own body. Those initial tests Nicole had were read as negative but she knew something was wrong.

Nicole is now director of occupational health and wellness for North America with Pfizer. She and her husband Dave have three boys ages 9, 7 and 5. She loves to cook, spend time with her family hiking, biking and just being outside.