Monica's Story
Apr
27
Written by:
4/27/2010 12:39 AM
"Most of all, I didn't want my children to think I was going to die!"
I had always done periodic breast self-exams and it was during one of those times that I thought I felt 'something'. Several days later, there it was again - same spot and it didn't move. I made an appointment and my worse suspicions were confirmed. It was my first mammogram - and I was diagnosed with breast cancer.
I was referred to Dr. Kathleen Minnick, a breast surgeon, who I truly believe was here for me - to help me through this time in my life (Dr. Minnick has since left the area). She was awesome and I am grateful that we had a specialist in the field. Even though Dr. Minnick had cautioned me that in rare instances a second surgery is needed, I was totally unprepared for that call. It was worse than learning I had breast cancer, but with the help of the Griffin staff, and my family, I got through it.
I truly believe when you show fear others around share your emotions. I've always been a positive, outgoing person who needs people around me. And I didn't want to be depressed. Most of all, I didn't want my children to think I was going to die! So I invited my entire family to accompany me during my chemo visits - husband, 12-year old daughter, 15-year old son, mother, sister, and a few friends. And they all came. Sometimes there were as many as seven people there with me at the same time. Having loved ones around helped me so much, I agreed to let my daughter's Girl Scout troop (7 including her) visit during one of my treatments as their community service project to earn a badge. The girls baked and distributed brownies and cookies to the chemo patients and staff and toured the Cancer Center. Now my daughter was telling me about the treatment I was undergoing.
This whole experience has changed me for the better. I've bonded with my children who have matured during this process; I've renewed an old friendship and we're now closer than ever. I've gained a new perspective on life. And pink is now my color!
I don't know where this path is taking me. I just know I have to continue to help. Recently, I teamed up with another mom (of a friend of my daughter's) who went through lung cancer. We're participating in Relay for Life in June and are currently planning a fundraiser.
They say you get out of life what you give. I plan to do a lot more giving!
Monica