Janice: Breast Cancer Survivor since May 2007

 

Although Janice had had an ‘all clear’ breast exam the previous May she had a feeling that October that her right breast didn’t feel the same as the left.  She was feeling a very hard lump and if she squeezed the lump it would roar in pain.  Early May 2007 she scheduled a breast exam and found a 7.5cm tumor in her right breast.  She saw the surgeon on May 22^nd the day of her birthday and first day of retirement!

Because her sister had gone through breast cancer and survived only 28 months prior to passing away in August 2006 Janice had been through the shock and denial that all breast cancer patients go through although this time instead of asking “Why me?” Janice asked “Why not me?” She says she knew she would survive breast cancer and not die.

Janice took control of the situation by contacting friends to arrange to have them bring her games, take her to movies, lunches and social visits.  She wanted a ‘normal life’ so she chose to do so by continuing to teach school.  She says that her students asked questions and she answered them.  Her co-workers reached out with words of encouragement or with offers to help.  She realized that she wasn’t alone and that everyone was going on the journey with her by being on the sidelines.

While talking with a friend about breast self-exams, her friend started to examine her own breast and found a lump which was later diagnosed as cancerous.  Janice helped her friend to find breast cancer before it was too late!

Because of the many kindnesses even from strangers Janice says that “We are not alone yet no one can walk with us directly.  We are all different yet we are all united.  I am a better person after having been diagnosed with breast cancer and having gone through treatment.  I am always grateful for the life I measure by breathing.  I feel a responsibility to do what I can to educate and to help all of my sisters.”