Think Pink

Passionately Pink For The Cure

The color pink for me, and maybe for other breast cancer survivors, is a symbol of hope, strength, love and support. It reminds me that miracles happen every minute of every day. It stands for a healthy attitude and outlook and an appreciation for everything new. It means that others care and will stand by you when you need them.

Like most women I’d had the annual gynecological visit complete with breast exam, every year without incident. My doctor, now retired, had a great personality. He was always telling jokes and being funny. It was different that day. He was all serious. Then the pronouncement…“You need to have a mamogram done, today… now. I’ll call and schedule the appointment.” Wow, I had to go right then and there, no time to think about it. Even with all the “don’t worry” and “it’s probably nothing”, I knew something wasn’t right.

When the mammogram was done I asked to speak to the radiologist, I wanted to hear what he thought, what he could see. My film was still in the lightbox as he was writing his notes. Very matter-of-factly, he looked up and said, “there’s definitely something there, but that doesn’t mean it’s anything to worry about, in fact, it’s probably nothing at all.

Great! That’s what I was hoping, praying for. Now I could go back to work and forget about all of this. But instead of walking away, I asked to take my films with me. I was working as a paralegal at a personal injury law firm at the time. I went straight to our Medical Malpractice expert, a no-nonsense retired radiologist now attorney. He agreed to look at my films and in a split second he put his pen on the spot. ”You see that, see how it looks all star-shaped? You need to get a biopsy right away.“ Are you kidding? I was back where I started.    

Rather than wait around, I researched and found an oncological surgeon I was comfortable with to do the biopsy. The result of the biopsy was indeed cancer that had been discovered at an early stage; which would require a radical mastectomy followed by chemotherapy and five years of adjuvant chemo therapy.

It wasn’t an easy experience, but I must say I am a stronger person for having gone through it. I could talk about my hair thinning out, all the weight I gained from the steroids in the chemo therapy and the stresses and strains this disease placed on my four year young marriage. But instead,I’d rather say that it was great not shaving my legs for five years!

I’ve spoken to many women who were diagnosed with breast cancer and it seems that those with the best outcomes are the ones where the disease was faced head-on: early detection, confirming mammogram, and then immediate follow-up. I know for me, the prayers and support of friends and family began the healing. They were with me every step of the way. My employer was understanding about the time I needed for surgeries and let me work around my chemotherapy treatments.

My faith strengthened me, my family supported me, my church prayed for me. As thankful as I was for finding the cancer early, I was also grateful for each and every day I had. I remember sitting on my bed thinking of all the things I had done in my life, all the places I’d been and seen. Instead of feeling as though my time was over I had an overwhelming confidence, that God wasn’t finished with me yet.

There are no guarantees but here are some tips that made a difference for me…

⁃ Don’t waste time in denial, after a second opinion, get a treatment plan
⁃ Be well informed
⁃ Understand your treatment and treatment options
⁃ Get to know your doctors and don’t be afraid to ask questions
⁃ Accept support from family and friends
⁃ Stay as active as you can and continue enjoying life and making plans.

All that took place over seventeen years ago and by the grace of God, I am still here. Strong, loud, reconstructed… bionic if you will. Am I different? You bet! I’m definitely a ”dessert first“ girl. I appreciate many things that I used to take for granted. I worry less about superficial trivia. But more importantly, I am at peace with myself and my life. I couldn’t say that 17 years ago and for that I am profoundly thankful.

Linda Hawkinson,
Breast Cancer Survivor

For the latest on Breast Cancer diagnosis and treatment, risk factors and screening, and a host of other topics go to www.komen.org the official website for Susan G. Komen for the Cure or call 1-877-GO KOMEN
(1-877-465-6636).