| | |
2009 HONORARY SURVIVORS
 Chris McCloy
El Paso County Honorary Survivor
My mother and I share blue eyes, books, and breast cancer. I was 16 when she discovered her lump. In 1966, radiation, chemotherapy, breast reconstruction and support groups were unknown. She was told if she lived 5 years, she was cured. She beat the odds and faced her cancer with candor and a heavy dose of humor. Because she found her own lump, she was an advocate for regular self-breast exams. It was a life-saving example that led me to pursue a biopsy when I felt a mass that was not visible on the mammogram. I can still hear the note of surprise in the surgeon’s voice: “Darlin’, you’ve got what your Mamma had.”
As a nurse working in a Pediatric/Oncology unit, I was familiar with the clinical side of cancer and I approached my diagnosis as if it were a research project. Unlike my mother, I had choices: breast conservation followed by radiation or mastectomy, chemotherapy and reconstructive surgery? My oncologist and his staff inspired confidence whenever mine was lagging and we discussed every option before reaching an acceptable treatment plan.
I was recovering from a year of treatment and surgery when I read about the Race for the Cure®. I will never forget the scene on that beautiful fall day: hundreds of women in pink shirts RUNNING, laughing, and talking openly about their cancer journey. I was hooked. The following year my mother and daughters joined me in what would become an annual family celebration. For two years, I was a Race volunteer, even pressing my husband into service.
At a Race meeting, I heard a report from the Grant Chair on Komen’s mission to promote regular screening exams. I hated to admit I did not know we supported local grants; I thought most of the money went to Dallas for breast cancer research. I asked to join the committee, progressing to co-chair, chair and later became Secretary for the Board. I can now quote the funding priorities in 2008 and how many mammograms the Affiliate provided in 2007 (1067).
Like many Komen volunteers, I found a positive outlet for an elusive, destructive, disease that robs us of dear friends, sisters and mothers. My family knows that I am in this fight until we find a cure. When I answer the phone at the Affiliate office and talk to a recently diagnosed woman, I am reminded that improved screening, treatment and support have changed the face of breast cancer forever. Komen’s commitment to find a cure has extended my life and inspired hope for countless women. However, please, let that cure be soon. I do not want my daughters to fear the words: “Darlin’, you have what your Mamma had.” |
 Debby Foresta
Pueblo County Honorary Survivor
At the age of 42, I was diagnosed with DCIS (ductile carcinoma in situ.) This was a very scary time in my life: no previous family member had ever had breast cancer. My mother had ovarian cancer, which was cured through a hysterectomy. CANCER, I call it the “ugly C” word, the word that for many says, “Oh my God, I’m not going to be here much longer”.
When I went in for my yearly examination, I was lucky my doctor insisted I get a mammogram. His persistence, the mammo and a wonderful surgeon who talked me into doing what was necessary, are the reasons I am here today. I can’t say that I didn’t think about not doing anything to save my life, and I can’t say I did not cry my eyes out. But Richard, my husband of 28 years, jumped in and found out everything he could about breast cancer and stood by me throughout this ordeal. Also, that same year my daughter was expecting my first grandchild. I had a thriving business and much to live for.
I was lucky to have caught this disease early enough that I could have a lumpectomy with 13 weeks of radiation. My life changed that year: I lost interest in a lot of things that used to be important to me, and I sold my business and changed my way of thinking. Family and friends became more important, and I basically rested for a year.
I have been cancer-free for 13 years and have moved forward with my life. I enjoy my family of 3 children, 6 grandchildren, a brother, my dad, and my pug Mookie! My husband and I now own Angelo's Pizza Parlor And-a-More' and have recently built a new restaurant on the Historic River Walk. I have walked in the Komen Race for the Cure® for 11 years and believe that we can survive the “ugly C” word with love and understanding from our family and friends, educating ourselves and good, truthful communication with each other and our health care providers.
|
 Phyllis Stofa
Teller County Honorary Survivor
Sunshine, picturesque scenery along with mild, cool weather brought my husband, Jim and me to Woodland Park in June, 2003.
It was November, 2006, the month of my annual physical and mammogram. Recently recovering from major surgery, I was ready to start the New Year with a “Clean Bill of Health.” The mammogram results indicated a shadowed area of concern. I returned for additional x-rays, an ultrasound, followed by 6 biopsies of the tumor. On December 29, I received a call from my doctor: the biopsy results were positive and the diagnosis was invasive ductal carcinoma.
My New Year started out choosing a surgeon and deciding what procedure was best for me. Based on the size of the tumor and presuming it was early stage cancer, each doctor recommended a lumpectomy followed by radiation. Feeling optimistic about the surgery, January 25 was a welcomed day. I asked to see Jim as soon as I woke up in the recovery room. He said the cancer was spreading rapidly. Twenty lymph nodes were removed, with cancer in about half. The surrounding tissue also had cancer in it, so additional surgery would be required. The outcome was not at all what we had planned on. This was when “my cancer” became real.
My Oncologist was very aggressive and straightforward. That was what I wanted. The cancer had spread throughout my body. I was a triple negative, putting me at stage 3. She wasted no time – all scans and tests were scheduled ASAP. My treatment plan was 8 strong, accelerated cycles of chemotherapy, followed by surgery, and then 25 radiation treatments.
My family was phenomenal! Having so much support helped to relieve Jim from being the sole caregiver. My mother and two sisters lived in Indianapolis. Regardless, each came out several times throughout my chemotherapy. My daughter Heather lived in Colorado Springs. She was my “guardian angel”. She quit her job so she would be available for whatever I needed. She never missed my doctor appointments and sat with me through every chemo treatment. I was truly blessed!
Cancer does change your life. Even though I always appreciated and thanked God for the wonderful gifts He had given me, I find myself appreciating all these gifts even more. My sister, Vicki, sent me the following saying. I placed it on the refrigerator and it was the first thing I read each morning. “Good morning, this is God. I will be handling all your problems today, and I will not need your help. So have a good day!” Faith, family and love can cure anything!
The summer of 2007, during treatment, I attended my first Susan G Komen Race for the Cure®. The Race has been and always will be part of my life. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
©
2007-2010 Southeastern Colorado Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure
Website design by Applecore Design, Inc. | Website powered by DublinBlue
Website made possible by Mountain Shadow Riders
|
|
|
|
|
|