Breast Cancer Survivor…..what does survive mean? According to Webster’s Dictionary the
definition of “survive” is: to continue to live or exist, to live longer than, to outlive. Am I a survivor?
YES!! So at this season of Thanksgiving, I am thankful for each new day that is given to me. That is what all individuals, not just breast cancer survivors, need to be thankful for….each new day.
I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1987. I had a husband, a nine year old daughter and a full
time professional career. Did I have time to have breast cancer? NO. So, with that being said, here is how it happened.
I had what I thought was a routine removal of a lump, was told that everything was fine, went home to recover for a day and then back to work and on with my life. A week later I went for my “final” checkup and was told at that time that everything was NOT OK after all. I left the surgeon’s office that day in a stupor, went to my husband’s office and told him and then went back to work, as if nothing was wrong. I told the employees that I had breast cancer and I continued to work until my breast cancer surgery/reconstruction five weeks later. I received a second opinion and chose to trust two competent and capable doctors in Salisbury. Having that trust in them, I was able to continue my everyday life in a reasonably normal fashion, not that life is ever really “normal” again. After the surgery and recovery period, I started to workout and concentrate on health and wellness for my physical and mental health.
Since I am an employee of Women Supporting Women this is my personal chance to stress the
importance of exercise to everyone reading this newsletter. Breast cancer had changed my physical appearance but I was motivated to workout so I could be independent and have a good quality of life. I started to lift light weights to tone my muscles to improve my overall strength and ability to perform daily activities. And then a strange thing happened……over time my chest and shoulders were stronger, I felt confident in my appearance and how I “looked” in sweaters and my clothes, my mood improved, I slept better, and I felt attractive for my spouse again.
Most important of all, my attitude for life had changed. I do not take anything for granted. God has
given such love and abundance to me and breast cancer has given me “survivor” strength to pursue opportunities and accomplish things that would have otherwise remained only dreams.
As a member of the Women Supporting Women team, I encourage you to stop by our office to chat, receive a hug, share a story . . . . that is what living and loving life is all about.
Marlene Catlin with her daughter, Laura Owens.
Her article first appeared in our December 2006 newsletter. (view newsletter) |
