Erin Wallbillich, Freshman
The month of October is reserved as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast cancer is a type of cancer that forms in the tissues of the breast. The month of October is a time to recognize and support those who have survived this aggressive cancer and those who have to go through the stages of breast cancer. The color pink is often worn in the month of October to show support and stand up for those with it and those who have survived breast cancer. Breast cancer is the number one most common cancer that is found in women. In the United States alone, one in eight women develop breast cancer at some point in their life. As of this year, there is an estimate that 43,600 women will have passed away from breast cancer in the United States. Many people believe that only women can suffer from breast cancer, but men can also develop breast cancer. In October, we take time to listen to survivors’ stories and what they have gone through as well as some stories of people who either developed breast cancer or have sadly passed away from it.
In January of 2017, Donna Davis found news that would forever change her life. She was diagnosed with breast cancer, and found this out when she went to the doctors for a broken arm. While there, they found two lumps in her breasts, a lump under her collarbone, and five behind her chest wall. The lump under her collarbone was soon later found out as inoperable. After being diagnosed, Donna immediately started undergoing chemotherapy with port placement, radiation, and one surgery. Port placement is inserted into the vein so it is easier for doctors to give the patient medicine continuously, give IV (intravenous) fluids, and other related reasons. Donna had to go through chemotherapy and radiation for six weeks. During the time of her treatments and recovery, Donna was surrounded by many family and friends that helped her throughout her journey. Donna said, “My family, my co-workers, my friends, my faith, and others that had been through this gave me so much support,” Donna also said, “I also did a countdown on treatments with the help of my grandchildren. They made me a paper chain with encouraging words on each link that I would take off after each treatment. I was determined to get this done and behind me.” After a long time of treatment, Donna finally got to ring the bell that meant her cancer was finally gone. She went through and survived a lot and now she is living a very happy and healthy life.
In 2016, Molly Grubs went to her primary doctor’s checkup to get her regular breast checkup. While in her exam, her doctor felt a small spot on her breast. When this spot was first found, ultrasounds and a biopsy showed that this was benign, meaning it was not cancerous. Six months later, Molly went to get it checked out again and was told she was still healthy. Molly went on living her life until three years later she decided to get it checked out again. This time, it was shown that the spot had spread and that her cancer was no longer benign and was stage two breast cancer. They then found out that the cancer had spread to her lymph nodes as well. This was a very scary and frustrating time for Molly, but she had her family and friends with her to help her. She had to undergo a double mastectomy, a surgery performed where both breasts are removed, and then immediately started chemotherapy after the surgery. In January of 2020, she had to enter forced menopause and twenty-five sessions of radiation. After a long treatment time and a long recovery, Molly was told she no longer had cancer. She is now celebrating one year since she had her last chemotherapy treatment.
The stories of survivors who have passed on and ones that still have breast cancer will be remembered forever. The people who have gone through this are strong and have had people there with them to help them get through this journey and make sure they are okay mentally. During October, we acknowledge these people and get educated on what they have gone through. Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a time to recognize these people and give them a time to feel like they are heard.
Sources:
https://www.leehealth.org/health-and-wellness/healthy-news-blog/cancer-care/breast-cancer-stories-of-survival-courage-and-inspiration
https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-cancer-facts
https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/patient-education/your-implanted-port
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer/treatment/surgery-for-breast-cancer/mastectomy.html#:~:text=the%20pectoral%20muscles.-,Double%20mastectomy,with%20a%20BRCA%20gene%20mutation.
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