To the Editor:
During a routine breast self examination I found a lump. My gynecologist, Dr. Richard Michner set me up with a surgeon, Dr. Donald Tomasello, to perform a lumpectomy, which showed Stage 1 of an aggressive form of breast cancer. He took the time to sit with me and my loved ones to explain everything that needed to be done.
There was a history of cancer among the women in my family so I may have been better prepared than most. Nonetheless, it was a very difficult diagnosis to hear.
During the next week of preparation and tests for the surgery the biggest test of all was the one on my state of mind. I saw my mother deal with her own cancer that resulted in a mastectomy and a sister who lost her battle to ovarian cancer. The prospect of undergoing chemotherapy hung in my mind.
Although my life was more important than my looks, I cared that my hair would fall out and was preparing myself by buying hats — each time thinking that I was alone with my cancer and needing to be strong. Reading books made me aware that I was not alone — over 500,000 people suffer from various forms of cancer at any given time in this country.
Dr. Susan Love’s Breast Book and Finding the “CAN” in Cancer (compliments of Bristol-Myers Squibb) are very helpful books, but “Beauty & Cancer” (by Diane Doan Noyes written by Registered Nurse Peggy Mellody) is a very special book for me. It talks about nutrition, outward appearance and how being positive improves the body’s ability to heal.
It inspired me to decorate those hats with ribbons and jewelry so they would be more than covering up my inevitably thinning hair. If this were going to happen to me I would endure it with my own fashion and flair.
On the day of the surgery, Dr. Tomasello once again came to see me as I was undergoing final preparations. The anesthesiologist came in afterwards and took the time to find my friend, who was in the waiting room, so he could see me off.
Everyone’s kindness made a great deal of difference to my state of mind. After waking from the surgery everyone in the recovery room could not have been nicer, their warmth and caring filled the room. Even after I went home that day they called to check on me.
Words cannot express the gratitude I feel towards the doctors, nurses, and technicians responsible for my care at Cape Regional Medical Center. I felt comforted and believe the care I received throughout this whole ordeal is probably the reason I am healing well and feeling positive. My prognosis turned out better than expected; I might not need chemotherapy; only radiation and hormones for now.
I want to let all women know that a breast cancer diagnosis is not a death sentence. Being proactive, and performing all the routines are the most important things they can do for themselves.
My tumor grew to the size of a large almond in five months from the time of my last mammogram. Finding this aggressive cancer early probably saved my life! However, one of the least used methods of detection is a woman’s intuition.
Physicians and insurance companies should listen to our concerns especially with a history of cancer such as the one in my family. Knowing this history, Medicare still would only allow a mammogram every two years.
I hope my story can make a difference in someone’s life. There are people we love and those who love us, but we need to love ourselves more.
CLARA MORRIS
North Wildwood
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