Cancer survivor makes time for family, friends, holidays

Staff photo by Samantha Grier

Susan Hampton of Hamilton was diagnosed with breast cancer last year. After chemotherapy and a double mastectomy, she is cancer-free. Her friends are hosting a benefit for her today. Throughout her treatment, her motto has been, “If you don’t laugh, you won’t make it.”

Staff photo by Samantha Grier Susan Hampton of Hamilton was diagnosed with breast cancer last year. After chemotherapy and a double mastectomy, she is cancer-free. Her friends are hosting a benefit for her today. Throughout her treatment, her motto has been, “If you don’t laugh, you won’t make it.”

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By Hannah Poturalski, Staff Writer 2:31 AM Saturday, October 16, 2010

HAMILTON — Cancer isn’t funny — but they say laughter is the best medicine. And for cancer survivor Susan Hampton, this motto rings true.

“If you don’t laugh, you won’t make it,” says Hampton, 41, of Hamilton, diagnosed with breast cancer last fall.

Hampton’s cancer-free now, after five months of chemotherapy leading up to her double mastectomy in May by Dr. Michael Guenther of Women’s Wellness Breast Center at St. Elizabeth Healthcare in Kentucky.

“I’ve been through it all, the whole nine yards,” Hampton said. “I never had a stitch before this, and I’m not used to hospital gowns.”

The recurrence rate for breast cancer without removing the breasts is 60 percent. But since her surgery, Hampton’s rate is now 10 percent. She’s not fearful of the cancer returning.

Hampton works less now and dedicates more time to family and friends. She said of her husband Shawn, “No one could ask for a more loving, supportive companion. He’s my buddy.”

“There’s nothing finer than family and friends,” Hampton said. “I cry more now than when I got it because I’m touched by people. It changes your whole outlook.”

Yolanda Young, one of Hampton’s closest friends, has noticed these changes in Hampton.

“She was always wrapped up in her career and is goal-oriented,” Young said. “Now she’s more relaxed and focused on important things.”

Bea Rice, Hampton’s mother, said through the cancer diagnosis, she has grown closer to her daughter.

“The first time I heard that word out of her mouth I was sick to my stomach for days,” Rice said. “She’s a wonderful person.”

Hampton is looking forward to the holidays and decorating, something she’s never paid attention to before getting cancer.

“I’m more into the holidays now than ever,” Hampton said. “Fall air smells so much better now.”

Planning for today's benefit started a year ago

Following her diagnosis of breast cancer and need for surgery, Susan Hampton’s closest friends knew what they needed to do.

After a year’s worth of planning, a benefit put on by Hampton’s “besties” Yolanda Young and Christy Lehman is from noon to 6 p.m. today at Rick’s Tavern in Fairfield.

The planning came naturally, Young said.

“Susan Hampton is and always has been more of a giver than a taker,” Young said. “I told her to enjoy and relish in it; she’s so deserving.”

For a cost of $20, attendees to the benefit, which is open to everyone, can enjoy food, drink and a DJ. Among fundraising efforts are T-shirts, a silent auction and a Chinese raffle.

“I’m grateful to know her and thankful to be able to do this for her,” Young said. “She always will be one of my best friends.”

Hampton said it’s been hard to stay out of plans for her benefit.

“I’m so used to giving but they said I just have to show up,” Hampton said. “My friends have worked so hard, I don’t know what to say, they’re incredible.”

Lehman said Hamilton’s generosity is amazing and restored her faith in the community.

“I’ve had a blast doing this,” Lehman said. “Susan’s always had a happy attitude in life, and that helped her get through this.”

Bea Rice, Hampton’s mother, has been involved in preparations for the benefit — by gathering silent auction items and looking for donations. But Rice says all the credit goes to Young and Lehman.

“Susan is the first one to jump in there, and does an awful lot for people,” Rice said. “She never really asked for anything in her whole life.”

Hampton also is doing her part to raise funds for finding a cure. She participated in Oxford’s Relay for Life in 2009 and plans to do it every year.

“It’s so moving, none of us could look at each other because we would have broken down,” Hampton said.

This was a feat for Hampton, who after the surgery had little strength to move up and down stairs — she now walks four miles a day.

“I don’t know where she gathered her strength,” Young said. “She never let this get her down. She embraced and rolled with it and she’s truly a survivor.”