A simple, inspirational message

I was diagnosed with Stage 2B breast cancer in July and have been in a whirlwind. I have a good prognosis, just an ugly road getting there.

One of my favorite words/sayings is “BELIEVE,” so my sister designed a shirt for me. She assumed that she would place an order for about 50 shirts for close friends and family. When folks saw them, we were bombarded with orders. The next thing we knew, there were over 300 people who wanted a shirt! We’ve ordered shirts for co-workers, extended family, friends, nurses and even strangers. To date, we have sold at least 800 shirts. The support is overwhelming, and it’s so touching to see the shirts all over town.

My son, daughter and granddaughter wore the shirts to the hospital when I was getting a blood transfusion. My nurse commented on the shirts and asked if she could order two. I took one to my chemo nurse at the Dayton Cancer Center and two chemo patients bought one that very day. The interest has been amazing. I am blessed!

The shirt has given me many opportunities to talk about my cancer journey. People smile when they see it and usually follow up with their own breast cancer story. The shirts have given me a platform to show that this battle can be won!

— Pam Wheeler, Fairborn

Pam’s BELIEVE shirts can be purchased by contacting Trophy Sports in Xenia Ohio: www.trophysportscenter.com or (937) 376-2311.

The love and support of family

Although I am not the one fighting the battle for breast cancer, I went through the fight with one of the most amazing, courageous women that I love so very much — my mother, Sue.

My mother has six kids, including five girls. After the shock of her diagnosis wore off, we looked into finding the best place we could to make sure she got all the help needed to fight this battle.

There were days when she wanted to quit and walk away, but we wouldn’t let her… she is our angel here on earth and we weren’t ready to let her go. I am happy to say, that at this time, my momma is cancer free!! She will always have to be checked and will be on medication to help keep all this under control but we will be behind her every step of the way.

All of my mothers’ children along with grandkids, great grandkids and my mother get together to do the breast cancer walk here in Springfield and we also walk at Clark State. We walk for our mother and all those women out there who have fought the fight, are still fighting it and the wonderful angels who were there in spirit walking along with us all.

— Kathy Baugh, Springfield

An advocate for those who share journey

I am a seventy-six year old who was diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer in May of this year. I had a prophylactic contra lateral mastectomy in May and am currently undergoing chemotherapy.

I found out several years ago that I had dense breasts and I suppose because of this, the tumor had been hiding in there for sometime and was not picked up by the regular mammogram. That is why I feel it is imperative that doctors tell their patients if they have dense breasts and order digital mammograms. There are about seven states that have mandated doctors tell their patients, and I feel it should be in every state.

There is so much support out there for us: a very caring, professional medical team, The American Cancer Society, the Pals for Life organization, the oncology nurses at Kettering and the classes offered by them. I am amazed at the outpouring of love shown to us.

I believe that things happen for a reason and if I can make a difference in someone’s life by reminding them to not only have their yearly mammograms but to always do their self-exams monthly, then this is what I am here for.

— Winifred Lawson, Franklin

Support, laughter and love

I was diagnosed in January 2011 with Breast Cancer (Stage 2, HER-2 positive). I received 5 months of chemo and 1 year of Herceptin. I am 17 months without treatment.

The most helpful thing to me were the positive people I was surrounded by, to be able to continue to laugh and love. You have to find humor and I would say things to other people like “I always wanted double D’s” or “without this wig he just chases me around the house.”

What I learned about this process is how differently I look at life. All I can say is don’t back away when someone says they have cancer stand forward and do what you can to make life easier for them and their family.

— Peggy Mann, Dayton

The power of prayer

I have had breast cancer twice — the first time 31 years ago and the second time 18 years later in 1999. Both times were very scary. The first time I was diagnosed, I was 27 years old and breast cancer isn’t supposed to happen to a 27-year-old.

But throughout both struggles, the No.1 thing that helped me and kept me going was PRAYER. I had everyone praying for me and asking their churches and prayer chains to pray for me and I could FEEL it. The love and power of prayer transformed me from a scared girl to a hopeful and brave woman.

The other thing that helped me was meeting people who have survived cancer. This is what gave me hope. To meet people who had been through what I had been through and had come out on the other side.

— Susan Cromer, Kettering

Healing through writing a book

I was diagnosed in May 1998 with two types of malignant breast cancer. The tumor was detected through a routine mammogram at age 40. The mass was lying against the chest wall and could not be felt by a physical exam one week prior to the mammogram. This routine test literally saved my life. The doctors said had I waited until the tumor could be felt, it would certainly have metastasized.

I underwent a mastectomy, breast reconstruction and six months of chemotherapy. Focused upon survival during the year following diagnosis, I did not deal with the emotional aspects of the disease. One year after treatment was concluded, I had a complete meltdown slipping into a clinical depression lasting nearly 5 years.

My intent is to share and inform other women of the emotional side of breast cancer as well as the physical. I felt ashamed of my emotions feeling I had no right to be depressed or angry, after all, I had survived. I later learned this is very common in survivors and typically does not become a problem until a year or even later following treatment. By including this valuable information within the pages of a fictional romance novel, I hope to help prepare other women of the emotional struggle following a breast cancer battle.

I learned a very valuable lesson during my battle which I mention on the back of my book, “Breast cancer may rob us of physical attributes but only we can give it the power of stealing our spirit.”

— Cathy E. White-Koon, author of “Hope in the Shadows,” Butler Twp.

Support of family, friends and strangers

I was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer in July 2011 at the age of 25. I had to have chemotherapy, two surgeries and radiation.

I would say that biggest thing that helped me through was the support from my family, boyfriend, friends, and even some people I didn’t know. The outpouring of support from all of these people was unbelievable. My parents would drive me to appointments and stay with me the entire time. My boyfriend and I had only been dating 3 months and stuck by my side the entire time and we now live together. My mom set up a website to keep friends and family updated with my progress and people could leave messages, it was very nice to read how supportive everyone was. Having a great support system was one of the biggest things that helped get me through the long process.

— Melissa Traylor, Monroe

Adapting a warrior mentality

This experience has shown me that you can never think you are immune to cancer. Everyone knows someone who has been touched by this dreaded disease. To survive it, you need excellent medical care, a loving family, supportive friends, and a sense of humor during the dark days. Breast cancer strikes when you least expect it. Don’t take your health for granted. Be a warrior; become a survivor. Remember to do self-breast exams every month. Get your yearly mammogram screenings and remain proactive with your follow-ups, diagnosis, treatments, and procedures. It could save your life.

One of the best things I received was a soft heart-shaped pillow that I still use when I sleep. It fits in the nook under your arm and cushions your arm/body from your sore breast. It became my security blanket and helped soften the blow of having your breast cut into and the trauma of surgery and recovery.

I never thought so many health care professionals would be involved in the handling of my one ailing breast. The treatments can be overwhelming and very expensive, especially if you don’t have insurance. I was lucky to have most of my staggering costs covered by insurance. Other women aren’t as fortunate. So, come walk with me to raise funds and help support breast cancer programs in our community.

— Karen Williamson, Enon

Finding support in someone who shared the journey

The day after my surgery, the first visitor I received was my dear friend Diane who was going through breast cancer herself. She showed up with a bouquet of flowers and her big wonderful smile. She shared with me what to expect from the chemo and suggestions on how to deal with all of this. She was just wonderful! She, however, succumbed to the disease on April 8, 2011.

It’s been four years since the surgery and all is going fine. By the time Diane reached her decline I was able to be there for her. I took her to her chemo and doctor appointments, visited each day and made her lunch. She and I bonded even more so during this period. She was so strong even up to the end. We shared memories, laughed and cried together and I still missed her so much, but I can see her wonderful smile and her encouraging words with me.

— Barbara A. Strasser, Liberty Twp.

Volunteer who made a lasting impact

What was most helpful to me, besides my wonderful supportive sons and wonderful friends, was the day in the hospital when a volunteer from Reach for Recovery came to visit me. I had just had my lymph glands under my arm removed and, of course, could not lift up my arm very much. She has also had breast cancer a few years earlier, and she was dressed in tennis clothes, as she said she was on her way to play tennis. She ran her arm up the doorway and told me that I also would be able to do that soon ( and to keep doing my exercises so that I could) and I would be as active as I ever was. She was radiant and cheerful and then she left. We didn’t visit at all. I kept that vision of her in my mind and focused on that, and had an excellent recovery.

— Lynn Metcalf, Oxford

A will to live

The thing that helped me get through breast cancer is my will to live for my family and knowing that my purpose here on earth is not complete. I have been able to share my story and help many women accept and be able to cope with breast cancer. I never looked at my situation as terminal; just as a way to touch the lives of others with my positive attitude and my will to live.

— Michelle Thomas, Dayton

Reach to Recovery

The initial fear of the unknown was the worst part of my experience. All kinds of thoughts went through my mind. Thanks to the Reach to Recovery Program of the American Cancer Society most of my fears were eliminated. This program provided me with the knowledge of what to expect in my recovery process and most importantly someone who had a similar experience. This program gave me hope!

At the time of my diagnosis, I felt very alone and frightened. The Reach to Recovery volunteer provided me with much needed emotional support and guidance. She enabled me to confront my fears and mixed emotions because she had walked a similar path. The support and guidance she provided was such a welcome gift.

I remember an at-home visit when she brought me a temporary prosthesis to wear during my healing process. I was going through radiation at the time and had chemotherapy in my future. Both of these things were something I had never experienced before. She provided me with helpful resources and guided me through the process. Just knowing you had someone to talk to that had experienced some of the same things was invaluable.

— Sarah A. Moore, Eaton

PALS for Life

I joined PALS for Life after my second breast cancer surgery in 1994. My first was when I was 37 years old. PALS for Life stands for Positive Attitude Love & Support. We do support each other in our journey and reach out to other.

In the beginning I attended the support group meetings for information from doctors, pharmacists, wellness and exercise instructors along with the latest on cancer research. Psychological support is also available at every session. After meeting this group of dedicated women I came to admire their work to help others in need of cancer counseling, mammograms, radiology fees, prosthesis, bras and wigs.

Over the years I have had many opportunities to meet other women experiencing similar feelings about treatment, recovery and the effects on our families. Most recently I followed up on information concerning the BRAC Analysis test for Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer for myself and my family.

PALS for Life support group has been meeting at the Cancer Support Community Western Ohio in Kettering and when someone asks me for more information about their diagnosis I can refer them for more support and programs to meet their individual needs.

— Lois Keil, Kettering

Faith and family

April is known as hurricane season and this April a hurricane named “Breast Cancer” hit me with a vengeance. Hearing the words seemed to suck the oxygen out of the room as I sat alone in a conference room at work listening to the doctor on the other end of the phone. No matter how many friends and family one has, hearing, “You have cancer,” is the ultimate; most desolate feeling of alone that one will ever feel.

In my case, faith has been the primary and ever-present Lighthouse for me in this tumultuous storm. My family has been my lifesaver. My husband is a great cook and has kept my diet healthy and delicious and has held and consoled me when I cried. My brother and sister-in-law have lovingly cared for me when my husband had to be at work. My sister-in-law, Nancy, was my main chemo buddy and still accompanies me to countless medical appointments and has been a skilled care giver following my surgery.

The third mast of support has been my church family, pastor, friends, co-workers, and even strangers — many cancer survivors themselves. They have been a Ship of Joy filled with an entourage of passengers who encourage me, cry with me, pray with me, and send cards, meals, do housekeeping and rejoice with me at every successful hurdle.

The practical information is: Learn all you can about your condition and your options. Keep a detailed list of all your medical appointments and paperwork. Request copies of medical reports. Ask questions of your medical team. Take an advocate to appointments to take notes and listen with you. Stay active and exercise and maintain a sense of humor. Look for the blessings; then dig in your heels and fight!

— Kim Newcomer, Fairfield

Connecting with others online, journaling

I was diagnosed with breast cancer in May of 2010. It had been exactly 12 months since my previous mammogram, which revealed nothing, so I was in total shock to find out that I had to go in for a triple lumpectomy. The results were I had cancer in three places and would need to have a total mastectomy with radiation.

My daughter was getting married in a week — out-of-state wedding so I was already taking a week off for the wedding.

Not wanting to tell my family members or friends at the wedding, (nor my job), that I had cancer, I decided to wait. Not such a good idea, when one is going through a personal crisis. I remember getting on the Internet and Googling breast cancer trying for find out as much as I could about this disease, to help me cope. It was here where I discovered www.pink-link.org an Internet forum for reading, discussing, and writing about breast cancer. Besides reading about the latest procedures and treatments, you can join online discussions and they have a place where you can do online journaling.

It’s free to become a member, and the journaling is what really resonated with me. I could write down all my thoughts and fears. On this site you can do private journaling, or you can allow access for other pink-link members, (who are also going through a similar process with the same disease), to be able to view your journal.

When my daughter returned from her honeymoon, I told everyone, then had my mastectomy five days later. I am now a two-year breast cancer thriver who still occasionally journals on pink-link as “mom of three girls.” Family and friends make a huge difference. But when you need to sort out what you want to do, what choices you have, or how to get a handle on how this will alter your life, I found pink-link to be uplifting, and a constant reminder, that I was not going through breast cancer alone.

— Kimberly Oswald, Fairfield

Family, medical team

I was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer in December 2007. I had surgery to remove my left breast and did treatment every week for six months. I still go every three weeks for two meds infusion (not chemo) and still see my physician every six weeks. He says we will continue this forever.

There have been things that have helped me through this new way of life. My husband is at the very top of that list. He has been by my side through the tests, surgery, treatments, doctor visits and everything. There is no doubt in my mind that I would not be doing as well as I am today if it had not been for him. My family and friends were all very supportive, and I really realize how much that means now.

My doctor and team of nurses at Greater Dayton Cancer Center are tops. I rely on them for medical care, support and advice. You have to have total trust in your team. I have been seeing the same people the entire time and many of them feel like family now. I have put my life in their hands and will continue to do so.

Life is different, but I have my “new normal”.

— Alice Ingold-Leethy, Beavercreek

Surrounded by compassion

Through the diagnosis, four operations, eight chemo treatments, and 39 radiation treatments, I was blessed to have kind, caring and compassionate people around me. They made all the difference.

My friends, family and husband were first. My friends would let me talk, and they would just listen. They only gave advice when asked. My husband held my hand when needed and “stepped up” to be the strong one. My son took long walks with me. My aunt and cousins drove from Wilmington one evening just to give me a hug.

My doctors, nurses, and staff at Signal Point Hematology/Oncology were the ones who always had the needed smiling, caring, expression.

My co-workers and students at Middletown High School as well as well as my church family were always there with encouraging words and small gifts ( mostly cards and chocolate). My students would go to the board and erase math problems and write the next problem on the board so that I would have enough strength, while taking chemo and radiation treatments, to explain the problems and get through the day.

My two dogs, Darcy and Snickers, would lay next to the couch or sit in my lap to offer support. They wanted to comfort me and tried every way that they could to make me feel better. They would even place their toys on my lap as if say “these toys are my favorite possession, they will make you feel better. ” Both dogs would encourage me to take walks and would give me love and hugs — even if the walk was shorter than they would have liked.

— Shirley Johnson, Miami Twp.

Faith and knowledge

I was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 43, on November 1, 2006. What helped me through my journey? Faith in my Savior, and knowledge of my diagnosis. What did it mean? What were my options? Who could I speak to?

I learned and learned. I had people pray. I joined a survivors group. The kinship I found among these beautiful women is indescribable. They knew, they had been there. I had my daughter and step-daughter attend an awesome group for kids called “Walking the Dinosaur” where they were allowed to be other kids who had a parent facing cancer and could share their thoughts and feelings.

My choice was to be honest with my daughter about what was going to happen to me. I told her I would be losing my hair and when the time came, I had my then husband shave my hair with my daughter and stepdaughter present. I went to her first-grade class to talk about cancer to her classmates.

Laughter is so wonderful during this time. And, refusing to give into fear. I had a rough time with chemo and almost died. I lost both breasts but insurance paid for my new ones! My husband left but I am still surviving!! I am strong!!!

— Jennifer Wade, Lebanon

Pink Ribbon Girls

Six months after giving birth to my youngest child, my husband and I moved away from all of our friends and family in Indianapolis to Tipp City. Two months later, I was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 32.

At that time, Pink Ribbon Girls did not service the Dayton area. However, one of the advantages of living in a small town is that everyone seems to be connected in some way. The few people that I had met in the two months I had lived in Tipp City shared my story with Heather Salazar, a young survivor herself.

When Heather shared her dream of bringing Pink Ribbon Girls to this area and providing tangible services to women going through breast cancer treatment, I jumped at the chance to get on board. What an amazing opportunity to pay the kindness I received forward to women and families experiencing that journey.

Through our Simply Fight! and No Age No Stage programs, Pink Ribbon Girls provide healthy meals, childcare, transportation and housecleaning for women going through debilitating surgery and chemotherapy treatments in an effort to survive.

— Diana Featherstone, Tipp City

For more information on Pink Ribbon Girls: www.pinkribbongirls.org