Ellen's Story with Breast Cancer   

OHC: When were you diagnosed with breast cancer? Can you remember where you were and how you felt?

Ellen: I am a 20- year survivor. I was diagnosed on Sept. 13, 1989 -- Friday 13th at age 43 at the time of my surgery. My Mother had breast cancer when she was 33. She called me from Florida the day after my mastectomy to tell me she realized had her mastectomy 33 years to the day of my surgery -- also Friday, 13th. We wondered what a statistician could make of those odds, but I immediately felt that God had a plan. I felt He was letting me know that Mother had survived all those years, and I would too. But, I was still plenty scared. This was almost the Dark Ages, still, of breast cancer. Women didn't talk about it publicly much, and because I was so young, I didn't know anyone my age who had had breast cancer. I was lucky enough to find a small group of young women that banded together for a support group about a year after my diagnosis. I still see them today. There is always good that comes out of bad, and I later discovered that my diagnosis had prompted many women in Memphis to have their mammograms!

OHC: What prompted you to get a mammogram?

Ellen: I actually had just had a mammogram, as well as a clinical breast exam in the preceding 3 months. At the time of my mammogram, the radiologist (not the one I mention later) was very concerned and had warned me to remain vigilant for any changes. Had you felt a lump? When I was putting on deodorant one day I noticed "dimpling." I was on the phone to the surgeon before I even dressed, as I was fully aware that was a "sign." Because of my recent tests, he was not overly concerned, as he said cancer didn't usually appear that quickly. However, he saw me that day, tried to aspirate the "cyst" and wasn't able. He wasn't taking any chances with my history, so he sent me downstairs for another mammogram. This radiologist was very concerned as it "appeared malignant." She has become a great friend over the years. Or was this a routine check-up?

OHC: What course of treatment did you opt for?

Ellen: I had a modified radical mastectomy followed by six months of chemotherapy. Why? Back then, treating cancer was very different from today. We just didn't really know much. There weren't many lumpectomies being done in my area of the country. So, my surgeon recommended the mastectomy. But, he also felt with the area of the breast where the malignancy was located that I would have a better surgical result with this. I did go to see the only physician in Memphis who was doing immediate reconstruction, and he advised me to wait until after I finished my chemo to have this operation. Did you talk to multiple doctors? No, I did my research before I had my surgery so I knew I was in great hands. Women have some time, but I don't think they realize this. That cancer has usually been there about seven or so years. Taking the time to research is wise, and you won't lose your life because you take a week or two.

OHC: Are there any supplements and vitamins that you take that you would recommend to either a) those who have been diagnosed or b) women in general as a preventative measure? Which Co-op products do you currently take?

Ellen: Actually, I do take a good many supplements. I have done this since my diagnosis, but as in every disease, eating right and exercising is always important. I take fish oil, a multi-vitamin, vitamin B complex, vitamin C, D and calcium with magnesium. And, some of them, I take twice a day. I also take cherry fruit extract and occasionally cinnamon. And, I do buy most of my supplements through the Coop. I also eat a lot of broccoli! I really want women to heed this--I just went to the Survivor Luncheon and a local breast surgeon spoke and said that exercise along with Vitamin D were the two most important preventatives for BC. (There's that Vitamin D we are hearing about so much lately, again!)

OHC: What made the difference to you in beating BC?

Ellen: I think the big difference was my family. I had such a strong will to live because I wanted to raise my girls. Along with Mother, my grandmother and aunt passed away with breast cancer. And, they all had it twice--surviving many years between recurrences, however. I recently finished a clinical trial and though I don't harbor the BRCA gene, we know I am a genetic carrier. For this reason and a couple of others, I am opting to have my other breast removed, at the urging of my radiologist and oncologist. Are there any web sites or online resource you would recommend? I am a huge Susan G. Komen (www.komen.org) supporter and have worked for the Race for the Cure here for many years. I also hear that www.breastcancer.org is a great, trusted site. What advice would you have for someone who is just diagnosed today?

OHC: Lastly, just to get more of a sense of who you are - where do you live? how old are you?

Ellen: I am sixty-three. I retired from selling Real Estate about ten years ago. Before that I sold antiques, and worked in interior design and gift shops. I have always had a strong interest in writing and majored in Journalism in college. I have written non-fiction since high school when I worked as the de facto Women's Editor of my hometown newspaper as well as editor of my college newspaper. I have recently made the switch to writing fiction and have joined the River City Romance Writers. I have a work-in-progress now and hope to write a second fiction book with a breast cancer theme. If there were just one thing I could tell women about BC, it is that MOST breast cancers do NOT have a genetic component. Genetic cancers are very rare. So, for all women thinking, "I'm fine, there's none in my family." Seventy-five to eighty per cent of breast cancers are not hereditary. So, we hear it over and over--breast cancer discovered early has an almost 100% cure rate. Get your mammograms and keep yourself checked.

OHC: Are you a cat person or a dog person? (and what do you think about the Co-op's Kat?)

Ellen: Okay, a little scared of this question!!! :-) Dare I say it? I am a dog person, mad about them, actually. However, I have had cats, and a horse, and a variety of critters. So, let's just say I am an animal lover, period!

Thanks to all of you for featuring me as a survivor. My personal wish would be to keep breast cancer out there as a focus all year round as this disease doesn't just strike in Oct. I realize the above is long, and I'll leave it up to you as to what, how much to edit. If you will email it to me, one day for my approval, I promise to get it back the next! (I am working on the Barrister's Breakfast this coming weekend, and as soon as it's over, my girlfriends and I that put it on as a third party Komen event, take off for a "girl's weekend" out of town. So, if you can get it to me before Thurs., that would be great!) Thanks again. Ellen