A dreaded diagnosis leads many to resiliency and inner strength.
I have been taking care of breast cancer patients for over 20 years, and the resiliency of women never ceases to amaze me. Finding out that you have breast cancer is the last thing anyone wants to hear. I have seen reactions from quiet stoicism to mournful wailing. All are appropriate when confronted with an unknown that’s often laced with confusion and sometimes misinformation.
When hearing their diagnosis, women often go directly to the worst-case scenario they know of, frequently a loved one who may have struggled with cancer even if it wasn’t in the breast. My job is not only to treat but to educate women about their cancer and hopefully diffuse some of the anxiety.
For this October – National Breast Cancer Awareness Month – I wanted to talk about the positive side of getting breast cancer. “Is that possible?” you ask. Absolutely. What I have had the joy of witnessing over the years is women who began the journey with cancer totally defeated come out stronger on the other side.
From Despair to Triumph
One particular woman immediately comes to mind. She had an invasive cancer and although we tried to approach the situation with cautious optimism, she was devastated by the news. She had little family support but had a group of coworkers and church members rallying behind her. She struggled greatly with every decision along the way and at many times felt overwhelmed. We shared many tearful moments when she felt she could not survive. As always, I would encourage her and remind her that I had faith in her ability to get through this.
She had lymph node positive disease (meaning the cancer had spread to lymph nodes near the affected breast) and went through surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. After each of these steps, particularly the chemotherapy, she saw her share of challenges. But as she progressed through her journey, I witnessed this woman becoming stronger and more confident. I saw despair replaced by hope and determination.
Approximately two years after her diagnosis, she began her own support group and became a motivational speaker for women going through similar experiences. The hospital where I worked at the time did a breast cancer event where survivors got to “walk the runway,” model clothes, and tell their story. Five years after her diagnosis, she asked if I, as well as her medical oncologist, would join her in her runway walk.
It was one of the greatest honors I’ve experienced as a physician. I felt her triumph and her self-discovery through this process. Although it was often challenging and difficult, she found the strong, vibrant woman she truly was and became an inspiration to so many other women. I am happy to say, I still see her frequently and we share a hug and tears of joy.
Finding Inner Strength
This is just one of many stories I have seen over the years. I have heard women tell me more times than I can remember that while they never wanted to get breast cancer, they are so proud of the strength they found in themselves. Many had never known they were capable of it. They have often reevaluated their priorities, which can happen when confronted with life-threatening situations. They have gone on to provide emotional support to others who are going through similar experiences, which has, in and of itself, been very rewarding.
I applaud these women during breast cancer awareness month for facing down breast cancer and emerging stronger on the other side!
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About Kathleen Jeffery, M.D.
Dr. Jeffery comes to St. Mary's from Greenwood, S.C., where she served as medical director of the Breast Center at Self Regional Healthcare and as a partner in Advanced Surgical Associates. Previously, she practiced with Summit Surgical in Dahlonega, Ga., and was an assistant professor of surgery with the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta.
Dr. Jeffery is now accepting patient appointments. A referral from a primary care physician may be required under some insurance plans. As part of St. Mary's Medical Group, AGCS accepts most major insurance plans and Medicare. Please contact your insurance provider for more information regarding your specific plan requirements for a specialist referral.