celebrating our survivors
Jan Rogers
My name is Jan Rogers. I am 76 years old and a Breast Cancer Survivor.
I went for yearly mammograms without fail. I had no symptoms when in late August 2018 I went for that annual mammogram. I was called back for a repeat scan, then a MRI, and an Ultrasound. I was diagnosed with Stage One Breast Cancer. I had a lumpectomy and balloon radiation. A one-time treatment during my surgery.
So far so good. I was very lucky. Had I put off that mammogram, who knows how fast and how far it would have gone. I went to Advent Health Breast Cancer Center. They were great. One of them was at my side for every office visit and every treatment to answer questions, hold my hand, and provide me with accessories to make my journey easier.
The ironic thing is, at the time I had this mammogram, being diagnosed, and preparing for surgery, I was working very hard with the FOE 4469 Ladies Auxiliary thru the month of September 2018 to make our annual Breast Cancer Fundraiser on October the 6th a success. I had my surgery 3 days after our fundraiser. So please don’t wait for that mammogram. No matter how busy you are or how old you are, don’t put it off. It could save your life.
Bobbie Trask
My name is Roberta Trask. I’m 82 years old and a double Breast Cancer Survivor.
At the age of 55, an irregularity was seen on my first mamogram. A biopsy and lumpectomy found a cancerous mass. Fortunately the lymph nodes were found to be clean. Since the cancer had not spread, only radiation was required.
Twenty years later, again my mammogram showed an irregularity. A biopsy confirmed the mass was cancer. Due to early detection the lymph nodes were found to be clear. A lumpectomy and radiation were performed.
I was treated at Advent Health Cancer Center. Cindy, my health advocate, was by my side during all doctors appointments, testing, and treatment. Her support was a great help providing support and information through all my procedures.
I requested genetic testing to determine if there was a genetic reason for the multiple occurrences of breast cancer. I tested BRCA2 positive. If you test positive for an abnormal BRCA1, BRCA2, or PALB2 gene you have a 40-85% risk of developing breast cancer, or about 3 to 7 times greater than that of a woman who doesn’t have a mutation. Also a women who is BRCA positive has a 25-40% chance of having breast cancer a second time
With this information my daughter requested to have the BRCA genetic testing. She too tested positive for BRCA2. A mammogram done at the time of the BRCA testing showed and an irregularity. The biopsy confirmed that it was positive for cancer. Although her early detection would have only required radiation for course of treatment, knowing that there was a high probability of reoccurrence she chose to have a bi-lateral mastectomy and complete hysterectomy.
Her three children chose to have the BRCA testing. Fortunately two tested negative but one tested positive. When the doctor asked her if she was scared knowing this at 21, she smiled and stated, No, my grandmother has shown me how to be strong and win!!
Early detection has been invaluable to my family’s battle breast cancer.
Vicky Cartin
My name is Vicky Cartin. On March 17,2017 I had my routine mammogram.
My doctors office called to inform me they needed a diagnostic mammogram. This was not unusual for me as I have had numerous mammograms because of a family history of breast cancer. My mother is a 22 year survivor.
For that reason I knew the importance of routine mammograms, but never did I imagine it would happen to me.
On March 22, 2017 I had a biopsy. On March 31, 2017 I was diagnosed with Stage 1 HER2 Ductal carcinoma. May 23, 2017 I had a unilateral mastectomy with reconstruction. I am now a Breast Cancer survivor for 2.5 years thanks to my routine checkups.
Sheila Cardin
My name is Sheila Cardin.
In 2011 I was diagnosed with stage 3-B breast cancer that had spread to 6 lymph nodes. This was especially devastating to both sides of our family because Don, my husband, had lost his first wife to breast cancer and my first husband had died with lung and brain cancer.
I underwent very aggressive chemo, radiation, and had a bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction. My prognosis for surviving five years was not in my favor. In 2018 I was diagnosed with a second breast cancer on the other side. This was a complete new cancer but was not as bad as the first time.
This was something I didn't want to go through again but I had no choice. I had another bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction. This cancer was caught early and did not required any treatments. I continue to take a cancer drug and will take it for the rest of my life. I remain in remission and plan to live a long and happy life. The extra years I have been gifted are a true blessing. I have been able to see and spend time with my grandchildren, see the world and spend time on the dance floor with Don!
Debbie Winks
My name is Debbie Winks.
In December 2011 I had my yearly mammogram, and it came back perfect. Four months later at age 62, I discovered a lump. I had a biopsy done, and it was diagnosed as Estrogen Positive Cancer.
The biopsy of my lymph nodes was also positive. Then a PET scan was done, and there were 2 spots of cancer on my spine. I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Breast Cancer.
I went to Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville for treatment. I did 5 months of Chemo first, because the lump was initially too large to operate on. Then had very strong radiation on my spine for 3 days. The mastectomy was next and then 6 weeks of daily radiation. I was so fortunate through all this, I never was sick or in pain.
I have a PET scan every 8 months and they have all been clear! I have been truly Blessed to be a 7 year Survivor! Thank you God!
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Sandi Seaworth
I am Sandi Seaworth and I am a twice Breast Cancer Survivor for 13 years and for 6 years.
My first tumor was diagnosed in 2006 after having my yearly mammogram. I had a total mastectomy on my left side. Then In 2013, after a mammogram on my right side, I had another diagnosis of Breast Cancer.
A mastectomy was done at that time. I am now off of my cancer medication
as of last November and so very blessed to be "Cancer Free."
Gals, those mammograms are so important!!! I could not feel either tumor. It was the mammograms that probably saved my life or at least made the diagnoses that I had only In the early stages!
Age means nothing! I was 63 years old when I had the first diagnosis!
