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Kelly Henderson Cancer Survivor |
I went from not having a concern in the world, picking up my kids from school planning dinner, etc. to "I have Cancer?" |
Copyright 2009 Silke Endress Magazine P.O. Box 2802 Orlando, FL 32802 |
Christina Ackerman Cancer Survivor |
You took preventive measures to prevent cancer, please tell us about that. Because of my strong family history of breast cancer (my mother, my mother's sister, and my mother's mother all had breast cancer) doctors have watched my health very closely since I was 25 years old. As I reached the age of 40, my doctors advised me to have mammograms, breast sonograms, and/or breast MRIs done every six months. Every six months I would be anxious to know whether anything showed up on those screenings. |
Soul Spa Inspirations |
After a questionable mammogram, I was referred to a breast cancer doctor who advised me to have the BRAC Analysis test done. I took my doctor's advice, got the test done, and I tested positive. The BRAC Analysis is a genetic test for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. Testing positive means the risk for these cancers is elevated significantly, up to 87% chance of getting breast cancer by age 70. To me this meant that it was just a matter of time before I got breast and/or ovarian cancer. My statistics were no longer "1 in 8 women will get breast cancer"; in my situation it was now a "1 in 1 woman will get breast cancer." My breast doctor suggested I get a bilateral mastectomy. I went ahead with this procedure, followed by breast reconstruction surgeries. The entire mastectomy and reconstruction took three surgeries and 6 months. After my mastectomy, pathology showed pre-cancerous cells in one of my removed breasts. This gave me even more confirmation that I had made the correct decision. The BRAC Analysis also indicates a high probability of getting ovarian cancer. So, in one of my follow up doctor visits, I was recommended to get the CA-125 test done, which is one of the ovarian cancer indicators. This test came back elevated. I was then referred to a gynecological oncologist who suggested I also get a complete hysterectomy. After, three surgeries, I was not looking forward to yet another major surgery. Moreover, I felt more uncomfortable having this procedure done because it would affect my hormones and send me straight into menopause. Menopause at 42 did not sound good to me. However, just like preventing breast cancer, it made sense to prevent ovarian cancer. In fact, ovarian cancer is even more difficult to detect. Many times, it is treated too late. Being proactive again, I went ahead with the hysterectomy. Luckily, it was done laparoscopically, which means recovery was only two weeks long. |
Spiritual Corner Take time to nourish your soul, mind, and body with Words of wisdom and relaxation |
Christina, how did you overcome the first thirty days of your new life? I am very blessed in that I have a very supportive husband, family, church support group and work environment. My husband Paul was very attentive. Members from church brought food for us for the first three weeks of my mastectomy. I manage a software engineering department at work, and my employer was very accommodating with my situation; my employees worked hard to keep the department going strong. Also, a nurse came to my house a couple of times a day the first week to take my vitals and make sure I was okay. Last, but definitely not the least, prayer kept me going. We have an awesome God and I hold on to his hope and promises. He keeps me strong. I believe He had me go through this because He has great plans for me and my family. How did you cope with the images of how you were going to look after treatment and surgery? Breast reconstruction started right after the mastectomy. After the breast doctor was done with the mastectomies, the plastic surgeon came in right after her to insert breast expanders. After about a month after the surgery, I returned to work. I was still flat-chested; I wore vests to "conceal" the flatness. However, the folks at the office knew what was going on (I had told my team about my surgeries to avoid rumors; I wanted them to hear it from me), and they were very compassionate and caring. About that time, I started going to the plastic surgeon's office once a week to get the expanders filled with saline water, about 75 cc per visit. Little by little my breasts became "visible" again. My second surgery involved taking the expanders out and the actual implants in. The third surgery was only about a month later to do areola/nipple reconstruction. Time seemed to go so fast that I did not have time to "mourn" the loss of my breasts. It helps to have an experienced plastic surgeon. Results nowadays can be very close to the real thing. Another positive is that breast implants never sag! After the hysterectomy, scars were minimal; only four scars ½ inch long each. I can still wear a bikini! |
What methods did you use to get your husband and family to a level of comfort to discuss your decision? I used the facts and common sense. The BRAC Analysis information pamphlet and web site explains the statistics involving the probabilities of getting breast and ovarian cancer. Do you have a new sense of freedom, if so explain? Absolutely! Having had these procedures done sounds radical, but in view of my strong family history of breast cancer, and the fact that I tested positive for the BRAC Analysis, I believe this was the right decision for me. I don't have to have mammograms done every six months like I used to and then worry about the results. There is peace in knowing I won't have to go through the trials of getting cancer and everything that goes with it: chemotherapy, radiotherapy, losing my hair, getting nauseous, and all the effects I saw my mother go through. When I was 15 years old, my mother had to explain to me that her cancer was terminal. She told me she would not see my 20th birthday. It broke my heart. She died when I was 19; just 3 months before my 20th birthday. She was 42. It so happened that during my surgeries, my daughter Sara was also 15 years old. I had the privilege to tell her that I was getting these procedures so that I would live! This is freedom! I turned 43 last year and realized to die at the age of 42 is way too young. Every day I live is a gift from God. Today, what inspires you? I'm a spiritual person and I seek to follow God's will for my life. God is awesome and He has been watching over my family and me. Please lend your "Jewels of Wisdom" for other women who may be in your same situation. God has a plan for your life. We need to take care of our bodies so we can do God's work and follow His will. All of us are different and have different health situations. Your family needs you healthy! Also, information is golden. Get as much information about your body as you can. The more you know the better choices you can make. What is your favorite quote, the one that motivate you to face tomorrow? May God bless you with discomfort at easy answers, half truths, and superficial relationships, so that you may live deep within your heart. May God bless you with anger at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people, so that you may work for justice, freedom and peace. May God bless you with tears to shed for those who suffer from pain, rejection, starvation, and war, so that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and to turn their pain in to joy. And may God bless you with enough foolishness to believe that you can make a difference in this world, so that you can do what others claim cannot be done. -Franciscan Prayer |
In Stores Now! |
Feature: Kelly Henderson Cancer Survivor CEO Wear It Well |
Christina Ackerman |
Carol Lynn Pieper |
On losing my breast, my thought was "it's" cancer get rid of it. Ladies this could be your finest hour step up to the plate and show us what you are made of. |
Am I going to die, how did this happen to me. I went from not having a concern in the world, taking care of the house, planning to go pick up my kids from school, planning dinner, etc. to "I have Cancer?" |
The BRAC Analysis is a genetic test for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. My breast doctor suggested I get a bilateral mastectomy. |
Carol Lynn Pieper Cancer Survivor |
On losing my breast, my thought was "it's" cancer get rid of it. This could be your finest hour to show us what you are made of |
Don't Gain Weight In the Recession |
Flavorable Food on A Budget |
Staying home for more meals It's important to get the most for your dollar when shopping for healthy foods at the grocery store. |
People who feel stressed, as many do in the midst of a financial recession, may turn to food for comfort and start to overindulge |
Carrie Pierce |
The process of Menopause For most women- brings with it a host of strange feelings and occurrences. Without warning, memories we haven't recalled in years will resurface. |
Claiming victory over self-doubt can be a challenge but you can win if you choose. Everything you need to be happy and successful you already have within you. |
Catrice Jackson |