Community Corner

Testimonials from Women Who Survived Breast Cancer

Women share their stories of hardship, determination and survival from breast cancer at an educational program presented by Provena Healing Arts Pavilion, New Lenox.

Two area women offered their stories of hardship, determination and the will to survive as part of a Provena Healing Arts Pavilion breast cancer program.

The two-hour presentation at the Provena Healing Arts Pavilion, 410 E. Lincoln Highway, first featured Dr. Wendy Marshall, breast expert, who shared the basics of understanding breast cancer. Her message: conduct regular self-breast examinations, seek annual checkups and mammograms for women over 40 years old.

Then, as a way to cement the informational session, Mokena's Cindy Pepper summarized her experience with breast cancer. Her breast cancer was detected in a mammogram.

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After chemotherapy, radiation and a double masectomy, she told the group to stand tall and be strong. "Don't assume that everybody else gets breast cancer, but it can't happen to me."

Her comments about regular checkups and follow-through on red flags that can be detected at home, was a common theme throughout the presentation.

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Tammy McGraw, Joliet, shared with the crowd that she was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 36. "I had a one month old baby and a 3 year old at home. I started chemo within five days (of having visited Marshall's office.)"

Her cancer was discovered early."I didn't get nes that I was terminal," but it was hard. From the doctor's office to chemotherapy, it was worldwind. There wasn't much time to process the idea, said McGraw. 

When it got hard, she called to mind those whose stories were far worse. "When I was losingmy hair," she said, her 3 year old asked her if she was "embarrassed." 

That might have been the case until she thought of the 85-year-old woman she had seen taking chemotherapy treatment. That woman had no one there for support.

"I had my family and friends," said McGraw.

When radiation cause an open wound that just wouldn't heal, "I saw a many net to me who was a lot worse."

What the crowd took home after the presentation was the need to stay positive.      

"I stand here today (to say) it's also important to know we are not alone" in this battle against breast cancer, added Pepper. 

There is a personal battle to fight, but the family is impacted too. If diagnosed with breast cancer, "family and friends are most important."

Another woman shared that she was diagnosed while she was pregnant. The baby was born healthy. She underwent surgery for a mastectomy and underwent chemotherapy. 

The testimonies provided at this presentation are not unique. They're about courage, obstacles and a will to live.

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Readers might care to read:


Five-Time Cancer Survivor: 'Never Give Up'

Breast Cancer Self-Examination: 'Do it Enough to Know What's Normal'


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