I am a 42-year breast cancer survivor. My purpose for sharing my story is to help others with breast cancer know there is a lot of living after that surgery.

    My family has a history of cancer. Two of my paternal aunts had breast cancer; one died from it. My mother had a hysterectomy when she was 56, during which a cancerous tumor was found in the uterus. At 86, she was diagnosed and operated on for colorectal cancer.

    I was 47 years old when I felt a hard lump on my ribs, almost under my left arm. I had an extreme radical mastectomy on September 6, 1966. No other treatment was given. Two years later, my right breast was removed with a simple procedure after several benign lumps were removed.

    After my first surgery, my left arm and hand swelled until they looked like a football. To regain the use of my arm and hand, I would sit for hours in a chair near a shuttered window and force my fingers to crawl up the shutter. We had a little dog, a chihuahua/cocker spaniel mix, which would curl up beside me and lick away my tears when the pain made me cry.

    This was before the Cancer Society had support people visit in the hospital and homes, at least in my area. My wonderful parents, brothers, sisters, and sisters-in-law lived far away but constantly called and wrote to encourage me. Because my husband’s business took him out of town for long periods of time, an especially dear friend, Lois, left her family and came several hundred miles to stay with me so that my daughters could remain in school and I would not be left alone. My mother came after Lois left and stayed with me until I was quite strong again. In addition the members of my church helped in many ways. All that wonderful love and care made it possible for me to be determined to get well. I never looked back and started teaching again the next year.

    I got new senior high-school students each term in all of my classes. For the last meeting of the term in each class, I would show the students—boys and girls—a film on breast cancer, show them how to check themselves for lumps, and talk to them about the importance of constant vigilance. I also emphasized that healthy living habits were important and that if they ever did find a lump, an immediate check with the doctor could save their lives. One thing I tried to instill in them was attitude. Never, never give up or feel sorry for yourself. Live each day to the fullest.

    I have always been interested in the environment. After I retired from teaching, I joined with others in the Canyon Rim area to form the Canyon Rim Citizens Association Community Council (CRCACC), and with them I spent 20 years helping to save 112 acres of land from a housing development. Twelve acres were used to build a children’s park, while the rest of the area became Parley’s Historic Nature Park.

    I was communications chairperson with the CRCACC for 20 years, vice-president for four years, and president for four years. I continued as communications chair while holding the other positions because no one else wanted to do it. I spent hours attending city and county commission meetings and going to court, as well as doing research and raising money.

    We all did hard physical labor to clean up and restore the area. The canyon was filled with trash and history, and several historic features were identified. For example, the foundation of an old inn where the stagecoach used to stop on its way into Salt Lake City, Utah; its wine cellar; and the remains of an old narrow-gauge railroad track were uncovered. The wine cellar was restored, while the rest of the canyon was returned to its natural state. When it was finished it looked like a beautiful emerald jewel in that desert land. It is now used by thousands. Of all the things I have done, I think I am proudest of that accomplishment––work done on the park.

    During this time, my husband and I raised two beautiful daughters, encouraging them at times until they each acquired their Ph.D. degrees. I guess raising these two wonderful women is really my greatest accomplishment.

    I have also traveled a great deal in the continental United States, Hawaii, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Uruguay, Tahiti, Fiji, Australia, New Zealand, and Western Europe. In Paris, I watched my younger daughter present a paper on her work in archaeology. I have made many lasting friendships in these places.

    We moved to Portland, Oregon, in 1995 to be near other family members, including our older daughter and only grandchild. He is now attending the University of Oregon.

    My family and I have participated in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure each year since moving to Portland, even though at times I was quite ill. For the first two years after I had extreme surgery, my family pushed me in a wheelchair. For the last two Septembers I have pushed the chair in front of me, only letting them push me at the end of the race so they do not worry that I am overexerting myself. For the 2006 race in Portland, my niece, Kathryn Kennedy Carlson, a two-year breast cancer survivor, organized a team titled “Celebrating Sis” (my nickname) to walk in the Race for the Cure and celebrate my 40 years of survival. They raised over $3,600.

    I have always exercised by walking, running, and swimming. To help me regain my health after my last severe surgeries, I have continued attending aquacize classes three times a week. In addition, I joined the Pink Phoenix Dragon Boat Team in October 2005. Only breast cancer survivors can join the organization because its main purpose is to support those who have been stricken with breast cancer. Meeting three times a week, we spend a half hour doing warm-up calisthenics, followed by one hour of hard paddling on the river. This is in preparation for numerous competitive local, national, and international Dragon Boat races. Thus far, I have competed in three races. Because I have survived cancer for more than 40 years, the group members call me their inspiration. Not only do I give them hope for survival, but they give me something to look forward to.

    The Pinks, as we are called, emphasize camaraderie and give lots of love, encouragement, and support, especially to those encountering mental and physical problems. The group helps them to stay active, discouraging them from self-pity and withdrawal from society. It also raises money for breast cancer research and other needed causes.

    Now, after 40 years of survival, my hope is that all who are stricken will remember to grit one’s teeth and move on. There is much each of us (men and women) can do to help eradicate breast cancer: namely, self-examinations, regular check-ups, and keeping current with research. If you are diagnosed with breast cancer, keep a positive attitude and do not be afraid!!! Most prognoses are good. Diagnostic tools and methodologies have improved greatly since I had my surgery. Fear is the biggest danger. Being proactive and keeping a positive attitude is the best way to conquer cancer.

    How did breast cancer change my life? I used to be very shy. When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I made a conscious decision to be strong, get well, and do something with my life. I have always enjoyed teaching and helping others, so that is what I was determined to do.