Orlando, Fla – Imagine waking up one morning and hearing, “You have breast cancer.” For many women, this is a reality they will face.
In fact, one in eight women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime. Chances are you know at least one person who has battled it.
As we observe Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we’re turning our focus to survivors and asking them about the most surprising things they learned after their diagnosis.
“The very, very beginning is just overwhelming,” said survivor Sindy Levine.
“Our whole world got turned upside down,” said survivor Michelle Brubaker.
Levine and Brubaker endured surgeries, chemo and radiation, and they are sharing what they wish they would have known before their diagnosis.
“I had the double mastectomy and then got cancer,” explained Levine.
After being tested for the BRCA gene, a genetic mutation that means you’re 45% to 85% more likely to develop breast cancer, Levine opted for a double mastectomy, thinking it would spare her from the cancer that eventually took her mother’s life.
But 15 years later, Levine was diagnosed with breast cancer.
“Everybody should know, even if they’ve had that, is that there’s a rim of tissue left over to support the blood supply for the skin in the breasts, and that’s exactly where I got it,” said Levine.
Levine also wants women to know that the side effects of treatment are manageable.
“What’s happened is that I have luckily avoided most side effects,” explained Levine.
She believes walking her dog, Poppy, daily, along with water aerobics, Pilates and a healthy diet kept her side effects manageable.
For Brubaker, she learned that words matter.
“I actually don’t want to hear that you feel sorry for me because right now I don’t need to hear those words, but what I need to hear from you are things like, ‘Let me give you a hug.’ ‘Do you want to go out and get a coffee?’” explained Brubaker.
Most importantly, both Levine and Brubaker want other women who are diagnosed with breast cancer to know...
“There’s hope even when you don’t feel like it is, just keep plugging along just one step in front of the other,” said Levine.
Levine also says it’s important to bring a companion to all medical appointments to take notes.
This person doesn’t necessarily need to be a close friend or family member, as they can provide an objective perspective and help you absorb crucial information during potentially overwhelming conversations.
Also, Levine did go for a second opinion. She was afraid of what her doctor would think but found out most doctors invite a second opinion.