Carroll Township woman said she relied on her family and friends to help beat ...

Carroll Township woman said she relied on her family and friends to help beat ...

The four words, “You have breast cancer,” change a life forever. It can be a terrifying, soul searching, gut wrenching time and it can also be the “aha” moment in life when the lens focuses sharply on what matters and who supports through all the changes.

Many women who get diagnosed with breast cancer say they enter a sisterhood that, though they may not have chosen to join, becomes a source of courage and an impetus to give back some of the same support they received.

In recognition of October as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we talked candidly to five midstate women about their experience. You’ll read how Gwen Linton, Reba Myers, Alexis Isenberg, Kathy Bellon and Dotty Benton faced their fears and found support and enduring hope.

Meet. . . Reba Myers

Reba Myers had just come through one of the most heartbreaking experiences of her life â€" walking a years-long journey through Alzhei mer’s disease with her husband that ended with his death in August 2006.

Less than six months later, in January 2007, the Carroll Township woman was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer.

Although it was shocking news, Myers, a retired sales clerk, said she knew she had to step up and fight. Her three daughters had just watched their father die and the 74-year-old was determined they would not watch her die as well.

Myers had a partial mastectomy with removal of 16 lymph nodes, followed by eight chemotherapy sessions over five months and 33 radiation treatments.

Q: How did you find out you had breast cancer?

A: I went for my annual mammogram and an abnormality was found. After two more mammograms, an ultrasound and a biopsy, I was told the lump was cancerous and needed to be removed. It was quite shocking.

Q: How did you break the news to your family and friends?

A: My husband, who was my best friend, h ad just passed away in August. Going through this without his love and support was very difficult. My daughters were with me for the procedures and received the news along with me. Friends were told over the phone or in person.

Q: What sustained you and help you cope during your treatment?

A: I drew strength from my family. I knew they wanted me to stand up and fight and I wanted to because I wasn’t done living yet. I relied on the help and compassion of family and friends, especially my daughters.

Upon picking me up for my treatments, my daughters would say, “Come on, get in the car, we are leaving for Florida.” It was important to have a sense of humor. They tried to make it an adventure instead of something to dread.

One thing that also really helped me was when Pastor (Lila) Harold from Filey’s Christ Lutheran Church, who is also a cancer survivor, told me, “Cook meals ahead of time and freeze them, otherwise the cooking aromas will make you very nauseated.” My pastor was right!

I was on several prayer chains at local churches. This was very comforting.

Q: What one thing surprised you mostâ€" either positively or negatively â€" about walking this difficult journey?

A: The “How can I help?” attitude from family and friends. I didn’t even need to ask for help; it was just there and all I had to do was accept it. People didn’t ask if I wanted food; they just brought it.

Q: How can people be truly helpful to a woman being treated for breast cancer?

A: Ask what you can do to help them when they are going through treatments. If you have gone through treatments, give hints you found helpful for your comfort. I stayed home, laid around and tried to sleep. Give yourself permission to do that or do whatever makes yo u feel most comfortable. 

It’s helpful when people offer to drive to appointments and make meals. It’s also helpful to be informed of local non-profit organizations that offer services and support. I found the American Cancer Society of Harrisburg and York to be helpful. All Breast Cancer Survivors (ABC’s) meet at the YWCA in Carlisle. If needed, they offer turbans and wigs and other items at no charge.

Q: What would you tell other women who have been diagnosed recently?

A: There are so many new procedures and medicines that are out there to help you; be positive that you can be cured.