Breast Cancer: A Survivor's Story

No Reconstructive Surgery

Unlike many others who went through breast cancer, Kathryn opted not to have any reconstructive surgery after her partial mastectomy. Her mother, who had gone through breast cancer herself, influenced that decision. "Mom had reconstructive surgery that left her lop-sided and in pain," Kathryn recalls. "She told me she regretted having taken that route." 

The scars sometimes make her sad, as they remind her of the cancer and the mistakes made over the course of her treatment. But from a beauty point of view, she doesn't care. "I'm not afraid to wear a swim suit," she says. 

There's 'No Time For Fear' When You Have Breast Cancer

Were you ever, at any point, truly scared of dying? In answer to this question, Kathryn simply answers "no". "I went into crisis mode as soon as I received the diagnosis. There was no time for fear. Cancer treatment can nearly be a full-time job, not to mention all the organization you have to engage in. My husband traveled a lot for his work. We designated a guardian for the kids, I got in touch with friends and relatives who may be able to help out during the treatment, and I started doing extensive research in response to the treatment mistakes that were made. Like I said, there simply wasn't time to be scared."

Though she was not scared, Kathryn did develop depression as the treatment went on and she faced that horrible (and unavoidable) staph infection and felt she could not place her full trust in her doctors. Being diagnosed with breast cancer may be somewhat like being the center of a typhoon, but Kathryn tried to remain calm and strong — for her kids, her husband, and also her mother who was still grieving her father, who had died shortly before the diagnosis. So she cast her feelings aside and attempted to think practically. 

READ Tips For Breast Cancer Prevention

Ask Questions!

What advice does Kathryn have for others who have just been diagnosed? "Breast cancer is a well-research cancer. Many, many survive. Try not to panic." But also, on the practical side of things, "ask questions". 

"Do your own research — the internet is at your disposal. Don't assume your doctors know everything or that everything well go exactly as planned. Bring someone else with you to appointments so you have a second pair of eyes. Breast cancer treatment can get complicated with the need to see different doctors, so get a journal and write everything down. When someone asks what treatment you had when, you will have the answers. If you don't understand what's going on, ask. If things are not turning out as expected, ask. ASK QUESTIONS!"