Tickled Pink Fall 2008 : 9
WHAT CAN WOMEN DO to fight this war and win? About the book: “But, your hair will grow back.” Connie E. Curry endured this comment daily from her family and friends as her hair slowly grew a ½ inch a month. Give Me Back My Glory leads readers on a raw, yet therapeutic romp through her battle with breast cancer. From her diagnosis to reconstruction, readers will discover her fright, but yet humor, and the importance of relationships with doctors, sometimes with surprising results. Over 200,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year, and most fear it and crave information beyond pamphlets or cold Internet data, as do their support givers. Give Me Back My Glory educates with laughter, tears and inspiration. Curry, having a background in the medical field, addresses diagnosis, surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, sexuality, weakness and courage in a wholesome yet realistic way. Give Me Back My Glory is particularly relevant to working moms; those struggling with midlife, menopause, parenting and marriage along with breast cancer. As the recipient of the James Thurbor Humor Writing Contest, a columnist, working mother, and freelance writer, Curry hopes, through relating her raw and realistic experience, women will take charge of their life and their illness with a positive attitude thus speeding the healing of mind and body. 1. Do self breast exams often. Make it part of your routine as you shower or bathe. Put soap on your breasts and palpate for lumps or unusual tissue. I found my lump as I bathed. 2. Have annual mammograms. Get in the habit of scheduling a mammogram at the same time you schedule your annual physical and/or pap smear. Why not make October your month to be responsible since it is breast cancer awareness month? 3. When you are told your mammogram is clear, ask for a copy of the written interpretation. Be aware that mammograms are not always accurate. Look for one powerful, important word in the mammogram…DENSE. I had dense readings each time and wasn’t aware of it until I got copies of all my mammograms after being diagnosed. 4. If you have a dense reading, demand a MRI. A dense reading simply means that your mammogram may not be accurate. Your tissue is thick and a MRI is more sophisticated and will detect or rule out breast cancer. I was not offered a MRI for all those years I had dense readings. 5. NEVER EVER watch a lump or ignore it. I had repeated fibrous cysts that were watched and not removed until I found the cancerous lump. I learned that losing my hair was just as tough as losing my breast, but I was able to laugh as my oldest daughter, Amber grabbed the clippers the night I was shedding like a dog and said, “Mom, this is for all the times you cut my bangs crooked.” And down the middle of my head she traveled with the buzz of the clippers. The wigs itched but I learned their warmth was welcome during the winter months. I discovered it was fun as I donned various wigs of different lengths and colors, fooling my friends. I also let go of my vanity and by spring learned it was okay to go bald in public. I learned what true unconditional love is. Each day as I entered my home, I’d take my itchy wig off. Allie, my granddaughter popped in the door unexpectedly one day with her mom. She plowed through the unlocked bathroom door as I bathed, eager to see me. I’d just had chemo and didn’t feel well. Immediately I tried to shield my body and bald head. “Oh Grammy, let me rub your head and make you feel better,” this 3-year-old said. I remember tears falling down my face as peace came over me. I realized she loved me for me and hair is just a covering of who I am. I also realized how big my support team was, the love of my family and how many people fight more serious illnesses than me. Making friends at chemo lab validated what I always knew about women. We are tough as nails and can endure and find strength even if sometimes we have to dig it from the bottom of our toes. Today I am cancer free and a stronger woman. The sky is bluer and my life is full again. 6. If you have a lump, insist on a needle biopsy or better yet, have the entire lump removed. 7. Don’t be afraid to find a new doctor if you feel unsatisfied and it never hurts to get a second opinion. It took three surgeons before I found the one that I learned to love and trust. Remember to get copies of all your test results and share them with the new doctor. 8. If you get breast cancer and opt for reconstruction, shop hard for a reputable plastic surgeon. The cancer is out of you and you have time to find the best. 9. Find strength, stay busy and try to go about your life as it always was. Busy minds are constructive and idle time brings worry. 10. Win the war! 11. Chemotherapy will steal your hair. It will grow only ½ inch a month, but glory comes back! Fall 2008 9
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