Recently I have begun compiling some 20 years' worth of my writings, blogs, TV spots, interviews, proclamation's and recognitions towards my advocacy for Stage IV Breast Cancer. As I look back it has been a very arduous road and a challenging one at that.
This particular interview is close to my heart, as it is from a small town newspaper outside of Chicago, Wheaton Leader Press, Thursday August 9th, 2012 Wheaton Illinois. I have roots there, where my father resides. I humbly share this with you.
When were you diagnosed?
In 1994 I had a lumpectomy followed by the standard eight weeks of
radiation. They told me I was cured. I did everything I was supposed to. I didn't look back.
In 2004 my husband died of a heart attack. I began having back pain had PET and CT scans nothing showed any problems. However, in 2005 came the big jolt, I was diagnosed with Stage IV Breast cancer in the sacrum.
A doctor in here in Illinois, wanted to start radiation I refused. This disease is so very complex. That's perhaps why there is no cure yet. At this point I decided to get online and find a cancer center that could help me. I located the Chao Family Cancer Center in Irvine California. There I consulted with 5 different doctors in three months, all concurred I was Stage IV.
From one of your blogs it sounds like you greatly admire Maggie Daley. Was she a role model?
Anyone who has passed away with Stage IV breast cancer is a role model for me. They've fought so hard to cling to life. That's what we're doing because there is no cure. It's very strange how this disease works. I have lost so many friends to this because I belong to so many groups. I've been fortunate to have the ability to be able to speak about Stage IV breast cancer. I was humbled at the opportunity given by Arianna Huffington, for me to share my stories through the Huffington Blog. If one person can learn from what I'm writing, I've done my job.
In one of your blogs, you write, "We all need to have a purpose in this life." What is your purpose?
We are here for a reason, to make a mark, to leave a legacy. My purpose fell into my lap. Even though I have a horrible disease, it won't stop me from writing about it. I studied at The Art Institute of Chicago however, my purpose changed and my art then became the art of writing about my disease. Every person has a purpose here. We all have tools, something unique about us, and we need to pursue that and put it to good use.
Back in 2009, I was instrumental in trying to set aside a day in October for Stage IV only. We were successful in getting Congress to pass Proclamation October 13th, as National Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day. This day symbolizes a call to action to give those living with advanced disease a greater voice and visibility in the breast cancer community.
How did you start writing?
Two years ago, The Huffington Post had a doctor who wrote about Stage
IV breast cancer. I was very impressed after I read the story as Stage IV was rarely above the radar.
I thanked Arianna Huffington for having this doctor write about such an insidious disease, and I shared with her a little about myself. Ms. Huffington got in touch with me and asked me if I would like to write for Huffington Post. My little "thank you" turned out to be a great opportunity, I am very honored. Wow! talk about serendipitous.
Sadly, I dedicate this blog, in memory of my loving sister Janel.
She left us way too soon on July 28, 2014 from complications of breast cancer.
Until Next time,
Peace
N~