I am a breast cancer survivor. I have been having regular mammograms for several years. In July 2007, I had to have a second mammogram and then a biopsy. When I was told it was cancer, I said “OK what do we do about it?” The first step was an MRI at Women’s Clinic in Oklahoma City, which re-confirmed the diagnosis. The prayers from family and friends immediately started going up and haven’t stopped yet. A week later I had a lumpectomy since my cancer was found at an early stage.
Ten years earlier I had watched my brother quit living, roll over and die shortly after a cancer diagnosis. I decided that wasn’t for me. My wonderful husband of 47 years and my family were in full agreement. I was going to fight.
The first day after my surgery, we went new car shopping. After two weeks (with my doctor’s permission) we went to Paducah, Kentucky, to watch our Enid American Legion Majors play in the regional tournament. After 4-5 days there and many activities, I returned home and began 6 weeks of radiation treatment.
Radiation treatment did slow me down a little, but I was soon back to my regular activities. I quilt two days a week at Enid Senior Center and play bridge several times a week. Most of my summers are spent at David Allen Memorial Ballpark watching my beloved American Legion Majors play baseball. My husband and I went on a five day Caribbean cruise in February. I attend a cancer support group at Central Christian Church where I receive lots of support and hopefully give some, too.
After two years of mammograms and checkups every three to six months, I now do not have to go back for another mammogram for a year.
I can’t say enough good things about the staff at St. Mary’s women’s clinic here and the staff at the radiation treatment center at Integris Bass here in Enid. The care at St. Mary’s and Dr. Shreck, my surgeon, were great during my surgery.
Ladies, get your mammograms regularly, and if the unthinkable diagnosis does come…PRAY! PRAY! PRAY! and FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT! Pray as though everything depends on God and Fight as though everything depends on you. Then you too, may be a breast cancer survivor.
Velma Yeager
