contact a survivor
Connect with our volunteers who have faced similar challenges and want to offer their support and encouragement.
Alice | Age: 63
Berks County, PA
Occupation: Museum Curatorial Assistant, Art Researcher
Hobbies/Interests: Reading, gardening, dancing, visiting museums and historical landmarks, playing with my grandchildren and ice skating
My Story:
I grew up in New York City. I married and worked at the New York Public Library in art reference for several years. I moved to Reading, Pa. from New York City with my husband and son 36 years ago, and although I divorced many years ago, I decided Reading was a good place to raise a child. I was offered a consulting position at the Reading Public Museum, after a lifetime of applying and being turned down. I totally loved the work I was doing for the museum.
Then one day I started feeling pain in my left breast, and although nothing showed up on any test, the pain continued. I was finally sent for a diagnostic mammogram and an ultra sound. Low and behold, cancer was discovered in my left breast. I had a biopsy and a second surgery to remove the nodes under my left arm and then proceeded to radiation.
The day I was diagnosed, I received an offer for a permanent part-time position at the Museum, which I thought was totally out of the question. But my doctors and husband encouraged me to take the job, and I did. I ran out the door at 3:30 p.m. everyday for radiation treatment, and I never told anyone at the museum where I went everyday.I am a one-year survivor and busy, busy, busy with my job, my grandchildren, my husband and my wonderful friends.
Email Alice
Colleen | Age: 40
Berks County, PA
Occupation: Customer service supervisor
Hobbies/Interests: Travel, biking, spending time with family and friends.
My Story:
I live in Sinking Spring with my husband and 12-year-old daughter, and I am a six-year survivor. I was diagnosed in April 2003 at the age of 34 with Stage I, Grade 3, invasive ductal carcinoma. I received four rounds of chemotherapy and six weeks of radiation. At the time of diagnosis, Breast Cancer Support Services was there to support me, and I am truly thankful.
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Patricia | Age: 59
Occupation: Secretary
Hobbies/Interests: Gardening, reading, swimming, walking, nature
My Story:
In March 2003, I noticed an identation on my left breast, and had it checked. My mammogram and ultrasound tests came back normal. But I was worried. I had a biopsy because of family history (my mother had bi-lateral breast cancer, almost 25 years apart). It was positive for breast cancer. My mother’s history prompted me to have a mastectomy. I chose Tram Flap reconstructive surgery, but unfortunately was rejected (fat necrosis, not a good blood supply), so I had to have more surgery. Actually, I had 8 more surgeries throughout 2004 into 2005 to remove fat necrosis and an insert implant and a breast reduction on the other side.
In 2007 and 2008, I had two scary events with my right breast – first a biopsy, then a year later, a suspicious cyst. I decided to have a prophylactic mastectomy of my right breast so I could be done with the scare of cancer. My family doctor suggested genetic testing, since my mother had breast cancer. I was surprised to find out that I have BRCA2. I thought since I was 53 when I was diagnosed, that my cancer was not genetic. So after coming to terms with that, I decided to have my ovaries removed (2/09) as my risk for ovarian cancer increased with the BRCA2 diagnoses.
The past 6 years has definitely been a journey. I have learned a lot, met a lot of great people, and have become a stronger person. I have realized what is really important in life.
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Nancy
Berks County, PA
Occupation: Bank Teller
Hobbies/Interests: I enjoy spending time with my grandchildren and my husband.
I love to travel to the wine country in the Finger Lakes of New York.
My Story:
I was diagnosed with breast cancer in September 1996. I had a mastectomy and endured six months of chemotherapy. I serve as a board member of Breast Cancer Support Services and also spent a lot of my time volunteering. As a volunteer with the American Cancer Society (ACS), I serve as co-chairman for Daffodil Days and as trainer for the Reach to Recovery program. I also serve as an ACS Ambassador by visiting lawmakers in Harrisburg and Washington D.C. to talk about laws needed to help people with cancer.
Email Nancy