Mollie and her husband Richard
in a family photo
|
Previous Survivor Stories
Dauphin County
Harrisburg, PA
Mollie Bronstein has owned and operated Mollie B Distinctively Different Fine Jewelry in Harrisburg since 1995. She and her husband Richard, a pharmacist at Holy Spirit Hospital in Camp Hill, have been married for 54 years, and they have five children.
Her Diagnosis
Seven years ago I went to Tristan Associates for my annual mammogram and was diagnosed with breast cancer. They called me into a room and showed me what they were seeing but by that time I had worked myself into a frazzle. They suggested I let them biopsy the lump but I wanted to see a specialist and talk with my family first. My husband and I decided not to tell the children until we knew for certain.
I had heard good things about Dr. Angela Soto Hamlin so the next day I asked her to read the mammogram and make recommendations. Dr. Soto Hamlin reassured me that the lump was so miniscule that it was remarkable that it was even discovered. She also recommended a biopsy, which I had.
The cancer was early stage and I had several options. I could have a lumpectomy or a mastectomy and I was given much material to read and think about. Dr. Soto Hamlin encouraged me to go for a second opinion and said, “This is your life. A second opinion may help you to make up your mind about which route to take.”
I got the second opinion at Johns Hopkins, and everyone there was impressed that Tristan had found such a small lump. They wouldn’t recommend which treatment I should have. I had to decide that for myself. I chose lumpectomy, followed by radiation and chemo. After talking with my sister, who is a nurse, I decided to be treated in Harrisburg so that I would be close to home.
“Word spread about what I was going through and many survivors came into my store to share their stories and to offer words of encouragement. They would say, ‘I did it and you can too.’ ”
- Mollie Bronstein |
Being Strong
After I made all those decisions, we called the children together. As we sat around the kitchen table, I saw that my husband’s face was ashen and the kids were biting their lips to keep from crying. I thought, “Well, someone in this family has to be strong and I guess that’s going to be me.” And I was strong. I was.
I had tremendous support because of this loving family. They were here for me and they were wonderful. Sometimes my husband held me while I cried, and then I would feel better and know I was going to get through it.
I tried a support group but it upset me too much. I cried so for the young mothers who had breast cancer and I just couldn’t deal with that. Word spread about what I was going through and many survivors came into my store to share their stories and to offer words of encouragement. They would say, “I did it and you can too.” I want to be that voice of encouragement too, for other women. Go for that mammogram! Going for that mammogram every year saved my life.
Attitude of Gratitude
Having breast cancer has given me an attitude of gratitude. I’m 72 years old and I thank God for every day He’s given me. When you’re told you have cancer, you think it’s a death sentence. But once you begin to think rationally, when you go for treatment, you can tell yourself they are killing the bad things. I would sit for hours with the chemo dripping and thank God for letting me sit there that day, letting me see another grandchild being born. And now a great-grandchild is with us and I’m very grateful. I still have that “attitude of gratitude.”
|
