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Previous
Survivor Stories
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| Vicki
(right) with good friend Becky Baldwin |
Vicki Gingrich was
diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma
with 6 positive nodes, 10 years ago at age
37. She noticed her tumor, the size of a
ping pong ball, while lying on the floor
one day with her kids, ages 10 and 12. Breast
cancer in such young women is often aggressive
and deadly. Here is Vicki's amazing story
of survival.
Q: What
was your initial reaction to the diagnosis?
A: Total disbelief and intense anger. I had no risk factors
and I was healthy. It was a very surreal experience.
Q: How
were you treated?
A: I had a mastectomy. Then
I entered a clinical trial that consisted
of six months
of chemotherapy followed by five years of Tamoxifen
and Zoladex ® . Two years later, I had a mastectomy
on the other side so that I would be symmetrical.
It was the best decision for me and for my lifestyle.
Q: What
was the worst part of your breast cancer
experience?
A: My kids' reaction. How do you tell a 10-year old that
everything's going to be okay, when you're sitting there with a bald
head? They thought it was contagious. And they thought I would die.
Q: What
was the best part?
A: The network of support I found with other women. And
gaining an outlook that changes your life.
Q: What
is your advice for newly-diagnosed women?
A: Step back, think, question,
talk with other women, get a second opinion,
don't be rushed. Re-member that you have
many choices. Figure out what choice is
right for YOU.
Q: How
has breast cancer changed your life?
A: I've gained an awareness about life that most people
don't get until they're in their 60s. I don't ever put anything off,
and I tell people how I feel. And I don't have to wear a bra!
Q: What
have you learned from breast cancer?
A: That it doesn't discriminate. It doesn't care about your
age, weight, height, or family history. I've learned that I have a
responsibility to help other women. I need to give back and figure
out why this is happening. I need to be heard; I'm an advocate, I speak
out, and I'm alive. I've also learned to take the time to do those
things that are most important to me.
Q: What
can people learn from you?
A: To have a positive attitude
and to believe in something - whether
it's being a good parent or looking for a cure for this disease. Pick
something and go after it with a passion.
Vicki
is currently healthy and working for the Pennsylvania
Breast Cancer Coalition. She is a true joy
to be around and a phenomenal advocate for
women everywhere.
To
profile someone in "Survivor Spotlight", e-mail
Heather Hibshman at heather@pabreastcancer.org |
