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Previous Survivor
Stories
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Bonnie
Grant
Philadelphia, PA |
Bonnie
Grant,
deputy city representative for the city of
Philadelphia, was diagnosed with Invasive
Ductal Carcinoma last August at the age of
44. She has recently finished her
nearly year-long treatment and is proud to be here to tell us her story. Q:
How was your cancer discovered?
A: I felt a lump, and my gynecologist suggested that I get a mammogram. I carried
the prescription around for 3 months. In that time it grew to 5.5 centimeters.
If there is one
thing I would do differently if given the chance, it would be to get that mammogram
sooner-as soon as I felt the lump.
Q:
What was your initial reaction to the diagnosis?
A: Complete disbelief. I had never felt better. I thought I did everything
right -I ate well, didn't smoke, and I was active. It was really tough to accept.
Then the fear came in waves, and you wonder whether you'll die or not.
Q:
What was the treatment or your particular
diagnosis?
A: I had 4 rounds of pre-operative chemo prior to any surgery, due to the size
of the tumor. This was very effective; the tumor started to shrink immediately.
Then I had a modified radical mastectomy with immediate reconstruction/tram
flap in December of 2000. At that time, the doctors discovered 5 positive nodes.
I then had an additional 6 months of chemotherapy and 5 weeks of radiation.
I had my last treatment in August of 2001.
Q:
What was the most difficult part of all of
this and how did you come through the other
side?
A: The toughest part was when I realized I had to lose my breast. Tram flap
reconstruction helped greatly because I never really mourned the loss of a
breast. I am currently going through getting the other side augmented. And
thanks to the PBCC, my insurance now pays for this procedure!
Q:
What has been the most surprising aspect
about being diagnosed with breast cancer?
A: My newfound sensitivity to health issues in general. I really thought I
was highly sensitive to people's plights. But the medical treatment I went
through has heightened my awareness. I have much greater admiration and empathy
for people who have dealt with a medical crisis. Breast cancer has made me
appreciate the moment more. I don't dwell on the past or even look to the future.
I pause and appreciate the NOW.
Q:
What is your advice for newly diagnosed women?
A: Hang in there. It is do-able. The toughest thing is the changes your body
goes through, the loss of energy and the loss of hair. You do come out of each
and every step. There is hope. Nobody is ever quite the same, but there is
life after treatment.
Q:
What can people learn from you?
A: That life does go on. I kept working and had a lot of support from family,
staff and friends. I have 2 teenage boys and my daily activities must go on.
I beat cancer, but some days I don't know if I'll survive my teenage boys!
Bonnie
serves as Deputy City Representative for the
City of Philadelphia. She has two teenage boys
and a passion for the theater. She is on Tamoxifen
for 5 years and will continue to get regular
check-ups. We wish her all the best.
To
profile someone in "Survivor Spotlight",
email Heather Hibshman at heather@pabreastcancer.org |
