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Previous Survivor Stories
Oncology Social Worker,
Albert Einstein Cancer Center
Philadelphia, PA
Pat Stewart was diagnosed with Stage 1 breast cancer over 20 years ago, in 1983, at the age of 41. As she was doing yard work one day, she raised her arm and felt a pulling sensation. She ran in to take a shower and do a self-exam. Then she called the doctor. Here is Pat's story of never giving up, always staying positive, and how breast cancer has helped her become the kind of person she was meant to be.
GOOD COMES FROM BAD
My lump was about the size of a quarter. I made an appointment with a surgeon right away, and was devastated by the diagnosis. I always felt I had done everything right. I ate well, got plenty of exercise, and was otherwise healthy. But after a couple of days, I came to my senses. I remembered who I was and told myself that no matter what happened, I would keep my faith, cooperate with the medical experts, and help others as much as I could.
Fortunately, I had no nodal involvement. My treatment consisted of 29 radiation treatments and a radiation implant, something that is rarely done today. I went through the fatigue phase, but I convinced myself I wasn't going to stop. I never stopped. I went to work, went for my treatment, and went home. Then I started all over again the next day.
LESSONS LEARNED
"The thing that surprised me the most to learn is that breast cancer is not prejudiced, and that my number one risk factor was just being a woman. But I never took the time to say "why me?" I wanted to keep a positive attitude and be a testimony to other women that early detection does save lives." |
The thing that surprised me the most to learn is that breast cancer is not prejudiced, and that my number
one risk factor was just being a
woman. But I never took the time
to say "why me?" I wanted to keep a positive attitude and be a testimony to other women that early detection does save lives.
This has been a beautiful journey. I've had the love and support of so many people. Breast cancer has helped me become the kind of person I was probably meant to be. I've always been a caring person, but it's made me care more about other people.
My advice for newly-diagnosed women is to first, learn to know your bodies and listen to what your body is saying. Next, make other people listen too. I made my doctors hear what I had to say.
A LINK IN THE CHAIN OF SUPPORT
Over the past 20 years since my diagnosis, I have been an active community volunteer, worked with the Black Women's Health Project, and am a founding member of the 'Sisters in Touch' breast cancer support group. I have received awards for my work, run support groups, and written an 8-week educational program called "Learn to Live with Breast Cancer" for newlydiagnosed women. I tell these women to keep a positive attitude as much as possible. I want them to become active and help others - it can become a chain of support.
I promised myself that I would not let this breast cancer diagnosis be
all about me. It was about helping
others. I can use the knowledge I
have gained to help other people. I
always say I've come this far by faith. Now I just want to be here for everybody else. I'm not selfish with my breast cancer. I use it for others.
Pat lives in Philadelphia and works as an oncology social worker at Albert Einstein Cancer Center. She facilitates not only breast cancer support groups, but those on prostate cancer, general cancer, and leukemia. She continues to be in good health, and enjoys spending time with her fourteen grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. Pat is a remarkable woman and an inspiration to everyone she comes into contact with. We wish her continued good health and success in her work with breast cancer patients. |
