Survivor Stories 2013:
Lisa Stevenson
1. How did you first find out you had cancer?
Routine mammogram
2. How did you react when you heard the news?
After being cancer free for about 14 years, I didn’t think I would get it again…I was surprised.
3. What course of treatment were you prescribed?
It was recommended that I have the savi implant for radiation delivery, and take an estrogen inhibitor for 5 years.
4. What most surprised you about your treatment?
That it only lasted 5 days!
5. What would your advice be to anyone who’s just received a cancer diagnosis?
Don’t panic…keep your sense of humor, and remember no matter how bad you think things are you’re bigger than this!
6. How long have you been cancer free?
This time around 2 months now…
7. What lessons did you learn from the experience?
Don’t get lazy when it comes to your health screenings.
8. If you could send one message to all the Good Enough Mothers out there – what would it be?
Make sure to get a mammogram every year…it could save your life!
My story started in 1997, when I was first diagnosed with breast cancer. I have a very strong family history on my mother’s side of the family, so I knew it was a possibility. I believe that made me be very careful when it came to being sure I got a mammogram every year from my late 30’s on. Early detection is the key.
I was initially treated with a lumpectomy and traditional radiation treatments. Unfortunately, it returned in the same area in less than two years. This time I had a mastectomy with reconstruction using a lower abdominal muscle for the breast. I did not want to put anything artificial in me. This seemed to work and I was cancer free for 14 years.
I was always nervous going for my mammograms, but after all these years, I thought I was safe. I was wrong!
This time I had genetic testing to see if I carry the breast cancer gene, as I have a daughter I dearly love, and want the very best for. I don’t!!
I must say that I was pleasantly surprised at the improvements that have been made in breast cancer treatment during the past 14yrs. Everything was so much easier this time around, and the savi made my radiation treatment so much quicker!
Early detection is the key when it comes to beating cancer. Everyone has heard this, but it is very true!! I cannot stress enough how important it is, and not just for us, but for all of those around us who would be affected if we were no longer here for them.
My name is Lisa Stevenson. I’ve been asked to write a short bio. I am 63yrs old. I am a mother, a sister, a daughter, a cousin, a friend. I have worked in banking and the credit card industry for over 20 yrs. I currently work for JPMorgan Chase & Co. as a credit underwriter. My daughter is a social worker in the newborn intensive care unit (NICU) at a local hospital. I was married nearly 30 yrs, then divorced and now widowed.
My story started in 1997, when I was first diagnosed with breast cancer. I have a very strong family history on my mother’s side of the family, so I knew it was a possibility. I believe that made me be very careful when it came to being sure I got a mammogram every year from my late 30’s on. Early detection is the key.
I was initially treated with a lumpectomy and traditional radiation treatments. Unfortunately, it returned in the same area in less than two years. This time I had a mastectomy with reconstruction using a lower abdominal muscle for the breast. I did not want to put anything artificial in me. This seemed to work and I was cancer free for 14yrs.
I was always nervous going for my mammograms, but after all these years, I thought I was safe. I was wrong!
This time I had genetic testing to see if I carry the breast cancer gene, as I have a daughter I dearly love, and want the very best for. I don’t!!
I must say that I was pleasantly surprised at the improvements that have been made in breast cancer treatment during the past 14yrs. Everything was so much easier this time around, and the savi made my radiation treatment so much quicker!
Early detection is the key when it comes to beating cancer. Everyone has heard this, but it is very true!! I cannot stress enough how important it is, and not just for us, but for all of those around us who would be affected if we were no longer here for them.
