 |
You're Not Alone
Breast cancer is a family disease. It impacts everyone we love. As my husband Dennis said midway into my chemotherapy, "Life as we know it will never be the same." It helps to know that we are not alone when facing breast cancer. The thousands of pink visors that mark survivors in Race for the Cure events across the country give testimony to "life after breast cancer."
Take a minute to read Erma Bombeck's inspirational poem If I Had My Life to Live Over. It just might change the way you live your life.
 Cynthia Swift was first diagnosed with uterine cancer in 1993. Because of this history, her primary care physician insisted that she have a base line mammogram. To her dismay, the mammogram revealed that she had breast cancer. The year was 1996. In September of 1998 Cynthia faced a recurrence. In addition to her treatment, Cynthia trusted in God's help and she focused on His Word instead of her situation. Now blessed with good health, Cynthia has joined the Cancer Clinical Research Office of SCOPE whose goal it is to implement educational programs for minority women, increase their knowledge about breast cancer and the clinical trial process, identify and develop new relationships in minority communities, and implement programs and strategies to increase the compliance of minority women enrolled in STAR (Study of Tamoxifen and Raloxifene) in the state of Connecticut. If you would like further information about SCOPE you can contact Cynthia at Hartford Hospital's Cancer Clinical Research Office by telephone at (860) 545-1588 or by e-mail at cswift@harthosp.org.
|
 Elaine was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1984 when the word cancer was still whispered behind closed doors. An energetic, take-charge middle school teacher, Elaine suddenly found herself facing a life-threatening disease with no formal support systems and no answers for her husband and two sons. She had few answers for herself. Today, in addition to inspiring her middle school English classes, Elaine is both an advocate and a resource for women combating the disease.
|
 Vicki Couvillon was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1989 at a time when people were better able to say the word "cancer" out loud. She continued to work and drew strength from her family and friends. She too needed answers for herself, her husband, and her two sons. Like Elaine, Vicki is a frequent resource for others battling the disease.
|
 Judy Kokines was diagnosed with breast cancer in December of 1999. She is currently undergoing chemotherapy and facing the challenges of wearing a wig in public. A wife, mom, and grandmother, Judy draws strength from her family and faith. She has a choice of medical treatments and support services available to her. She has taken to writing poetry about some of the challenges of breast cancer.
Please click here read to read one of Judy Kokines's poems.
|
|
|
