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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2015
DAILY JOURNAL
ADAM ROBISON | BUY AT PHOTOS.DJOURNAL.COM
Patsy Gregory has been cancer free since February 2008.
Patsy Gregory: Survivor
to have a second opinion.” She found a fellowshiptrained surgical oncologist in TUPELO – After Patsy Gre- Jackson, after 24 weeks of gory, leader of small group at chemo in Tupelo and ColumThe Orchard, was diagnosed bus. After her surgery, she with breast cancer in 2007, was told she was cancer free. she continued to wear A month later, Gregory makeup and walk four miles traveled to MD Anderson a day, imagining she was Cancer Research Center in walking out the cancer. Texas, with her husband Bob, “I was going to be healed,” to begin radiation. Her godshe said. “I believed it. I had a daughter and mother-in-law smile on my face, and I had both been treated for looked for people to help. So cancer at the center and had many people helped me in been deemed cancer free. my journey. I always say Gregory’s tumor was 6 cenenjoy the journey.” timeters, in stage three with She found a knot four lymph nodes involved. months after a mammogram, “I thought if the floor and the next day, after she would open up, I would crawl met with a doctor, she was through the floor,” she said. sent to a surgeon. “And the doctor said, ‘No Because she ate healthfully, you’re not. You’re going to no one expected Gregory’s di- concentrate on the fact that agnosis. Breast cancer didn’t the chemo is going to work.’” run in her family. Ultimately, During radiation, she asked she and her family were con- the radiation oncologist how fused and shocked. she could help with other “I could cry right now,” she cancer patients. said, recounting the day she He told her, “You’re already found out she had cancer. giving back because I’m writ“It’s really hard when you ing a new book on the way don’t feel bad. You don’t feel we do radiation. And I’m like anything is wrong, and all using the way we did yours.” of the sudden, it’s there.” The radiation was develGregory started her first oped to miss the heart, and it round of chemo on the day of was very important for Greher youngest daughter’s high gory that the radiation school graduation. missed her organs. She researched options loIn February 2008, Gregory cally for a surgical oncologist completed her radiation, but to remove the tumor. her journey with cancer didn’t “There are no surgical oncol- stop there. With a passion to ogists here,” she said. “I think help people, she developed it’s very important for people HERStory, her own personal BY ZACK ORSBORN DAILY JOURNAL
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BOOKS RECOMMENDED BY PATSY GREGORY
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“Love, Medicine, Miracles” by Bernie S. Siegel, M.D.
“Anticancer” by David Servan-Schreiber
“The Spectrum” by Dean Ornish
“Drawing on his clinical experience, Siegel shows how we can alleviate stress and release the body’s healing mechanisms.”
“Part memoir, part cutting-edge science, part pathbreaking prevention advice - a wonderfully written journey to a healthier life.”
“Dean Ornish details an empowering new program that enables you to customize a healthy way of eating and living based on your own desires, needs, and genetic predispositions.”
acronym to reach out and lessen the pain of a cancer diagnosis. “My happier moment through all of this was helping other people. I found it was my release,” she said. “I love to give people hope, empowerment, resources and support.” Gregory often takes calls from people recently diagnosed with cancer, and she said she can hear the defeat in their voices until she offers them hope. “I tell them they are a sur-
vivor from the moment they are diagnosed and that 90 percent of it is to remain positive,” she said. Through her battle and defeat of cancer, Gregory said she feels like a stronger person. “I know I am cancer free, and I’m a miracle. God does have a purpose,” she said, tearing up. “I have been through a very heavy battle. One of the chemos I went through was called the Red Devil because it was so strong.” Gregory welcomes calls day
or night because she said she’s been there. “We all like to find somebody who’s been through what we’ve been through,” she said. “We all have struggles, and I think telling my story and helping people through their struggles is very helpful.” Gregory lives with her husband on his farm in Okolona and continues to eat a mainly organic diet with regular exercise. zack.orsborn@journalinc.com Twitter: @thedaily_zack
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10A
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2015
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11A
ADAM ROBISON | BUY AT PHOTOS.DJOURNAL.COM
Evelyn Wheeler laughs with Dietrich Lindsey at a Sisters Network meeting.
Sisters Network reaches out Tupelo chapter fights to put the pink spotlight on breast cancer in black community ship Luncheon grow into an event that draws more than 200 people. The Sisters Network is all “When we started in 2006, about connections. we had only a small room,” Breast cancer survivors at the BancorpSouth Confersupport each other and leverence Center. “Now we use age their personal networks the whole facility.” to put the pink spotlight on She has attendees who breast cancer, especially in plan vacations around the the African-American comAugust event. munity. “We’re really blessed for “Seeing survivors come topeople to come and just gether and help each other is enjoy it,” Derring said. powerful,” said Norma DerOne of the Tupelo chapring, Tupelo ter’s most successful connecchapter presitions has been with local dent and churches and their health breast cancer ministries. The chapter hosts survivor. a First Ladies Brunch in apThe Tupelo preciation for the work pasChapter intors’ wives do for their cludes breast congregations and the comDerring cancer surmunity. By educating the vivors and asfirst ladies about breast canLAUREN WOOD | BUY AT PHOTOS.DJOURNAL.COM cer and resources to get sociate members who are More than 350 people gathered for the 8th annual Sisters Network Tupelo Pink Ribbon Sur- mammograms for those who dedicated to spreading a vivorship luncheon in 2014 at the BancorpSouth Conference Center. breast cancer awareness couldn’t otherwise afford message. them, the Sisters Network is “It’s like it’s family,” Derring Sisters Network is the only mors test negative for the up for breast cancer surable to reach further. said. survivor-run group in the three known receptors that vivors in the past 12 years. “She’s a trusted voice in Breast cancer survivor country dedicated to raising allow oncologists to tailor “People are opening up a that church,” Derring said. Annie Perkins of Tupelo has awareness of the disease in treatment regimens. lot more now,” Derring said. “They’ve been great supbeen a member since 2010, the African-American comThe Tupelo chapter began The Sisters Network puts porters.” joining after she finished a munity. in 2003, after national grant funding from Komen There’s still more to do. year of chemotherapy and ra“It’s devastating to the founder Karen Jackson spoke Race for the Cure to work. The Tupelo chapter works on diation treatment. It’s invigAfrican-American commuto survivors at a Komen Last year, they used funding health-focused events, enorating to make sure those nity,” Derring said. North Mississippi Race for from Komen and other docouraging people to live without resources can access African-American women the Cure event, and the Tunations to help 375 women healthy lifestyles that help mammograms and lend sup- are more often diagnosed at pelo chapter is among the access breast cancer screen- reduce the risk of breast canport to other breast cancer advanced stages. They have Race for the Cure grant reing. cer and other diseases. survivors. a higher incidence of reoccipients. “That has been a great “It’s important to continue “I just love being a part of curence. They have a higher Derring has seen women success for us,” Derring said. to follow up,” Derring said. Sisters Network,” Perkins incidence of triple negative and men in the AfricanThe group has seen its ansaid. breast cancer – where tuAmerican community stand nual Pink Ribbon Survivormichaela.morris@journalinc.com BY MICHAELA GIBSON MORRIS DAILY JOURNAL
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BREAST CANCER MYTHS
Don’t let yourself be a victim of misinformation and the myths generated by fear. THE MYTH
Finding a lump in your breast means you have breast cancer.
THE TRUTH
should also give themselves regular breast self-exams and note any changes to their physicians.
THE MYTH
If you discover a persistent lump in A mammogram can cause breast your breast or any changes in cancer to spread. breast tissue, it is very important that you see a physician immediTHE TRUTH ately. However, 8 out of 10 breast A mammogram, or X-ray of the lumps are benign, or not cancerbreast, is one of the best tools ous. Sometimes women stay available for the early detection of away from medical care because breast cancer. It CANNOT cause they fear what they might find. cancer to spread, nor can the Take charge of your health by perpressure put on the breast from forming routine breast self-exams, the mammogram. Do not let tales establishing ongoing communicaof other people’s experiences tion with your doctor, and schedulkeep you from having a mammoing regular mammograms. gram. Base your decision on your physician’s recommendation and THE MYTH be sure to discuss any questions Men do not get breast cancer. or concerns with your doctor.
THE TRUTH
Quite the contrary. Each year it is estimated that approximately 1,700 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 450 will die. While this percentage is still small, men
THE MYTH
Having a family history of breast cancer means you will get it.
THE TRUTH
While women who have a family his-
tory of breast cancer are in a higher risk group, most women who have breast cancer have no family history. If you have a mother, daughter, sister, or grandmother who had breast cancer, you should have a mammogram five years before the age of their diagnosis, or starting at age 35.
THE MYTH
Knowing you have changes in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene can help you prevent breast cancer.
THE TRUTH
ing this disease are greater than 90 percent.
THE MYTH
Antiperspirants and deodorants cause breast cancer.
THE TRUTH
Researchers at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) are not aware of any conclusive evidence linking the use of underarm antiperspirants or deodorants and the subsequent development of breast cancer.
THE MYTH
While alterations in these genes in Breast cancer is contagious. men and women can predispose an individual to an increased risk THE TRUTH of breast cancer, only 5 percent to You cannot catch breast cancer or 10 percent of patients actually transfer it to someone else’s body. have this mutation. This is not an Breast cancer is the result of unabsolute correlation. Like your age controlled cell growth in your own or having a family history of breast body.However, you can protect cancer, it’s a factor you just can’t yourself by being aware of the risk control. But you can let your factors and following an early dephysician know, perform regular tection plan. Source: The National breast self-exams, and focus on Breast Cancer Foundation the fact your chances of not hav-
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EVENTS CALENDAR Oct. 24 Komen North Mississippi Race for the Cure 8 a.m. Oct. 24 5K and 1 mile fun run. Benefits breast cancer education, screening and diagnostics and research. In person registration and packet pick-up noon to 7 p.m. Oct. 2123 at Tupelo Convention and Visitors Bureau. Nov. 13-14 Vendor’s Cottage will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Nov. 13 and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Women First Resource Center, Tupelo. Vendors will have cosmetics, jewelry, food, clothing, bakeware for sale. Call (662) 842-5725. Ongoing NMMC Mobile Mammography Unit will travel to the following locations around Northeast Mississippi in September. The cost of a screening mammogram is $267 and is available by appointment. Resources are available for those without adequate health insurance coverage. Call (662) 377-7982 or (800) 8433375. • Oct. 21 - Calhoun Health Services, Calhoun City • Oct. 22 - NMMC-Pontotoc • Oct. 26-27 - Tippah County Health Services, Ripley • Oct. 28 - Fulton Medical Clinic
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THE PINK PROJECT
DAILY JOURNAL
12A
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THE PINK PROJECT
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2015
DAILY JOURNAL
Miracle made-over
Tupelo woman has thrice survived cancer BY W. DEREK RUSSELL
TUPELO - To say Jan Leslie has overcome adversity is an understatement. The 60-year-old retiree refuses to sit still, after multiple brushes with her life, and not just from cancer. “When I was first diagnosed with breast cancer, I found a knot that I knew needed to be checked,” she said. “It was cancer, but thank goodness, I was saved.” After being diagnosed in 1998, Leslie completed 23 rounds of chemotherapy and radiation, only to find a second, much larger lump in 2011. “It was the size of a grapefruit,” she said. “I had my right breast removed as a result.” Within a month of being diagnosed for the second time, Leslie also discovered she had cervical cancer, and underwent treatment for more rounds of chemotherapy and radiation. More than 17 years after the initial diagnosis, Leslie’s friends refer to her as a miracle lady. And not just from the cancer. She survived an attack nearly 15 years ago while working on the job, when she was stabbed 28 times. “My whole left side of my face is plastic surgery, thanks to him,” she said of her attacker. “But I had no brain damage. My hands and my nose were broken. The doctors gave me three months to live.” But, the determined Leslie got stronger and refuses to let the attack hold her back. “It took me more than a year to get over it,” she said. “I still have flashbacks, and they tell me I always will, but I’m
Obstetrics • Gynecology For an appointment call
(662) 844-8754 1041 S. Madison Street • Tupelo, MS
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Jan Leslie has survived cancer three times. working on that.” To that end, Leslie is writing a novel about her experiences entitled, “It Happened to Me, Don’t Let it Happen to You.” She hopes her stories will inspire others. “I went to a writer’s conference last weekend and the man giving the lecture told me I had to finish this story,” she said. “He told me to write things down as they come to me, so that’s what I’ve been doing.” Leslie doesn’t like sitting still. After retiring from working at Tupelo nursing homes when she was diagnosed
with cancer, she still finds ways to keep busy. “I still get up and do for myself,” she said. “I enjoy getting acquainted with people. That’s why I liked working in the nursing homes. I loved talking to elderly people. I found out one of my teachers from grammar school was a patient. She had tears in her eyes when I went to visit her. She immediately told her roommate that one of her favorite students had come to visit her. That was such a good place to work. It made me want to to do something for people even more.”
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In her down time, Leslie likes to go for walks with her neighbor, clean house, cross stitch, watch game shows on television, and receive phone calls from her 5-year-old grandson, Will, the apple of her eye. “He knows my phone number now and calls me all the time,” Leslie said. “He told me the other day, ‘Mimi, I want you to quit all your doctors and your lawyer. I’m going to go to Ole Miss and I’ll be your doctor and your lawyer.’ He’s got such a great sense of humor.” Leslie said her love of
music is one thing that’s gotten her through adversity. “I used to play for a gospel group,” she said. “I enjoy music. If I have something that’s bothering me I can sit down and play a song on the piano and it relieves me.” She also enjoys telling her story, and talking with other survivors. “They ask if they can call me and talk about their problems and I love for them to,” she said. “Talking about things makes them easier.”
TUPELO PLASTIC SURGERY CLINIC ROBERT C. BUCKLEY MD
Longtown Medical Park, Suite 101 4381 South Eason Blvd. Tupelo, MS 38801 (662) 377-6630
derek.russell@journalinc.com Twitter: @wderekrussell
Wayne A. Slocum, MD Mark J. Kellum, MD Ronald A. Young, MD D. Eric Webb, MD Brandy R. Patterson, MD
Rachel C. Garner, MD Emily C. Orgler, FNP-BC Melissa L. Barnett, WHNP-BC Amanda M. Weeks, FNP-BC
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Tip #4:
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DAILY JOURNAL
New Albany Gazette
newalbanygazette.com
Wednesday, October 21, 2015 7A
Harris urges women to action against cancer J. Lynn West Each year, during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, Baptist Memorial Hospital-Union County holds a luncheon to honor breast cancer survivors and remember victims. This is also a time that survivors share their own personal stories, which can be at times inspiring, heartwrenching, funny or just familiar, showing how this can happen to anyone. One of the guest speakers this year was Jennifer “J. J.” Harris. J. J. is known to many through her social work and also through being married to attorney Matt Harris. Although her parents are from Ripley, she has New Albany roots in that her mother, Brenda Gay, and her grandparents, Ed and Ireta Daniel were long-time residents here. As with many other victims, J. J. was caught by surprise as she encountered cancer. “Everyone should get mammograms,” she said. “I did, but then didn’t for a couple of years.” Eventually she did go and have one done. “I thought nothing about it,” she said. But then she got a call they wanted to do a followup mammogram. They had spotted something J. J. had not been aware of. “The lump was under my arm and low,” she said. “I did not feel it until they told me.” Still, she was not alarmed. “I had no history of breast cancer,” she said. She learned her insurance wouldn’t pay for a second mammogram so she was going to skip it. But her husband, Matt,
J. Lynn West/Gazette Staff
J. J. Harris tells luncheon attendees about the value of fighting cancer through a team effort. whom she pointed out is not fond of spending money, insisted she go ahead and have the second one done. He even wanted to go with her for the ultrasound. Afterward, she said, “Dr. Lohmeier came in and wanted to do a biopsy.” This was Friday before Memorial Day so J. J. and Matt knew they would have to wait to learn the results. “But it is something you kind of know,” she said. “So Tuesday, May 27, I sat down with Dr. Lohmeier and he said you do have cancer.”
Although such news can be devastating she, as did other survivors, praised Dr. Lohmeier’s handling of the situation and concern for her. “They don’t just see you as a patient, they see you as a person,” she said. J. J. did not want to be immobilized by the news. “I immediately went into active mode,” she said. “I got the girls out of school, Matt got the boy.” Not surprisingly, J. J. was worried about finding the right words to tell the
children about her illness. It turned out the reaction was not what she might have expected. “My daughter’s response was ,’That’s all? That’s curable. I thought you were going to say you and Daddy were getting a divorce.’” “You have to have humor,” J. J. emphasized. Also, you have to have support. “Fighting cancer is a team effort; you can’t do it alone,” she said. She then talked about the elements of her “team.”
“First is God. He gave battle that can be won, but me strength to get out of bed not on your own.” when I did not feel like it,” she said. “Then prayer. I got cards and letters and prayers from people and churches I Baptist Memorial didn’t even know.” Hospital-Union County Next was family. offers digital mam“It was open. We talked mography services to about it,” J. J. said. “And women. my kids talked with their friends so everybody in town knew what was going Potential Benefits on.” of Digital She also credits her husMammography band with unfailing support. More analysis. Be“Matt took off from cause digital mammowork and took me to every grams are stored electreatment,” she said. tronically, they can be Finally, she said she is analyzed by computers grateful to have the other as well as by radioloresources that might not gists. be as good elsewhere, with quality medical personnel Easier second opinon her side. ions. They can easily J. J. said she learned a be sent electronically lesson from the support for analysis. family, church and friends gave. More to see. The im“I needed prayer,” she ages can be manipulatsaid. “But I had to let down ed for better clarity and my pride to lean on them.” visibility. Film mam“I learned don’t deny mogram can’t. blessings others may get from helping you.” Lower average raShe particularly thanked diation dosage. Digital other cancer victims for mammograms often their help and support. “It’s take more views of each so important, friends who breast than the film kind have had cancer who can be -- but they use about there for you,” she said. 25% less radiation. And, “Understanding That’s because smaller co-workers. They never areas of the breast are questioned me. They gave imaged in each view. me encouragement. They picked up what I couldn’t Easier to store. The do.” digital images stay on Through it all, God has a computer. The film prevailed, J. J. said. type produce bulky sets But she still urged womof films. en to get mammograms. “Take action, be cautious,” she said. “This is a
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Editor
Wednesday, October 21, 2015 ◆ CHICKASAW JOURNAL ◆ 9A
Below are some facts about the American Cancer Society and breast cancer.We encourage you to send them to friends and family.These facts demonstrate the work the American Cancer Society has accomplished with other organizations and remind us that together we can create a world with less breast cancer and more birthdays! Learn more at cancer.org or call 1800-227-2345. DOLLARS One of the many ways the American Cancer Society saves lives is by finding cures through groundbreaking research.The American Cancer Society spends $130 million a year on cancer research and has invested more than $3.4 billion in cancer research since its research program began in 1946. DIAGNOSIS In 2009, an estimated 192,370 women in the United States were diagnosed with invasive breast cancer and about 40,610 women were expected to die from the disease.About 1,910 men in the United States were diagnosed with breast cancer. PREVENTION More than half of all cancers could be prevented. Learn how to stay well and reduce your risk of cancer by making healthy lifestyle choices at cancer.org. HEALTH Help reduce your chances of developing breast cancer by exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, and limiting the amount of alcohol you drink. EXERCISE To stay well and reduce your cancer risk, strive for at least 30 minutes of exercise in addition to your usual activities on 5 or more days each week. YOUR DIET To stay well and reduce your cancer risk, maintain a healthy body weight by eating a well-balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Limit the amount of red meats you eat, especially high-fat and processed meats. Learn more about a healthy diet can be at eatrightgetactive.org.
Find a lump? Find out what it is! ■ Information is the key to fighting breast cancer Special to the Chickasaw Journal
Finding a lump is a fear most women have, but finding out what that lump might be is the first step to relieving that fear and fighting breast cancer. Many conditions can cause lumps in the breast, including cancer. But most breast lumps are caused by other medical conditions. The two most common causes of breast lumps are fibrocystic breast condition and cysts. Fibrocystic condition causes noncancerous changes in the breast that can make them lumpy, tender, and sore. Cysts are small fluid-filled sacs that can develop in the breast. A breast is made up of three main parts: glands, ducts, and connective tissue. The glands produce milk. The ducts are passages that carry milk to the nipple. The connective tissue (which consists of fibrous and fatty tissue)
FILE PHOTO
Finding a lump is easy and something almost all women experience at some point in their life. The key to proper breast health is going to a doctor and finding out quickly what it might be. connects and holds everything together. No breast is typical. What is normal for you may not be normal for another woman. Most women say their breasts feel lumpy or uneven. The way your breasts look and feel can be affected by getting your period, having children, losing or gaining weight, and taking certain medications. Breasts also tend to change as you age.
There are different kinds of breast cancer. The kind of breast cancer depends on which cells in the breast turn into cancer. Breast cancer can begin in different parts of the breast, like the ducts or the lobes. Common kinds of breast cancer are: • Ductal carcinoma. -The most common kind of breast cancer. It begins in the cells that line the
milk ducts in the breast, also called the lining of the breast ducts. • Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) -- The abnormal cancer cells are only in the lining of the milk ducts, and have not spread to other tissues in the breast. • Invasive ductal carcinoma -- The abnormal cancer cells break through the ducts and spread into other parts of the breast tissue. Invasive cancer cells can also spread to other parts of the body. • Lobular carcinoma -In this kind of breast cancer, the cancer cells begin in the lobes, or lobules, of the breast. Lobules are the glands that make milk. • Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) -- The cancer cells are found only in the breast lobules. Lobular carcinoma in situ, or LCIS, does not spread to other tissues. • Invasive lobular carcinoma -- Cancer cells spread from the lobules to the breast tissues that are close by. These invasive cancer cells can also spread to other parts of the body.
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Breast Cancer Facts & Resources
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2015
itawambatimes.com
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8A THE ITAWAMBA COUNTY TIMES ■ FULTON, MISSISSIPPI
itawambatimes.com WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2015
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THE ITAWAMBA COUNTY TIMES ■ FULTON, MISSISSIPPI
9A
Monroe Journal
Page 10A, Wednesday, October 21, 2015
BY RAY VAN DUSEN Monroe Journal
ABERDEEN – In observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Pioneer Community Hospital will host a free luncheon at First United Methodist Church Oct. 28 at noon. The Paint the Hospital
Pink annual ladies luncheon will be held at the church’s fellowship hall. Door prizes will be available. Speakers include Sarah Palmer, who is a breast cancer survivor who will speak about how being positive helps with the fight. Radiology technician Austin James will also
speak about the hospital's mammography service that will be available in the future at PCH's medical plaza. The hospital’s theme for the month is “Give Cancer the Boot.” Everyone is invited and those planning to attend are asked to call 369-2455.
Hamilton school recognizing local breast cancer survivors
BY RAY VAN DUSEN
Monroe Journal
HAMILTON – Hamilton athletics will spread the message of breast cancer awareness Oct. 23 before its home football game against West Lowndes High School, beginning with the honoring of five school employees who are breast cancer survivors. The faculty members will be the honorary team captains and will flip the coin before the game. They’ll
also be presented with a signed football. “There are no words to describe the support you have. The support here at Hamilton is unreal,” said Hamilton Career Center Technician Sharon Logan. “It’s a great community to live and work in.” This year as a fundraiser to benefit Baptist Memorial Golden Triangle’s Infusion Center, school officials sold 128 commemorative Tshirts. As part of the pre-game
ceremonies, cheer camp participants will perform during the first quarter and junior high cheerleaders will perform during the second quarter while spreading breast cancer awareness. Anyone related to the school's cheerleaders will be recognized with a pink pom pom. Breast cancer survivors are invited to the ceremony as well to be recognized from the stands. The event begins at 6:30 p.m.
Daniel Baptist Church hosting cancer walk BY RAY VAN DUSEN Monroe Journal
ABERDEEN – Daniel Baptist Church will take the lead in spreading not only breast cancer awareness, but awareness of all cancers Oct. 24 with a walk through downtown. "On a united front, cancer is riddling everybody's house. I've heard of cancer in Monroe County and in Aberdeen," said Maddie
Ewing, who with other congregation members, was inspired by her pastor, Timothy E. Thompson, to make the event bigger. Last year, Daniel Baptist Church members had a similar walk. "We encourage people to come to us. I know some of the struggles of people. I had one friend who didn't let me in until the end. There are people who want to help you if you just reach
your hand out," Ewing said. In addition to cancer awareness, the walk is also intended to promote healthy living. The public is invited to gather at the Aberdeen Park and Recreation building at the corner of South Matubba and Commerce streets at 9 a.m. The walk will stretch on to City Hall where there will be live entertainment and speakers.
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Pioneer Community Hospital hosts annual ladies luncheon
Monroe Journal
Wednesday, October 21, 2015, Page 11A
ALICE ORTIZ/BUY AT PHOTOS.MONROECOUNTYJOURNAL.COM
Cancer changed Haney’s values and brought her closer to the Lord BY ALICE ORTIZ
Monroe Journal
WREN – Beverly Haney had a mammogram in January 2014, and it came back fine. She noticed some changes in her breast and in April 2014, she went to her gynecologist, who immediately sent her to the Breast Health Center in Tupelo the same day. She was scheduled for a biopsy, and it came back as invasive ductal carcinoma. It was already in her under arm lymph nodes. “They sent me to University of AlabamaBirmingham, where they repeated some of the tests, did a bone scan and another biopsy,” Haney said. “They discovered the cancer had metastasized to the bones.” Haney has a team made up of a radiation oncologist, a medical oncologist and a surgical oncologist. She met with all three, and they took a team approach to her care. “I had 16 rounds of chemo and on the fourth treatment I lost my hair,” she said. “I had my surgery in October 2014 in Birmingham and the tumor, which had been pretty large, had shrunk.” She had 35 rounds of radiation in Tupelo. “This has been the most blessed experience of my life. It has totally changed my relationship with the Lord. I was already saved and knew it, but I have experienced God's full grace in my life,” Haney said. “It has been a time of growth in my life. I value things differently now.” Haney's cancer in her bones is not curable. She says she is learning to live day-to-day. “I want to warn women who have dense breasts not to trust mammograms. This didn't show up on my mammogram,” she said. “Ultrasound is the next diagnostic tool. If the doctor orders one, insurance will probably pay for it.” Haney said she has had a wonderful support system from family, co-workers, friends and church family. Some of them ran as a team for her at the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in Tupelo. “My husband, James, has been my rock. He went with me to every appointment and treatment,” Haney said. She feels good now, and is taking Tamoxifen. On a recent CAT scan, her organs looked good as well. “My oncologists said I could live a long time. The bone cancer is treatable, but not curable,” she said. “It doesn't worry me. I am here as long as the Lord wants me here.”
RAY VAN DUSEN/BUY AT PHOTOS.MONROECOUNTYJOURNAL.COM
Aberdeen students march down Main Street Oct. 15 to spread breast cancer awareness as part of the school district’s homecoming parade.
RAY VAN DUSEN/BUY AT PHOTOS.MONROECOUNTYJOURNAL.COM
Pioneer Community Hospital employees joined with members of the community Oct. 2 for a balloon release to kick off a month of events the hospital has planned for Breast Cancer Awareness month.
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Beverly Haney holds her pride and joy, 9-month-old grandson, Andrew "Huck" Haney.
Wednesday, October 21, 2015 • Pontotoc Progress • pontotoc-progress.com
Page 8A
REGINA BUTLER Progress Staff Writer
Patsy Patterson remembers holding her mamas hand during the last six months of her life as she lay dying from breast cancer thirty years ago. Two years later, her dad died of prostate cancer. “Cancer was always an ugly word around our house,” Patsy said. “But mama never had yearly breast exams, they weren’t really stressed.” After her mama died, Patsy made it a point to have her yearly mammograms. “In the early spring of 2004 I went for my yearly mammogram. “The next morning I left for a conference in Washington, D.C., never giving the mammogram a second thought,” she said. Because her exams were so routine she didn’t even have pause when her husband told her that she got a card in the mail to call about her mammogram. “I thought it was a glitch or something minor.” She was instructed to go back for another mammogram. “This led to a sonogram and a referral to a surgeon for a biopsy.” She was shown a little spot “which was about the size of a small lima bean. I wasn’t worried, I thought it was nothing.” But her husband wasn’t so sure “so he insisted that he go with me that day to hear the results.” She grew serious. “I was glad he did because when the surgeon came in we knew from his expression that it was not good.” The doctor broke the news to her gently. “‘I have good news and bad news,’” he said.” The doctor told them the bad news first that it indeed was cancer. “When I heard the word ‘cancer’ knowing that both my mama and daddy died of it, it was scary. “But the doctor told us that the good news was that he found it in the early stage so I had two options to consider.” Patsy was given the option of removing the cancer and surrounding lymph nodes with a lumpectomy
and treat it with radiation or do a complete mastectomy with no treatments. “I opted for the lumpectomy and 33 radiation treatments.” While she was processing this information, she was keenly aware that she was going to have to call her children and break the news. Armed with the encouragement of the doctor, she placed the call. “The doctor was so positive about the whole situation, and told me I could get through this. “The hardest part was calling my children, because they remember the suffering my parents went through. “But I was positive and upbeat about it. I told my children I am going to be okay. I told God, If I go or I say,I knew You are with me all the way.” Perhaps a little too okay, she chuckled “My daughter said, ‘Mama you might be okay with it but we are not.’ “But I had such strong support of my family and my church from the very beginning.” She opted for the 33 radiation treatments. “I finished those around the July fourth holiday and left the same day on a trip with my family and I haven’t slowed down since.” Patsy said what has kept her going through it all was seeing the other people who were at the cancer care center when she went for her treatments. “So many people were there that had it so much worse than I did,” she confided. “I never lost my hair, I had some blistering on the skin at the treatment sight and that hurt, but I didn’t have to suffer.” Patsy went on to take a cancer preventive drug for five years after her final treatment in July of 2005. “I am declared as cancer free. I am 71 years old and I wake up every morning with a smile on my face and a thankful heart because I know that teach day is a blessing from God.” And she has striven to be a blessing to others who are going through the struggles of cancer.
“The hardest part was calling my children, because they remember the suffering my parents went through.”
“I bought some little silver bracelets to give to those who are going through cancer too. “I gave one to a girl in Louisville, and when I was down there on my job several years ago, she looked at me and told me that she wears her bracelet every day; and ‘every time I look at it I think about you and it gives me hope.’’ She encouraged women to get their mammograms. “I would have never found my cancer without it,” she said. “I believe it saved my life.” Even though she is retired, she continues to help others. “I am still active in my church, Fairview Methodist, where I teach a young adult class on Sunday morning, work with the youth on Wednesday night and play the piano. “But I could have never gotten
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through this difficult time without my faith in God, the love and support of my husband, Doug, and my three wonderful children, Kim, Kris, Greg and their spouses. “I know that I have been spared so I can enjoy my grandchildren and my little great-granddaughter.” The experience has also weighed hard on her daughters. “They are both over 40 now and they get their yearly mammograms,” Patsy said. And even though she had a relatively easy time of it compared to others, the impact of the experience didn’t fall on a deaf heart. “It was such a wake up call to me. It made me stop and think about how valuable life is and it made me appreciate the little things like the beauty of a sunrise.”
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Patsy Patterson
14A • Southern Sentinel
Wednesday, October 21, 2015
Public perception that breast cancer is only identified by lumps detected through self-examination or routine mammography may prevent thousands of women from receiving an early diagnosis and the care they need. Although lumps are the most common symptom associated with the disease, women should recognize that breast cancer can produce additional symptoms. Susan G. Komen for the Cure, one of the premier organizations for breast cancer research, advocacy and treatment, advises that the warning signs for breast cancer are not the same for all women (or men). Various changes in the breast and body can occur, including the following conditions.
• Changes to the skin: Dimpling of the skin, peeling, flaking, or scaling skin can be a cause for concern as well. • Lumps elsewhere: Cancerous tumors may not only be felt in the breasts. Breast cancer can spread to the lymph nodes around the breasts, and lumps may be felt under the arms. • Unexplained pain: The Mayo Clinic advises that less than 10 percent of people diagnosed with breast cancer report pain as a symptom. But unexplained pain in an area of the breast should not be ignored. Breast pain that does not go away and seems to involve one area of the breast should be checked.
• Breast-size changes: Many left and right breasts are not completely symmetrical, and women familiar with their bodies know that one breast is often slightly larger than the other. However, breast-size changes that occur out of the blue may be indicative of a medical problem. • Skin rash or redness: Women who are breastfeeding can experience a rash on the breasts from an infection of breast tissue. But those who are not breastfeeding should be evaluated by a doctor if redness, irritation or rash appears. • Nipple changes: Nipple discharge that starts suddenly and
• Fatigue: General cancer symptoms can include unusual fatigue and unexplained weight loss. These symptoms should not be left unchecked.
Lumps in the breast are not the only potential indicators of breast cancer.
is not associated with breastfeeding can be indicative of cancer. Other changes to the nipples, such as pulling in of
the nipple (inversion) or itchy, scaling skin on the nipple, should be brought to the attention of a doctor.
One of the best things women and men can do is to familiarize themselves with their bodies so they will be more capable of pinpointing any irregularities that may develop. Individuals can routinely look at their breasts and inspect for subtle changes. But remember that hormonal breast changes occur during the menstrual cycle, so it’s best to be familiar with how breasts look and feel both during and after menstruation.
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Lesser-known symptoms of breast cancer