DuluthCommunityNews

From left are cancer survivors Terri Newman, Peggy Rydberg, Peggy Anderson and Rita Korenhen- Raudman (photo by Gina Wilken).

Heide’s has been open for 15 years now and the four women who work there spend time trying to help other women overcome the effects of breast cancer.

Peggy Anderson, 59, had her darkest moment come true three years ago--she had breast cancer.

“Even though pain is not often associated with early stages of breast cancer, I could feel the uncomfortable pain,� Anderson said. “I desperately wanted peace with my overtaxed body.�

Unfortunately, cancer was not new territory for Anderson. She had been diagnosed with cervical cancer in her 20s.

“I cherished each day from my 20s on,� she said. “I had counted all the blessings in my life.�

Anderson went through a series of at least five surgeries to extinguish the breast cancer, including having 21 lymph nodes removed and a lumpectomy. According to the American Cancer Society, a lumpectomy removes only the breast lump and a surrounding margin of normal tissue.

“I couldn’t deal with having my breasts cut off,� Anderson said.

Since her diagnoses she has met many wonderful men and women who also have been diagnosed with breast cancer.

“They have amazing strength, humor, and a desire to end breast cancer,� Anderson said.

Nancy Lowney, a 53-year-old Duluth resident, was diagnosed with breast cancer in August of 2000.

She received mammograms annually, but the lump she discovered just under her left breast never showed up.

“I just don't think they aimed it low enough to pick it up,� Lowney said.� The doctor could not find it [lump] until I showed him.�

When Lowney went in for what she thought was a simple lumpectomy, she found out she had cancer. It had already spread to 3 out of 18 lymph nodes.

Her left breast was removed.

“My husband Tim told me it was cancer when I woke up and the doctor had removed my breast,� Lowney said.

Lowney underwent six months of intense chemotherapy. She lost all of her hair and felt numbness in her hands and feet.

“I owe my life to my surgeon and oncologist,� Lowney said.

She said if it wasn’t for the fact that she has a scar to remind her of what she has been through, she would never think twice about having had breast cancer.

“I run my cancer's life, it doesn’t run mine,� Lowney said.

She feels very lucky to have had a cancer that they know how to treat.

“So I lost a breast, so what, it’s just skin,� Lowney said. “I’m moving ahead in life with courage, hope and lots of love.�

Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2001 was not only a horrific day for the United States but also Lorraine Washa.

It was the day that confirmed her suspicions--she had breast cancer--when she just turned to 47.

“When I felt it [lump], I became scared and had a sinking feeling it could be breast cancer, but did not want to totally face that possibility,� Washa said.

Once the shock of having breast cancer wore off she said she was able to confront this disease with confidence that she would be a survivor.

“Somehow I knew that after undergoing surgery for a lumpectomy, chemotherapy and radiation I could survive anything as long as I maintained a positive attitude and had support,� Washa said.

She said people marvel at her upbeat attitude.

“I see the glass half full and can find the positive in anything, especially when faced with adversity,� Washa said.

Joanna Regnier, who is certified in fitting both prosthetics and compression garments at Heide’s, is very impressed by these women.

“Each woman is unique and has a passion for living life to the fullest,� Regnier said. “These women are the strongest, bravest people I know.�

According to the American Cancer Society, it's estimated that this year alone about 178,480 women in the United States will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer. It is the most common cancer among women in the United States.

Breast cancer survivors make up of the largest group of cancer survivors according to the 2004 FDA Consumer Report.