Lorraine Washa's personal survivor story
Tuesday, September 11, 2001 was not only a horrific day for the United States, it also turned out to be a horrible day for me personally. It was the day that confirmed my suspicions that I had breast cancer.
I found a huge lump in my left breast while I was on a camping trip in the BWCA during the early part of August.
When I felt it, I became scared and had a sinking feeling it could be breast cancer but did not want to totally face that possibility.
Once the shock of having breast cancer wore off, I was able to confront this disease with confidence that I 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 dear family, friends and my spirituality for support. Being optimistic is not always easy when you are faced with a health crisis.
At the beginning you are confronted with so many things for approaching your particular health care. You put your trust in the doctors and hope they will offer the best possible care for your situation. The most important thing I learned was to ask questions no matter how insignificant they may have seemed.
I feel the health care I received was excellent. My surgeon had a significant amount of experience of dealing with breast cancer patients. He was very knowledgeable and empathetic of my diagnosis. He and my oncologist carried me through the steps with good health care service. They made me feel that I was not alone and that my breast cancer was treatable, which meant a high rate for the possibility of survival.
This gave me hope that I could overcome and survive breast cancer. People would marvel at my upbeat attitude.
I see the glass half full and can find the positive in anything, especially when facing adversity. As a positive effect of having breast cancer, I have gained many new friends and sisters who are a part of the Survivor Sistership Dragon Boat team.
In fact, I have accepted the position as the new captain for the 2008 team. With family, friends and God by my side, "How can anyone lose?"