Breast Cancer Survivors-A Dedication

Today in Phoenix the Annual Breast Cancer "Race for the Cure" is happening. Officials are estimating that at least half a million people will participate in running, walking or volunteering to help the event. Today is perfect weather for the Race because we have bright sunshine and cool temperatures-currently 76 degrees.

I have four friends who are Breast cancer survivors: Tanya- that's her facing the camera, laughing with Wooka, Cheryl-a co-worker, Susan-a co-worker turned friend and Dorie-friend. You can find sites and blogs all over the 'Net today about awareness events and requests for pledges but I'm supporting Susan who will be participating in the "Walk for A Cure". Last year Susan was strong enough to walk 60 miles, and she showed me the blisters and sores to prove it. She has been cancer free for more than eight years and we are the better for knowing her.

Tanya's illness was the one that 'rattled' me most in that she was in her mid-thirties, had no family history of breast cancer, and because she was one of the healthiest women I knew. She was very particular about what she ate, exercised, didn't smoke or drink-healthy. So when she announced to the church her diagnosis we were all so upset but like good friends, and strong Christians, we put on brave faces for her.

There were times when brave faces cracked and broke and real fear shined through. Times when Tanya would call us from whichever hospital room she was in, voice weary and drained after traveling across the Southwest to different cancer centers trying to save her breasts from being cut away from her body. We'd listen, silent tears falling, as she described having to endure the tests of having pieces of her flesh invaded by tubes, needles, plugs and scopes.

We saw her beautiful dark skin turn into charcoal, black ink. We saw her weight drop from 160 to 135 or 140. Most of all we saw her completely bald.

When we were young girls, we hated Tanya because of her hair. While my sister and I had hair that barely came down to the bottom of our ears, Tanya's hair was thick and coarse and fell to the middle of her back. Along with her breasts, cancer took Tanya's beautiful hair. In place of the long coarse hair, Tanya's hair, her 'post-cancer' hair is short, wavy and soft like a baby's hair.

Each of these ladies are so brave and I've listened to their stories of overcoming tests, chemo and radiation treatments. I've heard fear make their voices waver when speaking of dying and leaving their children and families behind, of the fears of no longer being attractive to their husbands or potential husbands. I've seen the long, cruel scars where breasts used to be, and have marvelled at breast reconstruction. Most of all though, I now make it a habit to self examine myself because I know that breat cancer can hit anyone, anytime. And I support people like Susan who walk so her daughters won't have to.