As the coronavirus pandemic continues to develop, SHARE is committed to delivering the most up-to-date information to women affected by breast, metastatic breast, ovarian or uterine cancer. We are so grateful to our esteemed medical leaders for providing us with their insight and answers in the following videos.
COVID-19 Updates for Breast and Gynecologic Cancer Patients
Jennie’s Story
The idea of breast cancer wasn't new to me when I felt a lump in my breast three months after I missed my scheduled mammogram in 2000 (my cousin had been treated for breast cancer and I had done walks to raise money for the disease). Still, I didn't think it applied to me so I waited a couple of weeks before I called my doctor.
Jeanne: I Had Reconstruction
When I realized I needed to have a double mastectomy, I couldn't decide whether or not to have reconstruction as well. I talked to a friend of a friend who had opted not to have reconstruction; she was very comfortable with her decision, but she described herself as concave rather than just flat.
Finding The Balance Point
My healing process from cancer took 9 months. In this period I have changed dramatically, physically as well as mentally. But while the physical change was structured, visible and very expectable (‘you receive chemo ; your hair falls out’), the mental change was and still is unexpected. To my great surprise, I found out that coping with physical symptoms was relatively easy for me. I got used to not having hair, to the metallic taste in my mouth, to the sore muscles, to the scars and even to the absence of body parts. I got used to it because I understood that this was the price I would have to pay in order to reach my goal; my ultimate goal; to be healthy.
Barbara: Breast And Ovarian Cancer Survivor
I always knew that someday I would hear the words "you have cancer." My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 44 in 1973, and was treated by having a radical mastectomy. She looked like the famous NY Times magazine cover. The following year she had a reoccurrence in the remaining breast tissue and at that time went through radiation.
Marsha’s Story
I was diagnosed with breast cancer in November 1999, a month before my 57th birthday. My tumor was found when I went for my annual mammogram. I was lucky they found it when they did because it was small enough for me to have a lumpectomy and just radiation.
Grace: Why I Volunteer On Share’s Hotline
I was diagnosed with breast cancer back in 1993 and it was a great shock to me. I came to SHARE even before I had my surgery because I needed to talk to someone. Then around 2001, I got back in touch with SHARE to volunteer, and I've been working on the Helpline ever since.
Shirley: What I Get From Share
When I came to SHARE, I was warmly welcomed by the people here, and I more or less felt at home right away. So I have been volunteering for SHARE for about two years now.
Coming to SHARE really does something to my mental status that gives me a lift.
