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Tamarac Mayor Beth Talabisco (Photo by Andre Rowe / October 24, 2012) |
November will mark two years for me as a cancer survivor.
This last May, hosting the Tamarac Relay for Life event and having the survivor sash placed on me, then walking the first lap as a survivor — the magnitude of what I, and others, have been through really hit me. Tears were streaming down my cheeks.
In October 2010, I discovered what I thought felt like a pulled muscle directly under my right collarbone. This was approximately three months after a clean mammogram.
On Nov. 15, my husband and I felt, that to be on the safe side, I would have it checked. I was not concerned, nor was my husband, Jack.
We were wrong. Within 24 hours of seeing the doctor, I was diagnosed with cancer in my right breast and soon thereafter my left breast.
On Nov. 29, the result was a double mastectomy. It all happened so quickly! And I took such good care of myself—and no family history. How did this happen?
Thankfully, there was no lymph node involvement so no chemotherapy or radiation. I see my oncologist every four months, take arimidex every day for five years and follow a supplement/vitamin program prescribed by my doctors. I practice yoga, meditate and spin. I feel fab and having a husband who had a heart transplant six years ago helped to pave the way for dealing with a major health issue.
With tremendous support from the best medical team imaginable, family, friends, City of Tamarac colleagues and staff, five King Charles spaniels and Jack, I made the journey. I realized that I had to rely on my inner strength for myself and those around me.
I grieve for my former body, but am learning to appreciate my new one.
I believe in dealing with the hand you are dealt with grace, dignity, a sense of humor—to be mindful every day that life and all it has to offer is a gift—and never to be taken for granted.
I am married to the most wonderful man in the world. He is my biggest supporter, and I love him more than anything! Every day I am grateful for all that has been given to me.
This last May, hosting the Tamarac Relay for Life event and having the survivor sash placed on me, then walking the first lap as a survivor — the magnitude of what I, and others, have been through really hit me. Tears were streaming down my cheeks.
In October 2010, I discovered what I thought felt like a pulled muscle directly under my right collarbone. This was approximately three months after a clean mammogram.
On Nov. 15, my husband and I felt, that to be on the safe side, I would have it checked. I was not concerned, nor was my husband, Jack.
We were wrong. Within 24 hours of seeing the doctor, I was diagnosed with cancer in my right breast and soon thereafter my left breast.
On Nov. 29, the result was a double mastectomy. It all happened so quickly! And I took such good care of myself—and no family history. How did this happen?
Thankfully, there was no lymph node involvement so no chemotherapy or radiation. I see my oncologist every four months, take arimidex every day for five years and follow a supplement/vitamin program prescribed by my doctors. I practice yoga, meditate and spin. I feel fab and having a husband who had a heart transplant six years ago helped to pave the way for dealing with a major health issue.
With tremendous support from the best medical team imaginable, family, friends, City of Tamarac colleagues and staff, five King Charles spaniels and Jack, I made the journey. I realized that I had to rely on my inner strength for myself and those around me.
I grieve for my former body, but am learning to appreciate my new one.
I believe in dealing with the hand you are dealt with grace, dignity, a sense of humor—to be mindful every day that life and all it has to offer is a gift—and never to be taken for granted.
I am married to the most wonderful man in the world. He is my biggest supporter, and I love him more than anything! Every day I am grateful for all that has been given to me.
