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My name is Beverly. I’ve been a part of the Kroger family for the past 8 years. And I am a breast cancer survivor.
I’m from Indiana and have two great daughters and two new grandsons. In 1972, I had 2 nodules removed with a recurrence in 1977. We kept a very close watch with subsequent check-ups and mammograms every 6 months, but I was officially diagnosed with breast cancer in April 1977.
Breast cancer has no age. Get checked today!
I was only 25 years old at the time and really didn't know much about breast cancer prior to my diagnosis. There was no history of breast cancer in my family and I never thought it would be an issue. Living in a small town back in 1977, no one in my family really felt comfortable talking about it. And when I went to Fort Wayne for treatments, breast cancer was like a plague that no one spoke about. A lot has changed since then. One of the positives I’ve taken from the experience is that I’ve been able to share my experience and make it easier to talk about—but also that breast cancer can strike at any age, even in your twenties.
Through all of this, my mother was my biggest supporter and played such big part in helping me and caring for my first daughter, who was very little at the time. The support I received at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne, IN, was great too. Be strong and find a good support system of family and friends-you will need these people to be there for you, to listen, and to help in any way. They’ve helped me so much over the years. Throughout this experience, I never felt alone, but I did feel different. My body looked and felt very different and I was very self-conscious without my breasts. Over time, you find a way to adjust. I also learned that my health was extremely important and that I needed strength to be able to take care of my young daughter.
I believe that cancer can be cured with your fight and determination, plus everything that the medical profession knows about it today. In addition to being active with my church group and participating in annual walks, I am currently searching for an answer that addresses women with implants and finding a way to make sure women continue their checkups when they are no longer allowed to have mammograms. I have faith in modern technology and that it will prevail in discovering new ways to handle this situation.
I feel very fortunate and want other women, even young women, to know that breast cancer can happen at any time. It is important to catch it early. Be sure to employ the "buddy system" and follow through on anything abnormal. Stay on top of your check-ups and do your self-exams regularly.
- Beverly
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