|
My name is Diane Chacon. I’ve worked at Smith’s for nearly five years. And I am a breast cancer survivor.
I was born in Idaho, but I was raised in Utah, where I’ve lived most of my life. I’ve been married to my wonderful husband for the last 24 years and we have 3 amazing children—two sons and a daughter. In January 2008, I decided to start a diet to lose weight and work on a healthier lifestyle. I lost weight in my chest first and started needing to buy new clothes for the new me. I was excited to see the results.
A positive attitude, humor, and early detection were my cure!
In March, I was doing a self-exam in the shower when I felt a lump on the upper side of my right breast. I went to the doctor, and two days later, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Things changed so quickly. No one in my family (three generations) had ever had breast cancer—I was actually the first to have cancer of any kind. All I knew about breast cancer was that self-exams, yearly check-ups, and mammograms were really important.
My first year was a tough journey. I was diagnosed, had a mastectomy, underwent chemotherapy, lost all of my hair, had multiple reconstructive surgeries, and finally a full hysterectomy. It’s been a long road—but God, love and the support I received from friends, family, and my “other” family at Smith's gave me the strength to fight back and the will to want to live. I was not ready to give up. I am a survivor and a fighter and I have a lot to live for—my husband, 3 children, parents, siblings, and friends. Working for Smith’s in the floral department has been my therapy. All of the hugs and kisses that I get on a daily basis put a smile on my face. Cancer has changed my life forever, but I feel it has been a blessing because I am truly alive today.
I talk to a lot of women now, especially Latina women, and let them know how important it is to do self-exams, have yearly check-ups, and mammograms. Early detection can save your life. It is curable at an early stage and I am proof of the value of early detection. I am a survivor. I know firsthand that life is too short. Now, I just I live one day at a time and think about today, not yesterday or tomorrow. Have faith, have humor, have attitude, and stay strong!
- Diane
|