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My name is Penny. I have worked for Kroger for 26 years. And I am a breast cancer survivor.
I was born and raised in Louisville, and I have two wonderful sons (18 and 15) who have been incredibly supportive and mean the world to me. At the time of my breast cancer diagnosis in September 2007, I had no idea how many different types of breast cancer there were out there. In my case, I had a bad family history with the disease. My aunt died of breast cancer when she was 39 and my first cousin was also diagnosed at 39 with DCIS. I was diagnosed at 45.
I am living proof that breast cancer can be beat. Schedule your mammogram today!
My first scare came in the summer of 2006. I had to have a needle biopsy and lumpectomy that August and was relieved when it came back clear. Then, in June of 2007, I bought some "good" bras (if you are a woman, you’ll know what I mean!). Each time I wore them, I experienced a discomfort. I mentioned this to my sister and she insisted that I call my doctor. I felt silly, but called anyway. The oncologist ordered another mammogram even though I had just had one that March. The day I had the mammogram the doctor pulled me right out and said that she’d found something suspicious. They skipped right past the needle biopsy and did a lumpectomy in 2 spots. That was in August of 2007—I was diagnosed with DCIS breast cancer September 2007. I was very lucky since DCIS is usually very curable. Instead of one mass, it is more like pepper spread throughout the breast. Because of this, my oncologist suggested that a mastectomy was the best course of action, which I had on October 8th, 2007.
Through this journey, I've learned that I have a great family and some true friends, including my co-workers. I learned to be more empathetic towards others and know that others also have health challenges. I've learned to give hugs—they work! Also how to talk to others and not be too shy to help. I learned that I could face the scary "C" word and work my way through it. You can’t let it defeat you. You just have to plow through it. I guess I learned that I had some inner strength, too.
How has breast cancer changed me? I think I am a nicer person now. I know that sounds dumb, but I think I was a bit tougher before. I am more aware of other people's health problems now and realize what they are going through. Breast cancer awareness is my personal cause, and I try to use my store as a forum, building displays and fundraising for great causes like the American Cancer Society, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, and Susan G. Komen for the Cure. My family, friends, and co-workers have all used their amazing talents to raise money and support the cause.
I'd say that having breast cancer has changed me for the better. The experience has made me recognize the important things and helped me find more balance in my life. I think the most important thing is to live your life well after you go through it—it is not all tragedy. The most important thing is living life well afterwards.
- Penny
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