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My name is Ronda H. I have been with Kroger for 22 years. I was diagnosed with breast cancer on February 27, 2009.
My journey started on February 12, 2009, with a routine mammogram. By the following week, I was having a diagnostic mammogram, ultrasound and was scheduled for biopsies on both breasts. The results did not come back looking good. My husband and doctor waited for me to come into the conference room, and I will never forget the look in my husband’s eyes when he told me that I was positive for breast cancer. I chose to have my biopsies sent to a special diagnostic center in California to help determine how aggressive the treatment should be – in other words, if chemo would be part of my treatment plan. The test came back that my type of cancer would not benefit from chemo—that only hormone treatment was needed. I feel very blessed, but guilty at the same time about my treatment. My heart goes out to the women and men who have not been as fortunate as myself.
Early detection is key. Keep a positive attitude and lots of laughter!
Up until this year, my knowledge of breast cancer was very slim. What I thought I knew was that only the very fortunate survived and that this was only a woman’s disease. I started searching and found there was a lot of good information to the contrary, but also a lot of "bad" information on breast cancer that made it all very scary. My husband even started telling me to stop reading the articles because it was just too much. I decided to just stay focused on my situation and take things one day at a time.
I believe the most important factors in going through this are a positive attitude, lots and lots of humor and the power of prayer from family and friends. I’ve learned just how strong I am as a person and that I’m not going to let the cancer consume me. I am a fighter and full of "spunk"—some people have used other words, but I can’t repeat them here! It helps if you can stay upbeat and not let it all consume you. Attitude is everything!
I am living proof that with all of the research we have now, detection is being done earlier with better results. Talk to your doctor and the care specialists who are working with you—they can answer most of your questions without scaring or stressing you out more. There are support groups that will help you also.
- Ronda
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