My Story: The Big "C" Word....................by Joy Schanil Schwan

Joy Schwan 1966

 

Joy Schanil Schwan 2016

Since October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I thought it would be a good time to tell my story.

My story started 69 years ago this coming January when I was born as a “Grandchild.”  That’s the way I always felt as my mother was 45 years old at my birth.  All my friends had parents in their 20's or so.  From what I understand that is why I was named Joy, as it was my mother's greatest "JOY" to have her one and only child at 45 years of age.  However, by the time I was 10 years of age, my mom had passed away due to breast cancer.

Fast forward 68 years – this past spring I went in for my yearly mammogram-3D, as that is what they do these days. This time there was an abnormality and an ultrasound was ordered. After studying the ultrasound, I was given the option of either waiting 6 months to see if anything had changed, or do a biopsy. I elected to have the biopsy – who wants to wait 6 months if there is something wrong. After the biopsy, the very next day I was informed that there were cancer cells present in the biopsy, of course my first thought was of my mom.

I was scheduled for surgery the Wednesday after our 50th Class Reunion. The results were great – thank goodness for all this modern technology. My tumor was 8mm in size and the limp node was clear as well as all the area around the tumor. The next step was 30 days of radiation. A very small price to pay for a clean bill of health.

Joy: Cancer Survivor

When I think back to my mom, she never saw me grow up, graduate from high school, get married, or meet my two children who would have been her grandchildren. I have been very blessed.  I have been able to share everything in my children’s lives that my mom never had a chance to do. I have 5 grandchildren, 7 step grandchildren – 2 great granddaughters and 4 step great granddaughters.  I should also mention that I have been married to the same great man for 47 years. Life is good!

I know several classmates and many friends who have also gone through breast cancer and are also SURVIVORS – it is a wonderful feeling. I cannot stress enough how important it is to get a yearly mammogram – it can be a LIFE SAVER.  As my husband says, I get to be around for many more years to irritate him – but he wouldn’t have it any other way!

This is MY STORY..........Joy Schanil Schwan
 

Breast Cancer Awareness