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Breast Cancer Awareness: Score one for the survivors

By Megan Roth

More sufferers survive breast cancer today than did the sufferers of previous generations (check out the survival rates based on staging – it’s quite impressive but could still stand improvement; nowadays, there’s a 97% five-year survival rate when localized breast cancer is caught before it spreads to other parts of the body). Chalk it up to improved treatments, advanced technological devices, or a survivor’s will to fight. We can rationalize in numerous ways; however, I believe each of there’s one factor consistently affecting improved survival rates: increased awareness. Regardless of the reason, the increased success rates are a wonderful, wonderful thing.

At least, they seem to be; however, certain survivors don’t necessarily feel that way at first. They may feel like a part of them is missing –a part they’ll never be able to get back. They’re bodies have changed (many of them have undergone a mastectomy while others have experienced hair loss and/or weight fluctuation as the result of treatment) and so has their outlook on life.

Personally, I don’t feel it’s fair for me to comment on how a survivor should feel or to rationalize why they feel the way they do; the best I can do is relay what survivor’s have told me. Each person I spoke with commented that, difficult as it may be, one must look at the bright side (easier said than done, I’d imagine). Yes – their bodies were different; however, despite those differences, they’re thankful for what they’ve been given. Despite the different physical aspects and the aches and pains they’ve experienced, each gained a new appreciation for their bodies – after all they’ve been through, they’re still alive.

I have to say, that’s pretty admirable. And I commend each individual who survives such an ordeal and is able to get their life back on track. Certain organizations have created a sort of guidelines to help survivors do just that.

Ribbon of Pink is just one of the many organizations offering advice as such; they prompt survivors to redefine what’s normal; things are going to change, that’s a given. However, it’s important to accept this and adjust accordingly. Next, they suggest to take one day at a time and plan for the future. Use your family and friends for support; they may not understand completely, but they’re there and that’s what counts.

Also there offering support are fellow survivors; there are numerous support groups and therapeutic classes at which survivors can share their stories and help others cope. The American Cancer Society offers a list of products, services, and organizations that can help survivors through each stage of remission and survival – and they’re just one of many.

Many celebrities are also stepping out of the spotlight and into the limelight in order to increase awareness and help patients and survivors beat the disease – regardless of the stage it’s in or the form it takes.

When I take a step back and look not only at those who have overcome the disease, but also at those who have worked to help others overcome it, I can’t help but look on in admiration. It’s quite impressive to see victims evolve into survivors and, though I would never wish anything even remotely related to breast cancer upon my worst enemy, I can’t help but admire those who have battled the illness and come out on top.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Megan Roth

Full post as published by Des Moines Personal Injury Lawyer on October 11, 2008 (boomark / email).