My Tribute to Women Who Have Survived Breast Cancer

This month being breast cancer awareness month, I wanted to salute those women, their loved ones, the medical community and other groups who have joined together to overcome this disease. 

The first time I met someone who had breast cancer was many years ago. She was a vibrant woman, who didn’t let the loss of a breast and chemo stopped her living her life. Back then it was a scary thing to know someone who was affected. Treatment was not as good as it is now and reconstruction surgery was almost unheard of in Jamaica. While I still find it a scary illness, there is comfort in knowing that many women now beat the disease. Over the years the number of persons I know personally who have battled breast cancer and survived has grown. 

The first person who comes to mind is my wonderful friend Connie Curry. Connie not only survived, but she did so with grace and humor in true Connie style. While dealing with her own cancer she befriended others and offered support and comfort. To top it off, this wonderful woman wrote a great book about living with breast cancer. The book, Give Me Back my Glory is fun, inspirational and informative. You can visit Connie’s website to buy the book or just learn more about this gifted writer and breast cancer survivor.

A close friend’s wife was diagnosed earlier this year. She is doing fine and is definitely on the mend. Through it all she remained strong and determined to beat breast cancer. I also dedicate this to my sister’s good friend, Sarah, who also had to battle this sickness and has survived. 

There are countless other women who have survived the scare of a breast cancer diagnosis. They will tell any woman or man that they should know their bodies. Most importantly they should practice breast self examination and not to ignore any changes they observe. While a lump is the most obvious sign of breast cancer, other changes in the breast shouldn’t be ignored. A doctor’s visit is always recommended just to be sure of what is happening. 

An early diagnosis is the best way to have a positive outcome so as to become a survivor of breast cancer. Let us remind those closest and dearest to us of the importance of self examination, medical check-ups and mammograms.