Added 2007-6-04

I had breast cancer 18 years ago. I had immediate reconstruction and all operations that go with it. In those days, the plastic surgeon had inflators that they put in at the time of surgery and then you reported to the plastic surgery every week to air your chest up to the size that you wanted. Once you had achieved the size you wanted, he "aired" you up a little larger because he wanted your body to grown more skin so he could sculpt your body to the desired size. I did all that and went on my merry way. He had me check in for the next 5 years and then I should call when I had problems.

Eleven years ago, my breast line began at my chest bone. I consulted my original plastic surgeon who had changed HMO's. I then went to the plastic surgeon for my HMO and he said that we should do in and see what is going on. Well, since I am not a can of pork and beans and I had a wedding to plan, we agreed on a series of tests, which confirmed that my body had a toxic reaction to my implants. Scans showed a solution encircling both breasts. I happily married the love of my life and then a month after our marriage, I went in for surgery.

The second plastic surgeon took out my implants and fashioned a new chest for me and then I used a set of prostheses and a mastectomy bra. After many visits, he felts that things were going ok and I was released from constant visits. I was told then that I didn't need mammograms. Four years ago, I was going to have surgery for something else and I was told to check on the possibility of mammograms. The plastic surgeon, again, sent word through his nurse that I had no breast tissue so I didn't need mammograms. On Good Friday afternoon of this year, while having my annual exam, my primary care provider found a lump in my mastectomy scar. Rather than think it was part of my scar, he referred me to a surgeon, who referred me to the lab for a mammogram, a diagnostic mammogram, and an ultra sound. After having the results of all the tests, she then did a biopsy in her office.

On May 11, I had surgery having the cancerous lumps and all the lymph nodes removed. The pathology report came back negative so that means that the cancer had not spread. My life was saved once again. The third time is definitely a charmer. Thank you, Lord and Drs. Beckman and Micke.

Judy Olson

Added 2007-05-24

Every year, I think that I should write in with my mom's story. This year, I'm finally making that step for two reasons. First of all, because I think my mom, Gail Kopp, is incredible. There are many reasons I believe she is incredible. One reason is that she has survived two separate occurrences of breast cancer and then a recurrence. Maybe the more important reason I am taking the time to write about her this year is that I know her survival can inspire others. I have witnessed and experienced how her ability to live through the challenges of cancer has been an inspiration to others facing a health challenge - be it breast cancer, another form of cancer or any serious health challenge.

Several years following treatment of her 2nd breast cancer, she was found to have a recurrence. In December of 1998, Gail had a breast cancer tumor removed from her brain. Her brain surgery was done in Madison at the UW Hospital and then she had radiation treatments at the Wendt Regional Cancer Center in Dubuque, Iowa as well as being treated by her physicians at Medical Associates in Dubuque. The thing that continues to impress me about the care she received is that, while all of the physicians were realistic about the seriousness of her health, my mom came away with the believe that she could live; that she could be OK.

In these nearly ten years since her brain surgery, my mom has seen grandchildren grow up and others be born. She has made 3 trips to Switzerland to visit family there. She has walked in the Race for the Cure. She has inspired friends and acquaintances who have heard the diagnose of cancer. Until retiring a year ago, she continued a 40-year career as a substitute teacher in the Platteville school district. She has inspired me to champion the cause of breast cancer.

Certainly, there have been effects from all that she has been through and the struggle grows more apparent each year. But, she has truly lived.

I believe her continued life is a direct result of work like that supported by the Komen Foundation. She is the embodiment of the progress that has been made. She is incredible.

Sincerely,

Korey Kopp

Team captain for the WHEDA team

kek608@yahoo.com

Added 2007-05-23

This will be my second ever Race for the Cure. My first was in Illinois about 10 years ago and I went to support a friend after her mother had been diagnosed with Breast Cancer.

This year that same friend will be walking with me. I was diagnosed one year ago last week. I did not participate in the 2006 Race because it was 2 days before my surgery and I was busy loosing my mind.

This year I will be there with my partner, my sister and my friends who held my hand through surgery, chemo and radiation. We plan to have a party after the race and laugh as hard as we can. A far cry from a year ago.

A few months ago I was not sure I could walk even the mile course for the race - now I am walking about 4 miles a day and am back mowing my yard each week. It is almost like my life is normal again.

I am so glad you all are there doing this!

Nancy Speir

Madison

Added: 2007-04-30

I want to thank you for the wonderful work that you're doing and share why this event is so important to me.

I was diagnosed with breast cancer last year in May and did the whole trip - surgery, chemo and radiation. The support from my family, friends, co-workers and neighbors were tremendous. There was always somebody ready with a meal or to provide a ride to chemo or anything else we needed. Not to mention all the prayers.

I was never a runner. In fact, I hate exercise. But after all my body went through I figured the least I can do is to try and get more exercise. I started walking on the treadmill while I was still undergoing radiation. I soon figured out that I needed a goal to keep me motivated, so I set myself the goal of running the Komen Race for the Cure in June. That really kept me focused.

I have only an aunt on my father's side that had BC at age 62, so I wasn't considered high-risk. After a lot of discussion with my genetics counselor, I decided to go ahead and get tested for the BRCA1 & BRCA2 gene. Not just for me, but also for my family. I got the results back in the beginning of April and I tested positive for BRCA2. Because of that I will have a prophylacticmastectomy on the other side as well as a hysterectomy, thereby reducing my chances of recurrence tremendously. I'm also having lat flap (latisimus flap)reconstruction on both sides.

I am so glad I had the test. It was hard to tell my family though. They now all need to get tested as well. I have a brother and a sister, both with small children. I also have a 10 year old son. This is such an important cause. We have to find a cure. Not just for me, but for my family and some many others that are touched by this devastating disease. I want my son, nieces and nephews to grow up without the fear of cancer.

Due to the test results, my reconstruction was moved forward to middle May. So I won't be able to run the Race for the Cure this year. I decided to start a team and get others walking and running. At this point I have 17 people signed up and a number of others have committed to joining. I hope I will be able to at least do the 1 mile fun walk. My friends have offered to push me in a wheelchair. One way or another I will be there!

Tania Rossouw

Added: 2006-05-22

I was 36 years old with a 7 yr old and a 3 yr old. My husband and I just returned back from the first 'real' vacation from Mexico and I found a lump in my breast. It took me 2 weeks to get in to see my Dr. I was told that it was nothing. 'It's probably just a fibroid cyst - go home and put a warm cloth on it'. I had to demand a mammogram be scheduled and once that appointment confirmed what I knew in my heart, things went quickly. I was diagnosed with stage 3 invasive ductal carcinoma. My surgery was scheduled in 2 weeks. I was labeled a perfect candidate (I didn't even campaign!) for reconstructive tram-flap surgery which was done at the same time as my mastectomy. My family rallied around me! My folks, who had just moved to Florida, turned around and came to live with me and my children for 6 months while I recovered, went through chemotherapy, had addl reconstructive surgery as well as gall bladder surgery. 4 months later my Mom revisited me while I had a complete hysterectomy. WOW what a year it was. It made me realize the importance of family, friends and the importance of humor while being faced with such a challenging set of circumstances.

I know my story is so similar to the many others you must receive. Thank you for letting me share it! As my friend Chris McHugh used to tell me: 'I woke up this morning so it is going to be a GREAT day!'

Kris Stroede

Can you think of a better way to start a Saturday morning?  The sun is shining, the birds are singing and all your friends and relatives are in town for a party.  But this isn't just any ordinary Saturday and this isn't any ordinary party.

Theodore Greenley's fiancée's mother is a five year breast cancer survivor this year. At the 2004 Race for the Cure in Madison his fiancée, Heather Hungerford, and her mother, Evie Hungerford, decided that they were going to celebrate the five year mark at the 2005 Madison Race for the Cure. Shortly after they decided that, they found out that the Race for the Cure is their wedding day, June 4th 2005. Evie was disappointed and decided that she and Heather would celebrate another time. Heather however decided that it was much more important to her that they take the time to celebrate her mom's life. So, even though everyone thinks she is crazy the whole gang is going to walk in the Madison Race for the Cure the morning of their wedding.

Heather created a special team just for her mom called "Love Evie". Everyone in the family and in the wedding party is participating in the race and raising money in Evie's name.  Theodore said, "I am so touched that my future wife is willing to share our special day with her mom. She told me that it is more important to her because she could never imagine not having her mom around for the last five years and for many years to come." 

There were other breast cancer survivors in the group, family friend Catherine Gibcke was a 6 month survivor at race time. 

Thank you to the entire Hungerford/Greenley families.  Your spirit is amazing!