Patient Stories: Breast Cancer

Memorial Hermann The Woodlands

Linda: Reality Check
Breast cancer changed my views on life.
   

Cancer is a real eye-opener. For me, it really put things in perspective. When I first found out I had cancer, I thought, “This is it.” Then as I learned more, I thought, “Well, maybe not. Maybe this is just God’s way of making me look at the important things in life.”

I had experienced problems with fibroids and had several surgeries. I always chuckled and called them “mean bumps,” just visible signs of the meanness I had inside me. But it ceased to be funny the day I was diagnosed with breast cancer.
   

The first thing I did was call a friend who had a double mastectomy. She was my “rock” and a great support. Then I started gathering information. I got on the Internet and found out about my options and treatment. It was scary, but it helped me to know and understand what I was facing.

I’ve always been healthy, so it was hard to get through some of the tests and the waiting. I just had to take myself outside of the procedures and let my mind go somewhere else that was peaceful. That mental escape seemed to help the time pass.
   

I had a lumpectomy and radiation treatments at Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Hospital. At the time, I had a busy real estate business, so it was great to be able to get treatment close to home and not have to miss work.

Now I’m retired, but I’m really active and having a lot of fun. I golf, tap dance, play a little bridge, spend time with my grandchildren and travel with my husband.

Cancer made me realize that I want quality of life, not just quantity of life. It made me think about how long I have here and what I want to do with that time. I’m feeling great.