(Photo Illustration/MetroCreative)

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, in 2024, more than 360,000 people will be diagnosed with breast cancer.

A year ago, these were just numbers until my wife, Lynnda, was diagnosed with breast cancer. They have more meaning to me now because Lynnda is part of the numbers. I shared Lynnda’s story with her permission last year at this time. It will be a year this month since her breast surgery. We want to share an update.

Lynnda gets an annual mammogram. It was over a year ago when she found a lump in her breast before her scheduled mammogram. She decided to have it checked out rather than wait. A biopsy (using a small tool to get a sample of the mass) was done. The doctor herself called Lynnda with the result. It was cancer. Not what we wanted to hear. It’s scary. The good news was, she caught it early. It was stage 1, limited to one breast. A PET scan showed it had not spread to the lymph nodes.

The National Breast Cancer Foundation says that when caught in its earliest stages, the five-year survival rate of breast cancer is 99%.

Lynnda decided to have a lumpectomy (breast-conserving therapy), removing the lump and surrounding tissue. This was outpatient surgery. There is risk; some cancer cells could be left behind. The surgery went well. Biopsy showed the margins were clear. Lynnda healed quickly from the surgery with no major issues.

At the end of November, Lynnda saw the oncologist, who saw no reason for chemotherapy. He started her on a hormone blocker for estrogen and progestogen since cancer feeds on these hormones. It’s a daily pill she will need to take for the next five years. There are side effects, Lynnda learned, like fatigue and muscle and joint pain. She thought this was from aging until talking to other women with breast cancer who were taking the pill and learned it was normal. It’s better than the alternative.

With Lynnda’s permission, I went to all the doctor appointments. Four ears were better than two so we could fully understand what was happening and what the options were. I could ask the doctor my questions directly. Firsthand knowledge was important so I could be a good sounding board for Lynnda. It is her body. The treatment decisions are hers.

The same day Lynnda saw the oncologist, we also saw the radiation oncologist. He described the radiation therapy in detail without talking down to us and made the process understandable. He explained how radiation therapy would take care of any rogue cancer cells missed by the surgery.

Like any procedure, there are risks. The heart is close to the breasts. Radiation therapy has improved greatly since I had it 40 years ago. Today it is more targeted. They can radiate the parts of the breast required and avoid the heart. The doctor said radiation therapy can reduce cancer recurrence by 50%.

Lynnda asked, “What is my chance of recurrence?”

He responded, “About 8%.”

“It would reduce my chances of reoccurrence from 8% to 4%?” Lynnda queried.

“Yes,” Doc responded and added, “I tell you all your options because some people choose radiation for peace of mind.”

Lynnda chose not to do radiation therapy.

In April, Lynnda had a PET scan and saw the oncologist. Everything was clear. She had her annual mammogram in July, and all is well. We met with a nurse at the Breast Center who went over Lynnda’s Cancer Survivor Care Plan. She asked a lot of questions and answered ours. Lynnda is also a nurse. They got along well. Lynnda left in good spirits.

It is a year since surgery, and she is cancer-free. We are blessed, but vigilant. Lynnda maintained a positive attitude throughout the ordeal. Our faith, family, church family and support of friends from all over the world have been partners on the journey and there when we needed them.

Cancer and side effects haven’t stopped Lynnda from living life and doing what she wants to do. If she gets tired, she takes a nap. We traveled more than usual in the past year, with multiple trips to Disney World with family. One change at Disney, Lynnda now drives a mobility scooter. I have to keep up with her. We traveled to Germany in March on Shale Crescent business and are working with several of the contacts made. We traveled to Iceland for pleasure.

Lynnda worked the trade show booth with us at the National Plastics Expo in Orlando and at Select USA in June where she made several key contacts who are now prospects interested in coming to the Shale Crescent USA region. Having a purpose is important, especially when fighting cancer.

How pervasive breast cancer is surprised us. Many relatives, friends, acquaintances and total strangers who read this column let us know they now have or have survived breast cancer to encourage Lynnda. They are survivors. The National Breast Cancer Foundation reminds us that early detection is only possible through action like regular mammograms.

There is still work to be done. Support of breast cancer organizations and research is important. October is a good month to raise awareness. Our high school soccer team is wearing pink warmups this month. Get involved. Join the cause. More information is available at www.nationalbreastcancer.org.

Lynnda and I hope sharing her story will help you or someone you love. Everyone’s journey is different. We never know when a disease like cancer will strike us or a loved one. Don’t put off until tomorrow or next year what you can do today. We visit our children and grandchildren at every opportunity. We have a trip to Disney World and Mickey’s Christmas Party planned for November with our grandson, his wife and our great-grandson. Cancer reminds us not to take each other and life for granted. Appreciate each day as the gift it is!

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Greg Kozera, gkozera@shalecrescentusa.com, is the director of marketing for Shale Crescent USA. He is a professional engineer with a Masters in Environmental Engineering and over 40 years experience in the energy industry. Greg is a leadership expert, high school soccer coach, professional speaker and author of four books and many published articles.