Christine Barnard
Location: Sussex, WI
Age Diagnosed: 48
My Reason For Participating: To participate as a Survivor Artist for the Rare Chair Affair gives me another chance in my life to make a difference by doing something fun and to savor the ordinary everyday moments.
My Story: My journey with breast cancer began on October 1, 1999. I had been on hormone replacement therapy for several years and I began to notice some changes in my breast. I had a mammogram and an ultrasound that turned out normal, so my hormone dosage was changed. The problem persisted. Finally, after 6 months, my surgeon agreed to do a biopsy. The very next day he called to tell me that I had breast cancer.
My life and my family’s lives were forever changed. Initially, the surgeon told me that the cancer was slow growing and non-aggressive, so I thought I could take my time and research my treatment options. The year was already a rough one for us. My husband had broken his back in a fall and was in a body cast, but I felt confident that we’d caught my breast cancer early. I also knew lots of breast cancer survivors, but I had no idea of the numbers of women affected by this disease or the scope of it.
The second day after my biopsy, the surgeon called again. This time to say they had found a second type of breast cancer in the same biopsy tissue. This was fast growing and very aggressive. We scheduled a bilateral mastectomy for the very next week. I woke up from my mastectomy with severe lymphedema in my arm and the news that my lymph nodes were also positive for breast cancer. Further testing revealed that the cancer had spread to my bones. Statistics showed that if I opted for an 8-month course of aggressive chemotherapy, I still only had a 2% chance of living more than a year.
Like too many women who find out they have breast cancer, within roughly a 2-week time period of my life, I went from a diagnosis of inflammation of the breast, to learning I had stage IV metastatic breast cancer and almost certainly would not live to see my daughters graduate from high school.
That was my life in October 1999. This October I will celebrate 5 years of survivorship!
My message is not that we should ignore the current screening and detection methods for breast cancer. It’s just that in my case, they were simply inadequate. I urge women to take a more proactive role in their own health care. If something doesn’t seem right, it probably isn’t right. Certainly I credit the medical care I received while fighting my cancer, without it, I would not be here today. My treatment included what was at the time a new chemotherapy treatment. I am currently on a new anti-estrogen medication, and I am also participating in a clinical trial testing a vaccine for metastatic breast cancer. I advocate for money being raised to conduct research for new cancer therapies and better detection methods.
Cancer patients are living longer, fuller lives than ever before. But the medicine is only part of the story. The rest of the story is about the people who step forward to tell me and show me that they cared and that I was loved.
Lynn Carmody
Location: Menomonee Falls, WI
Career: Engineering Support/Assistant
Age Diagnosed: 48
My Reason For Participating: I am a Rare Chair Affair Survivor Artist, first because my dear friend, Barb Rego, signed us both up! I would do anything for her, and I would do anything I could to help eradicate breast cancer. I have met many wonderful, inspiring fellow Survivor Artists. We all have so much in common and so much to share. Participating in this event is an amazing experience! I am honored to be a part of it. I know that together we can make a difference!
My Story: On June 17, 2002, I was told a mass on my right breast was cancer.
Because it was not a small, hard, marble-like lump, I was not concerned and I ignored it for 3-4 months, hoping it would go away. There was no history of breast cancer in my family and I had a misconception of what it should feel like. I also thought I would be the last person to get Breast Cancer!
My advice to everyone is: PLEASE do not wait if you feel anything suspicious. I wish I had gone in sooner!
I learned life is precious and that there are no guarantees.
I learned my family and friends are angels who were a constant source of love and support.
I learned to trust God and love God at a deeper level than I had when I was healthy and capable of doing all things on my own. Your most profound and intimate experiences with God may likely be in your darkest days.
Many changes and much good have come thru these scars I now wear. As I look back, it has been an amazing journey. As I look forward, the future is unknown. But for Today, I am grateful!
Claudia Kabler-Babbitt
Location: Glendale, WI
Career: Literacy Program Coordinator
Age Diagnosed: 44
My Reason For Participating: I wanted to participate in the Rare Chair Affair Survivor Artists because I support breast cancer research, I enjoy meeting new folks…and I wanted to paint with bright colors, especially yellow!
My Story:
My breast cancer was difficult to diagnose, the tumor was not detected by mammogram or physical exam. Finally, after an ultrasound-guided biopsy in 1999, I had a mastectomy with an axillary dissection. The tumor type was very aggressive, and also I had 3 positive lymph nodes. I had 8 courses of chemotherapy, then radiation therapy, followed by 52 “once a week” infusions of Herceptin. I finally finished all therapy in the fall of 2001. I have not had a recurrence!
My family, friends and physicians were all supportive and helpful, but the whole breast cancer experience was kind of an endurance trial.
Once my treatment was over, I felt starved for sunlight and color, after all those blues and the blahs. Since then I have indulged my preference for bright sunny yellow, and tried to match my outlook to the hue.
Karen Kamps Solliday
Location: Menomonee Falls, WI
Career: Technical Writer
Age Diagnosed: 51
My Reason For Participating: It is my hope that as a Survivor Artist for the Rare Chair Affair, creating this chair will move me further along the path toward a healthy recovery. It’s very therapeutic to be among the other breast cancer survivors and to be creative.
My Story: I was diagnosed with breast cancer after a routine mammogram, in March 2003. My mother had survived a breast cancer diagnosis eight years earlier. It was mainly because of my mother’s breast cancer history, that I was diligent in having my mammograms each year.
I had a biopsy and I was diagnosed with a small area of invasive breast cancer as well as ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). My treatment required two lumpectomies (margins after the first surgery were not clear) and a sentinel lymph node removal. The surgeon removed just one lymph node and it was clear. My breast cancer was very small, but still required radiation treatments. I was very fortunate that my mother was able to be with me for my surgical consultations. She and my dad kept my husband company during my two surgeries.
Just as I was to begin radiation treatments, my mother became very ill and was diagnosed with acute myologenic leukemia. She underwent chemotherapy, but the cancer did not go into remission and she died a little over a month later. Even though my mother was very ill, she remained concerned with my health and was adamant that I not delay my treatment in order to spend more time with her.
Then, a short time after I finished my radiation treatments, my sister suffered a burst brain aneurysm. Fortunately, she made an excellent recovery, but even so, she was in intensive care for more than one month and required another month of intensive rehabilitation.
As you can see, 2003 was a year of hospitals and medical crises for my family. I am still working through the pain and joy. I see my participation in this year’s Rare Chair Affair as one of the ways I can do that.
Kandice Kaufmann
Location: Whitefish Bay, WI
Career: Police Dispatcher, EMT-I
Age Diagnosed: 30
My Reason For Participating: I was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 30 – yes I was only 30 years old! Breast cancer survivors come in all shapes, sizes and ages. This is the second time I’ve participated as a Rare Chair Affair Survivor Artist. The first time was after my son Michael was born. Being involved in several breast cancer organizations and events allows me to share my story and help others.
My Story: It all started in November 1998. I had a pain in my right breast and when I touched it I discovered a lump the size of a grape. I went to my doctor and after a few weeks and a few tests; I was diagnosed with breast cancer, two days before my 31st birthday. I was also newly divorced.
Five days later I found myself discussing treatment options with my doctor and my surgeon (who I met that morning). We decided on lumpectomy first. We would then wait to see if any addition surgery would be necessary. Looking back on it now, it seems like a “foggy” dream. I can see myself searching my brain for details.
I became my parents “roommate” for three weeks. I took the time off of work to recuperate because I owned a stick shift car and couldn’t drive. Needless to say, in addition to having new “roommates” I also had an escort service to drive me around. Christmas and New Years came and went, doctor’s appointments came and went. Surgeons, oncologists, radiologists…the next year of my life was being filled with appointments and treatment.
For the next four months my life would consist of my “recipe” of chemotherapy, one treatment every three weeks for eight hours.
I remember the first time my hair started to fall out – I was on vacation. My first wig looked just like my regular hairstyle, but no one really cared what I had on top of my head. So I bought many different brightly colored wigs. I figured if I was going to wear a wig, I might as well have some fun. Everyone I knew was very supportive, they didn’t treat me “different.” People even asked to wear my wig to Halloween parties.
Radiation treatments followed the chemotherapy. It was seven weeks, Monday through Friday with weekends off. So I set it up so I could go before work everyday.
I am not the only person in my family to have experienced cancer. My sister, at the young age of 26, was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s while she was 8 months pregnant. (Her daughter is now 13 years old.) My aunt was diagnosed with breast cancer shortly after I was. My dad was diagnosed with prostate and bone cancer 3 years ago and is still getting treatments. My mom was diagnosed 2 years ago with ovarian cancer; luckily they caught it in the early stages!
We do have a lucky one in our family – my twin sister. She has three beautiful children, is healthy and happy and has seen us through this, one at a time. We joke sometimes and say that her life is so busy that she couldn’t fit being sick into her schedule.
As of June 25, 2004 I am five years a survivor of this “inconvenience” in my life. I’ve got a lot more years to live. Believe it or not, I got a lot out of having breast cancer.
I’ve learned:
Breast cancer can happen to anyone;
I love to organize my annual ACS Making Strides Against Breast Cancer team the “Wigged Out Walkers”;
I have amazing family and friends;
I can have a happy marriage, I have been married to Tim 3 for years;
There is such a thing as having children after chemo, my son Michael turned two in July;
The true meaning of the color pink;
There are experiences and memories in life I would never have had if I hadn’t had breast cancer. I have been in fashion shows, acted as a mentor for ABCD, painted for the WBCC’s Rare Chair Affair, participated in charity walks, and I have met many wonderful people and made many new friends.
I am PROUD to be a survivor.
One of my friends told me once that we are all here for a reason. If you think you can alter that reason by taking a different direction in life, you are wrong. I consider myself very lucky to have been able to be a part of everything that has happened to me. I guess I’m on the right path.
Shereen Kressin
Location: Colgate, WI
Career: Columbia College of Nursing, Associate Dean of Finance and Administration/CFO
Age Diagnosed: 55
My Reason For Participating: I believe the Rare Chair Affair is a great platform for raising awareness of the number of women who are diagnosed with breast cancer and to make it more personal. It also is a fundraiser for breast cancer research. I know that without the new technology and drug advancements available today, I would not have been given much hope for survival. I chose to be a survivor artist this year because I think that working on the chairs will be fun and that I will be able to meet other breast cancer survivors. I hope my Survivor Artist chair will raise a significant amount of money that will help further breast cancer research.
My Story: In May of 2003 I went in for my 6-month mammogram. I had been having mammograms every 6 months since the removal of a fibro adenoma in 1998. I was feeling great and had no idea that any thing would show up on this mammogram. It did show a slight shift from the previous film, however, so an ultrasound was conducted. (I am so thankful that Dr. McWey felt an ultrasound was prudent and that we did not wait for 6 months!)
From the ultrasound, it looked like there was a suspicious mass of less than 1 cm in diameter. No lump could be palpated. A mammatome biopsy was done and I was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma, estrogen +/- and HER2 Neu 3+. I was scheduled for a sentinel node biopsy along with a lumpectomy.
When I went to surgery I was fairly confident, as were the physicians, that we had caught the cancer early and that the lymph nodes would not be involved. I woke from surgery with a drain in my armpit and I knew that that meant lymph nodes had been positive. The pathology report showed that 17 of 30 lymph nodes were involved. Additionally, the tumor had not been completely removed. What had appeared to be less than a centimeter, turned out to be 3 centimeters!
A few days later I returned to surgery for additional cancer tissue removal and insertion of a port for chemo administration. This time the margins were clear and I set up a consultation with an oncologist for a treatment plan.
My cancer was fast growing and aggressive so I was put on an aggressive chemotherapy treatment schedule. I received Adriamycin and Cytoxin (AC) every other week for 6 weeks. During that time I would get a series of 8 daily shots of Neupogen after each treatment to keep my white count up. After the AC treatment, I received 6 Taxol treatments every other week. Taxol was not fun, as the bone and muscle pain was severe. Thank goodness for oxycodone and vicodin!
After Taxol and a few weeks rest, I started on 33 radiation treatments to the breast and lymph nodes in the arm neck and back. I ended up getting a pretty serious burn on my collarbone, but it healed quickly. Following radiation I received two more treatments of Taxol. I then started on Herceptin and Tamoxifin. The Herceptin was weekly at first, and then a double dose every other week. I am still on the Herceptin every other week, and will be on the Tamoxifin for a total of 5 years.
Terri Matusek
Location: Milwaukee, WI
Career: Housewife
Age Diagnosed: 57
My Reason For Participating: Participating as a Survivor Artist for the Rare Chair Affair for me is another way to help raise money for cancer research. Also meeting other cancer survivors has given me great comfort. I have learned so much from talking to other women. We all have a special bond of friendship. This gives my heart great peace.
My Story: On December 20, 2002, I was scheduled to have my yearly mammogram. After my mammogram I asked a few questions. Just by the way the questions were being answered I knew something was wrong. After I had an ultrasound and a breast biopsy, I was told I had breast cancer. The next step was surgery and then I had to have radiation treatments for seven weeks.
At times my journey was very stressful and very emotional. With the help of family and friends my treatment was bearable. I have met so many kind and helpful people during this time.
Joan Mayer
Location: Fox Point, WI
My Reason For Participating: I really like the idea of creating works of art to benefit breast cancer. What a neat concept. I choose to be a Rare Chair Affair Survivor Artist because I wanted to participate in raising money and awareness for breast cancer.
My Story: On January 27th, 2003 I had gone in for a regular mammogram and ultrasound. It was totally clean. Then, just a few months later, on April 11th, I found a lump in my breast. I went to the doctor immediately and within two weeks I found myself diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma.
My treatment involved an initial mastectomy where they found cancer in three of my lymph nodes. This was followed by chemotherapy and radiation treatments. My breast cancer was estrogen +, which means that the estrogen in my body is feeding the cancer cells and helping them grow. I am now taking Aromasin, which is a drug that blocks estrogen from cancer cells, for several years.
There was no history of breast cancer in my family.
When I was making decisions on my treatment, I chose to have a bilateral mastectomy because of the rapid growth of my tumor. I can say I have had great doctor care and wonderful support from my family and friends.
I am very proud to say I am a breast cancer survivor, since I know the effort it took in my life in order to be a survivor. I want to remind people about the importance of breast self-exams, without my diligence, I may not have caught my cancer in time.
Judith Ormond
Location: Glendale, WI
Career: Symphony Musician
Age Diagnosed: 49
My Reason For Participating: For a number of years, I’ve been trying to put a Team Survivor Milwaukee together for women cancer survivors interested in athletics as a way to be healthy. A former Rare Chair Affair committee co-chair and WBCC board member, Patti Mahon, did the Danskin Triathlon with me a few years ago. I’ve decided I want to volunteer in support of breast cancer in another capacity. I love painting furniture, so I decided creating a chair for the Wisconsin Breast Cancer Coalition’s Rare Chair Affair as a Survivor Artist would be the perfect thing for me to do.
My Story: I was in the midst of planning a special celebration for my 50th birthday: a month of bicycling and hiking in Bali! Then, I was diagnosed with breast cancer just before my 50th birthday.
I was convinced that cancer would not get me, what concerned me more was that a cancer diagnosis would end my plan. With the help of my surgeon and chemotherapy schedule, I went ahead with the plan between my 2nd and 3rd chemotherapy sessions!
I felt fabulous during the entire trip. I was convinced that heavy exercise saved me psychologically, emotionally, and who knows, maybe physically as well. I have since become involved in more triathlons (I will participate in my 3rd half ironman this summer), the Danskin Triathlon for Susan G. Komen, and running events from 5K to marathons.
Last summer, I was invited to join the Team Survivor in Juneau Alaska. It was one of the most amazing athletic experiences I have had! We had a team of 10 women, most of whom were cancer survivors. We participated in a running relay from Skagway, Alaska to White Horse, Yukon Territory: a total of 110 miles. We came in 3rd to last in crossing the finish line, (about 14 hours), but the excitement, empowerment, and thrill of putting our cumulated energy together and going beyond what any of us thought we could do, is unbelievable.
For me, my cancer diagnosis meant a loss of control of my own body. Marathon and triathlon training have empowered me, and given back that sense of control. I feel that my destiny is back in my own hands. I believe cancer was a gift. It has taught me to experience everything and never shy away from something intimidating!
Gerry Parenteau
Location: Pewaukee, WI
Career: Volunteer/Fundraising Coordinator
Age Diagnosed: 55
My Reason For Participating: I am a four year breast cancer survivor and I intend to do all I can to help find a cure for this disease. I attended the National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC) Annual Advocacy Training Conference and Lobby day in Washington, DC in May of this year and realized even more that I need to follow my passion to fight for a cure for Breast cancer! When I heard of the Rare Chair Affair, I thought it would be another step in my journey to do as much as I can to help others, especially my own family (I have four daughters).
I am a Rare Chair Affair Survivor Artist this year for a reason and that is to do anything I can to bring awareness and hope to anyone who may hear the words “You have breast cancer.” Those words don’t always mean death. Yearly mammograms and monthly breast self-exams are important parts in a woman’s own well-being. We need to take care of our whole self; mind, body and spirit.
My Story: Breast Cancer Awareness Month was never as important to me as it was in October of 2000. On June 7th of that year I was told I had breast cancer. I couldn’t believe it. I had done everything I thought I was supposed to do: I nursed all 4 of my daughters after they were born, I exercised, I ate right, I was only 55 years old. How can I have breast cancer, the “BIG C”?
I didn’t realize at the time how this frightful news would affect my life. I had a lumpectomy and a month later started 4 rounds of chemo. Every treatment left me with a different side affect, from extreme nausea, heartburn, and mouth sores to really tender feet! One of my daughters said, “Mom if there is a side affect you will get it.”
Loosing my hair was one of the worst days of my life. We take so much for granted in our daily living. Now I never complain of a bad hair day because a no hair day is worse! I also had a good case of “chemo brain”. I couldn’t even think to balance my checkbook. Life can get very frustrating when you think you are also losing your mind.
Radiation started in late October. I had 33 rounds and it was also very tiring. I was so burned and tender and exhausted. I had to laugh when I looked in the mirror and saw a bald head and a chest all marked with magic marker to mark the area for treatment.
The support of my family and friends was wonderful, but only I could fight the cancer. I can now say that my cancer has changed me, I now do all I can in my life. I don’t worry about the future because each day is precious. Sometimes when I think back four years ago, I cannot believe all that I went through, and am feeling great now. I try to live in a state of gratitude daily and life just keeps getting better!
Breast cancer taught me many valuable lessons. I learned I had to be tolerant with all the people who knew what was best for me. I had to learn to listen and realize that was the best they could do. I learned patience with myself. I wanted to take a pill and it would be all over. My body was not healing as fast I wanted it to. I was not used to sitting around without feeling guilty. I had to sit and listen to my body. Most of all I had to learn trust in people, doctors, nurses who had my life in their hands. I was thankful for my sense of humor. I believe it helped me through many tough times not only my cancer journey. Keeping a positive attitude is half the battle. More importantly I had to surrender my worries to God and put my life in His hands. Things happen in our lives for a reason and we need to try and ask ourselves,” What can I learn from this one?”
Barb Rego
Location: Germantown, WI
Career: Physical therapist
Age Diagnosed: 50
My Reason For Participating: I wanted to participate as a Rare Chair Affair Survivor Artist because I thought that it would be an interesting experience and I hope to be able to contribute to the fight against breast cancer in some meaningful way, so that my daughters, who are only 20 and 22 years old, or my son who is 15, will never have to go through this.
My Story: I was diagnosed with breast cancer in July of 2002, after finding the lump myself. Over the next several months I had a mastectomy (two positive lymph nodes), six rounds of chemotherapy, and I finished treatment just before Christmas. I was told I did not need radiation, so I spent the next seven months getting back to a new “normal” life.
Then, in July of 2003, I found a very small “bump” on my scar. I really thought that it was probably scar tissue. Ironically, I had it removed on the 1st anniversary of my mastectomy … It turned out to be more cancer. So, I had more surgery, and this time, a full course of radiation.
Six weeks later (again just before Christmas) there was another “bump” – More Cancer. The cancer was spreading in the chest wall area. So I started chemotherapy again in January and have been getting chemo weekly since then. They have had to change my drugs many times, but this current combination seems to be working. I have also had 28 additional radiation treatments. The combination of chemotherapy and radiation has worked well, and, while I do not yet know if I am in remission, I am very hopeful.
There have been many positive things about this cancer “journey”. I have been blessed with many, many supportive, kind and wonderfully generous friends. I have made several very good friends who also are also going through this “journey”. I have become healthier and happier in my life and closer to my family. My faith has been strengthened and I have experienced the power of prayer.
Cindy Robak
Career: Special Education Teacher (MPS)
My Reason For Participating: The project itself is an expression of me in that by recycling something old I was able to create a functional and whimsical object. It has been a joy for me to use my creativity to help the Wisconsin Breast Cancer Coalition. If breast cancer has changed my life in any way, it has simply made me love and appreciate every day more than I could have ever imagined.
My Story: My name is Cindy. I am the mother of two grown daughters, one of whom will soon be having a baby – in reference to myself; I prefer not to use the “G-word” if you please.
I have been a special education teacher with Milwaukee Public Schools for seventeen years. I live in a charming 110-year-old house on the east side with two perfect cats and no mice. I love to cook and bake, but consider myself a master of the art of relaxation and enjoy it in its truest form-my backyard hammock with a good book. About three years ago I also “dabbled” in breast cancer, but really did not enjoy it much. I hope I never have to revisit this disease again. Cancer is the last thing I want to become an expert in.
I really didn’t care for how asymmetrical I became after the surgery, so took it upon myself to even the playing field. My friends used to call me “lefty”, now it’s “washboard”.
“Breast cancer” is something my older relatives used to whisper, I’ll say it out loud if it will help find a cure…”BREAST CANCER!”
If breast cancer has changed my life in any way, it has simply made me love and appreciate every day more than I could have ever imagined. I only hope that my children and their children, and everyone’s children will never have to learn this the hard way, like I did. Life is meant for things like relaxing in your backyard hammock with a good book, and enjoying your children’s children – otherwise known as grandchildren.
Jane Thoma
Location: Shorewood, WI
Career: Retired MPS Kindergarten Teacher (34 Years)
Age Diagnosed: 61
My Reason For Participating: Being a breast cancer survivor who loves to work on crafts, becoming a Rare Chair Affair Survivor Artist seemed perfect for me. I want to raise money for breast cancer research so others will not have to go through this terrible disease.
My Story: I am one of the lucky ones. I have always been diligent in going in for my yearly mammograms. This time a radiologist noticed a “shadow” and decided to look at it a little further. I was given a follow-up mammogram, and ultrasound, and finally a biopsy to determine what it was. It was cancer.
My surgeon and I decided on a lumpectomy, as my cancer was very small. I have invasive ductal carcinoma. After the surgery, my lymph nodes, receptors, and margins we found to be clear, but we have decided that radiation was the best treatment for me. I have been walking to Columbia’s Cancer Care Center for my radiation treatment now for 34 days.
The lesson here is early detection. Everyone at the Columbia Cancer Care Center has been so kind, especially Dr. Olson and nurses Carey and Carol. I have even taken advantage of the music therapy, advice from a nutritionist, and acupuncture services.
When I go for my radiation treatment, it only takes me reciting half of a Hail Mary prayer for the treatment to be complete on each side. I have never experienced being tired or uncomfortable.
Throughout my treatment I have been able to keep up with my favorite activities at the Public Museum (I volunteer for the Butterflies and Eqyptian exhibits), Family Sundays at the Art Museum, and I am mentoring a first year kindergarten teacher, I even take classes and attend luncheons.
I think friends (especially my book club, The 12 Muses) Maryanne, Ruth, and Elaine who always kept me busy, Jean who called me frequently to say, “This is Nurse Jean, calling to see how you’re doing,” my family (especially my sister-in-law Ann), and of course maintaining a positive attitude has kept me going.