Anita Campbell
County Reporter
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a global campaign to raise awareness and support for people affected by the disease Members of the WHS volleyball and football teams wore pink this past week to show support of those fighting breast cancer.
Heather Bagley of Warsaw is one of those breast cancer survivors.
“I was diagnosed with breast cancer December 12, 2022. While I was shocked, I also felt at peace with it honestly. I knew I didn't want to succumb to cancer,” said Bagley. “I chose a doctor at Olathe Cancer Center two hours away in Olathe, Kansas. While this was a big trip to travel daily, I knew God was sending me there and that is where I needed to be for me. I had a double mastectomy in January, ovaries removed in March and reconstructive surgery beginning in August 2023. I also had radiation treatment for five weeks daily in Olathe.”
“My motivation to overcome cancer was knowing I wanted to live for my family and my boys needed me. Knowing I had all the family and friends support, love and prayers, I was able to focus on getting better. The hardest part was accepting help from friends and family. I don’t like to need help. I like to be the one to give help,” said Bagley.
Breast cancer can have different symptoms for different people. Most don’t notice any signs at all.
The most common symptom is a lump in the breast or armpit. Others include skin changes, pain, a nipple that pulls inward, and unusual discharge from the nipple.
“The quote I remember the best as a kid is, 'It’s all in God’s hands; pray, believe and stay strong'. I gave my cancer diagnosis over to God and I was alright with it. I was actually oddly calm through it all. People would ask if I was alright. I always say, 'I am just grateful'. Of course, people would think that was odd. I was grateful though. I was grateful we caught it at stage 2. It made me stop and think about life and also grateful that I was able to have surgery and I had the best team I could have asked for. I had support and love and doctors had a positive outlook that I could beat cancer. So, yes, I was grateful because many people don't have all of that when they have cancer. I considered myself lucky. The town of Warsaw said many prayers and they were all felt! I am so grateful to live where I do and have the community support I had. I may have had breast cancer but breast cancer didn’t have me! I truly am grateful, thankful and blessed,” said Bagley!
Carolyn Findley of Edwards was diagnosed with breast cancer after a doctor’s visit in 2014.
“I had a lump that was ¾ the size of my breast so the doctor wanted to remove the breast,” said Findley.
Findley decided to have both breasts removed since there was a chance the cancer could spread.
After recovering from surgery, Findley had reconstructive surgery. That surgery had its drawbacks as the implants were recalled and she ended up having surgery three times.
At the time of her surgery, Findley was working for Honeywell in Belton, Missouri, and her surgery was covered by her work insurance; however, since then, she has retired and many of the doctors she tried to see for follow up appointments refuse to accept Medicare.
“I finally got in touch with a doctor with the Susan Komen Cancer Center and had some luck seeing a doctor,” said Findley.
According to the Susan Komen Cancer Center, every 12 minutes a woman in the United States will lose her life to breast cancer.
Some general symptoms that breast cancer may have spread include: feeling constantly tired, constant nausea, unexplained weight loss and loss of appetite.
Studies have shown that the risk for breast cancer is due to a combination of factors. The main factors that influence the risk include being a woman and getting older. Most breast cancers are found in women who are 50 years old or older. However, prognosis tends to be worse for women under 40. This is because breast cancers in young women can be more aggressive than breast cancers in older women.
The most important screening test for breast cancer is the mammogram. A mammogram is like an x-ray of the breast. It can detect breast cancer up to two years before the tumor can be felt by the patient or the doctor. Women should begin having a yearly mammogram at age 40.
Having a support system is very important in beating breast cancer.
“My husband and children were very supportive,” said Findley. “However, I also appreciated the support I received from the people I worked with at Honeywell. They brought food to our house and sent me notes of encouragement. They even threw a party for me.”
“The best advice I can give is to stay positive and as active as you are able. Rest when you can, lean on people when you need to and give it all over to God, for He is the true healer,” said Bagley.
There are currently 3.8 million breast cancer survivors in the United States.
