 Janie ButlerWhen were you diagnosed, what action did you take, where were you treated?
During a routine mammogram in October of 2003 at the Margot Perot Hospital in Dallas, a lump was discovered in my left breast. The doctor ordered a biopsy for the next day. He would not tell me it was cancer but I could tell from his urgency he felt it was a high probability. Of course I was frightened and my response was so silly. “I am leaving for a two week trip to Italy in three days” What I meant to say was “I have an important business trip to Europe, should it be canceled.” Of course the doctor’s response was to reschedule the trip.
I had a wonderful surgeon who was supportive emotionally and medically. She put me in touch with a great plastic surgeon. Sometimes it’s all about finding the right “fit”. Reconstruction on my breast began the moment my breast was removed.
What does breast cancer mean to you?
It means you can overcome a terrible disease. My life is not over because this happened to me. Breast cancer survivors helped me and this turns you into a person that is eager to support others.
How important is it to you to raise awareness of breast cancer?
Awareness of breast caner and early detection are vital. It has saved the lives of so many people I know.
Are you excited to be one of our featured survivors?
Excited doesn’t begin to describe how I feel to become a member of Lindsey’s Survivor’s Circle. To know such a dynamic young woman and see her dedication to others is an inspiration. What an honor!
Please tell us a little bit about the battle that you fought for breast cancer. What is the best thing that has happened to you because of breast cancer?
It is interesting to look back on this battle. The hardest thing was telling my husband Butch. My cancer was not at the forefront of my life as it is for most women. My son John was dying from brain cancer. John, his wife and children were my main concerns. I recovered well from my surgery, took my chemo and continued to work. I didn’t spend a lot of time thinking about my personal illness. However I will say it was such a milestone when my follow up visits to the doctor went from every three months to each six months. I look forward to it becoming once a year. These are important milestones to me.
The best thing that has happened because of breast Cancer was the family drawing closer together and knowing how much I am loved.
Please tell us a little bit about where you are in your life now!
Life is wonderful and full, maybe too busy at times but I have a great job that gives me the opportunity to travel and work with some truly terrific people. I have made new friends from Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires and through out Mexico. Our family is very close and Butch and I have this terrific hobby, it is called being Austin and Makena’s grandparents.
Is there anyone you would like to thank for helping you along the way?
There are not words to thank my husband Butch, my son Bohn and my daughter in law, Karla. I know first hand that God does not give us more than we can handle and my faith in him got me through my cancer and our loss of John. My sister in law Melodye and her sweet mother Billie Marie were prayer warriors for me and our family and kept the pot roasts coming to our dinner table.
Friends are a wonder, there were constant calls and cards and food in the first weeks. The support of my employer Judy Baer of JDB Fine Hotels & Resorts will not be forgotten. My current work as a Sales Manager for Fiesta Americana Grand Hotels and Resorts brings me in touch with long time friends in the travel industry who always ask how I am doing. It seems support is everywhere.
Are there any quotes, verses, or inspiring thoughts that you have lived by through this process that you would like to share?
I have so many favorite verses from the bible but the one that comes to mind is “I can do all things through God who strengthens me.” When I feel I can’t do it, I know God can.
I thank God for modern medicine, the nurses and doctors who took care of me. I thank God for my family and the love we all share. I thank God for his presence in our lives. And I thank God for the friends and their support he has sent my way.
“The final prayer of Jesus was about you. His final pain was for you. His final passion was for you. Before he went to the cross, Jesus went to the garden. And when he spoke with His Father, you were in his prayers.” Max Lucado
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