PHYLLIS GARRISON

When were you diagnosed, what action did you take, where were you treated?
During my routine mammogram the radiologist noticed a calcium pattern in my right breast that was alarming. There was also a lump in my left breast. I was sent directly to an oncologist who specializes in breast cancer. We immediately made a treatment plan to have a surgical removal both of my breasts. We also brought in a plastic surgeon to consult with me about reconstruction.

What does breast cancer mean to you?
Being a breast cancer survivor means I can be here for my husband, children and friends and to continue to do God's work.

How important is it to you to raise awareness of breast cancer? What message would you want to share with others?
My message to others is to be strong and do not give in to the temptation to think you are going to die. Early detection is your friend but even if you are diagnosed with a later stage cancer, stay focused on success! Research and the work of great health care providers have given us hope that we will recover. Have courage in the face of the adversity of the treatment--you must be courageous in order to bear the poison, radiation burns and disfigurement you may experience in order to be free of cancer.

What are your thoughts on Survivors’ Circle?
I am excited about ANY opportunity to increase awareness or breast cancer and to promote
funding. We are very close to a cure and a much needed alternative to the dragonian treatment choices we must bear to survive, but the research needs to be financed.

What was the battle with breast cancer like for you? Where you are in your life now?
I was one of the "lucky" ones. My cancer was detected early because I had annual mammograms. I was careful to do so because of a family history of breast cancer on my mother's side. When I was diagnosed, Dr. Tim Gedde told me gently that I had cancer but it was the best kind of cancer-"in situ" meaning contained in my breast and not spread into the lymph glands. My surgery confirmed this. The bad news was that I would lose one breast and because I had a lump in the other for the second or third time (benign so far) it was prudent to remove that one as well. My plastic surgeron-Michael Stalnecker, M.D. gave me hope that I would look like a woman again! Because the cancer was contained in the milk ducts and successfully removed, I did not have to endure chemo, radiation or
other medication.

Is there anyone you would thank for helping you along the way?
The most meaningful moment for me was when our youngest daughter, Ashley, ran with my name on her back in the 2005 Race for the Cure in Indy. Also, Dr. Stalnecker came to see me that sameafternoon. He, too, had just run in the Indianapolis Race for the Cure. He brought me a scarf and other momentos they were handing out at the race. Now that is a thoughtful surgeon! I would also like extend a heartfelt thanks to my loving husband, Greg, and my entire network of family and friends who saw me through. I have to mention my friend and neighbor, Mal Munz, who walked this journey with me having been diagnosed only a week or two before I did and so "buddied me" along the way. No thanks is complete without a bear hug to Drs. Gedde and his staff and Dr. Stalnecker, Beth and Debbie of his office.

Are there any quotes, verses, or inspiring thoughts that you have lived by through this process?
One thing that put everything in perspective for me is this thought: "When someone in the family has cancer, the entire family has cancer." The entire process is a group effort. You have to help one another through it!!

04.26.08 Charlie norman waco, tx. "My battle with breast cancer was a battle that I did not fight alone, my family and friends were very supportive and my GOD was with me every step of the way." -Charlie Read more of her story here...

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