Many of us know and love someone who has been diagnosed with breast cancer. For nearly four decades, October has been recognized as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This time is devoted to educating everyone about breast cancer and the importance of early detection and access to timely, high-quality care.
“In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we wanted to invite a few local breast cancer survivors into the store to dress up and celebrate their survival stories,” said Marshfield CATO manager Afton Shelton. “This is all part of our effort to raise awareness and support nonprofits that help families affected by breast cancer.”
The Marshfield Mail snapped photos of the three local survivor’s pink themed looks and caught a glimpse of their journeys as they navigated a breast cancer diagnosis.
Angela Crawford
“I took my bra off one day and I felt a spot that hurt… it kept hurting so I made an appointment,” said Angela Crawford. “When I was diagnosed it was very shocking. You’re in denial, you’re scared… It's the start of a long road.”
After advocating for her health when a doctor told her the spot might be a simple cyst, she was scheduled for a mammogram. As she suspected, it was not a cyst.
“If there’s anything I could say to young women it’s do not wait. Trust yourself and advocate for yourself because you really never know,” she explained. “And just because people might think these things can happen to young people, they do. And it’s important to catch it early.”
Crawford was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2014 before she went through six months of chemotherapy and radiation treatments. She had her first mastectomy on her left side in December of that year, and a biopsy confirmed the treatment’s success.
“As scary as cancer was, and I wouldn’t wish it upon anybody, the whole process has definitely changed my life. I feel like I am a better and more caring person… I don’t sweat the small stuff,” she said. “I’m very thankful and grateful for another year and I’m just happy I’m still alive and can enjoy the little moments, because those are actually the big moments.”
Though her treatment was a whirlwind year of emotions for herself, she reminds those who know a family affected by cancer to also check on the spouses of the patient.
“I feel like people need to give a little more attention to the mental health side of this diagnosis,” she added. “You’re losing hair, they’re cutting body parts off of you, you’re losing so much of yourself… and your partner is watching you go through that. They’re losing parts of their spouse and simultaneously trying to be a pillar of support while you go through treatment, and for the kids, and to all of those who ask how things are going. It’s important to support the family members of those with the diagnosis as well.”
Louan Talley
Diagnosed in 2011, Louan Talley was having her annual mammogram with no symptoms.
“They caught it early in stage one, so it was textbook treatment. A lumpectomy, 35 treatments of radiation, no chemo needed,” she said. “They sent the tissue off and it came back with a low chance of recurrence so I just knocked it out. 12 years out and every mammogram has been fine.”
According to Talley, she was never reliant on self check-ups on her breasts, but she is now.
“If there's anything I could give advice about it would be to please check yourselves and please have an annual mammogram. It’s only a short squeeze,” she explained. “ Do it for the people that love you because these are things that it’s important to catch early.”
Talley noted mass support from her community during her fight against breast cancer. She had support from her family, her coworkers and felt that love carried her through the battle.
“I had a lot of support and I would encourage anyone facing a health scare like cancer to not keep it to yourself. A lot of people are private when they go through stuff. They feel like they have to go through it on their own,” she added. “You have to have help with this sort of thing. Don’t be afraid to share what you’re going through and please let others help you through it.”
Pennie Agan
“One of my symptoms was that my breast was itching… but we had changed detergents,” said Pennie Agan. “That had to have been it, right?”
A few months later Agan was looking in the mirror when she noticed her nipple was inverted. She called her friend in healthcare and within an hour she was having scans done.
“I found out a couple days later that I had stage three breast cancer, and my lymph nodes were involved,” she said. “I went through treatment with chemotherapy from February to May, a double mastectomy and then radiation treatments for another nine weeks.”
It took about three years from the date she was diagnosed to having her mastectomy, June 18, which she considers her cancer-free date. Overall, she said the experience was life-changing and eye-opening for one’s health.
“Take care of you. Cancer is not a death sentence. Yes, some people do pass away but the most important thing for women is to be an advocate for your own health,” she added. “Stay vigilant with your health. And remember to do your self checks.”
The Marshfield clothing boutique celebrates the stories of local breast cancer survivors and urges the public to educate themselves on how to best care for themselves, loved ones and the families of those diagnosed with breast cancer. CATO has partnered with the Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks and the National Breast Cancer Foundation to raise awareness on Saturday, Oct. 28. They will offer information, games, prizes, raffles and more for those who attend from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. outside the storefront. In case of rain, the event will be moved inside.
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