Breast Cancer Awareness month is here. All October, millions of people across the U.S. will do their part to shine a light on a disease that affects hundreds of thousands of men and women each year.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the United States, aside from skin cancer. It accounts for about one in three new female cancers each year. The average risk of a woman in the United States developing breast cancer at some point in her life is about 13%.
Diagnosis is just the beginning. The fight against breast cancer is a trying one, and requires a strong mind and support system. The Mail recently sat down with three local survivors – Carol Cruise, Ronda Cardwell, and Cheryl Wrinkle – at Southern Charmed Boutique in Marshfield, and the fellowship of that interview was inspiring.
Most folks probably don't realize the power and healing that can come from sharing traumatic experiences. Thursday evening's fellowship filled the shop with strength – strength in unity.
Please take a moment to read about these powerful, courageous women and the moments that redefined their lives.
Carol Cruise
A devoted mother and community advocate, Cruise reflects on her life-changing battle with breast cancer, emphasizing the importance of awareness and self-examination.
Born in Indiana and raised in Arkansas, Cruise moved to Springfield during her teenage years. After a successful career at City Utilities, where she was deeply involved in community wellness initiatives, she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2004. “I hadn’t had a mammogram in several years, and I just knew something wasn’t right,” Cruise recalled. “I was tired and felt unwell, so I went in for a mammogram—and sure enough, I had breast cancer.”
Her diagnosis came as a shock, especially to those who knew her as a health-conscious individual. “I thought, ‘No way, I run, I’m fit, I eat right,’” she said, highlighting the stress she faced as a mother of five while managing a department at work. The diagnosis also had a genetic component, as there was a family history of breast cancer.
Cruise underwent a rigorous treatment plan, including chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation, followed by seven years of medication. “I took tamoxifen and then arimidex to reduce the risk of recurrence,” she explained. “Even though those medications can lead to side effects like brittle bones, at that time, I was just focused on doing whatever I could to stay healthy.”
Despite the challenges, Cruise found support through the Breast Cancer Foundation, where she became a mentor after meeting others who had shared similar experiences. “It’s a blessing in disguise,” she said. “Going through something like this makes you slow down and truly appreciate every day.”
Now, Cruise emphasizes the importance of early detection and self-awareness. “Breast cancer is becoming more common in younger women,” she cautioned. “I encourage everyone to be proactive about their health. If you have a family history, don’t wait until you’re 40 to get screened.”
Cruise continues to visit her oncologist annually, seeking peace of mind. “I’m just grateful to be here,” she said, urging others to cherish each day. “After facing a life-threatening illness, you realize that every moment is a gift.”
With her story, Cruise hopes to inspire others to prioritize their health and well-being. “We’re not guaranteed tomorrow,” she reminds us, “so it’s crucial to take care of ourselves and stay informed.”
Ronda Cardwell
Ronda Cardwell is using her recent battle with breast cancer to advocate for awareness and early detection, especially for women in her community.
Ronda, who attended Hillcrest High School, married her husband Dale in 1995. After living in Marshfield, they built their dream home seven years ago. A dedicated employee in Accounts Payable at Rost Ready Mix, Ronda has always prioritized her health, beginning annual mammograms at the age of 40. Until last year, her screenings were routine, but that changed in January 2023.
“Never had any problems,” Ronda recalls, until her latest mammogram led to unexpected news. Following an additional imaging request and a biopsy, she was diagnosed with invasive carcinoma in her left breast, a shocking revelation for someone with no family history of breast cancer. “I wanted both of them gone,” she said, expressing her immediate desire for a bilateral mastectomy after learning of her diagnosis.
Ronda's surgery took place just a month after her biopsy, and she describes the speed of her treatment as both necessary and daunting. “It was stage one, so it was small, and there's no way I could have found it myself,” she noted. Following the double mastectomy, her journey continued with reconstruction—a process that proved challenging and painful.
The reconstruction involved inserting expanders, a process Ronda describes as the hardest part of her experience. “It felt like a tightness in my chest, making it hard to breathe,” she explained. Over several months, she returned weekly to have the expanders filled with saline, which was a physically demanding experience. Eventually, she underwent another surgery to insert permanent implants and address additional concerns.
Despite the challenges, Ronda emphasizes the importance of regular screenings. “Always go for your mammograms; you never know what’s going on inside your body,” she urges. “If I hadn’t gone, I wouldn’t have known until it was too late.”
Beyond her physical recovery, Ronda has faced emotional challenges, including feelings of guilt and anxiety. “Every time I feel a pain, I wonder, is that cancer? Has it come back?” she confesses. She encourages other women undergoing similar experiences to lean on their support systems and to pray for strength.
Reflecting on her journey, Ronda acknowledges the role of her husband in her healing process. “Dale has been incredible,” she said. “He took care of me every step of the way.”
As Ronda prepares for the final stages of her reconstruction—including tattooing her areolas—she remains committed to sharing her story. “It’s been a long road, but I’m finally starting to feel like myself again,” she said.
Ronda’s message is clear: early detection through regular screenings can save lives. “I’m blessed to be here,” she said, “and I want to encourage others to prioritize their health.”
Cheryl Wrinkle
For Cheryl Wrinkle, a 68-year-old resident of Marshfield, this message is deeply personal. Cheryl has faced breast cancer twice, each experience shaping her understanding of the disease and its impact on life.
Born in Rogersville, Missouri, Cheryl spent years as an educator and counselor in Lebanon before moving to Marshfield with her husband, Terry. Together, they share a life filled with laughter, love, and two energetic Springer Spaniels. However, Cheryl's journey took a significant turn at the age of 36 when she received her first breast cancer diagnosis—her mother was diagnosed at the same age.
Despite her mother’s pleas for early screening, Cheryl delayed her first mammogram until she was 36. That decision led to the discovery of calcifications in her right breast, ultimately resulting in a mastectomy. Reflecting on the treatment options available at the time, Cheryl notes, “Back then, double mastectomies were not common. I wish I had that option.”
For three decades, Cheryl remained vigilant, attending annual mammograms without issue. It wasn’t until two years ago that she faced a second diagnosis. After routine screenings indicated a potential issue, a biopsy revealed stage zero breast cancer. Cheryl faced this challenge with courage, undergoing a lumpectomy and 35 radiation treatments.
Throughout her journey, Cheryl has emphasized the importance of regular mammograms. “You’ve got to have those mammograms. You’ve got to keep up with things,” she urges. Her experiences underline the critical message of early detection in the fight against breast cancer.
In her latest battle, Cheryl chose to keep her diagnosis private, a stark contrast to her first experience 30 years prior. “I just didn’t want to go there,” she explained. Yet, she now recognizes the value of sharing her story. “Your story is your story. It’s how you want to deal with it,” she advised, urging others to embrace their narratives.
Cheryl’s journey has been marked by not only physical challenges but emotional ones as well. During her recent treatment, she suffered the loss of her last surviving family member, her brother. Balancing grief with treatment required immense strength. “You just take it one day at a time,” she reflects, highlighting the resilience necessary to navigate such overwhelming circumstances.
With the support of her husband and a network of friends, Cheryl navigated her health challenges with grace. She shares her story as a beacon of hope, encouraging others to prioritize their health and to find strength in their journeys.
As Breast Cancer Awareness Month unfolds, Cheryl's story serves as a reminder that awareness, early detection, and personal resilience are key components in the fight against breast cancer. "The earlier you catch it, the better the outcome,” she emphasizes.
Cheryl's journey is not just one of survival; it is a testament to the power of community, support, and the importance of listening to one’s body. As she looks to the future, she remains committed to spreading awareness, helping others understand that they are not alone in their battles.
Take Care of Yourself
With all three of these survivors, their message is clear. As we enter October, a poignant reminder emerges: breast cancer awareness is more than just a month on the calendar; it’s a vital call to action for women everywhere.
Carol, Ronda and Cheryl’s journeys through breast cancer serve as a powerful reminder of the impact of awareness, support, and resilience in the face of adversity.
In the spirit of Awareness, let their stories inspire action—schedule that mammogram, share your story, and support those who may be fighting their own battles. Together, we can make a difference in the fight against breast cancer.
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