Deb Walks to Fight Breast Cancer
Early in 1986, while showering, I discovered a lump in my right breast. It was the size of a cherry and felt hard. My heart sank immediately. I had no idea at the time how my life would change forever.
After a series of doctor's appointments, during most of which I was told the "lump" appeared benign, I was connected with Dr. Kathryn Alley, a surgeon based in Washington, DC. In late April, 1986, she performed a biopsy which told me what I had feared...I had cancer!
A lumpectomy with auxiliary dissection was scheduled for the following week. I remember going home and opening a bottle of wine...mostly numb and unsure what the future would hold. My surgery was on April 26, 1986.
My breast cancer had begun to spread to my lymph nodes. I had Stage II cancer with a 50% survival rate in five years. Here I was, 32 years old, faced with the prospect of my life ending way too early.
Recovering from the surgery turned out to be the easy part of the whole experience. Two weeks after the surgery I met with the radiologist at George Washington Hospital Center to begin my six weeks of daily radiation treatments.
Next I met with the oncologist, Dr. Harold Mirsky, and began my 18 month experience with chemotherapy. Determined to work through this, I had the love and support of family and friends and made sure I got a good therapist! I thank my doctors and health care team for saving my life!
Each morning I would travel (about 45 minutes) via subway to downtown Washington, DC for my radiation treatment and then head to the office for a day's work. As the treatments wore on, I became more and more fatigued and ill, but I continued to try and maintain my daily activities which included a full time job, gardening and playing softball.
It is now 23 years later and I am healthy and fit! I am so, so fortunate to have my health and remain active in the fight against breast cancer.
I have participated in 10 major breast cancer funding events since 2001 and raised over $150,000!!!
In my first 60 mile walk, I was unable to finish and ended up in the hospital. I was heartbroken that I was unable to accomplish my goal of walking 60 miles. In retrospect, it was a gift and just strengthened my resolve to fight this disease! Once I had recovered, I made the commitment to fight this disease and do so via fundraising and raising awareness!
I participate in these events for all those who came before me, those fighting the disease today, my fellow survivors and those less fortunate than I who are no longer with us. I participate for the hundreds of men and women I have met as a result of participating in the breast cancer events; those who have who have taken the time to share their stories, fears, tears and joys with me.
I also participate in loving memory of my mother who died at age 42 from ovarian cancer.
Deb Wills
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