Michelle Perry
I was only 39 years old when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. It was overwhelming and devastating. But the moment I walked into the St. Joseph Hospital Comprehensive Breast Center I was embraced by the staff and the amazing doctors. I couldn’t have made it through without their emotional support, caring, and nurturing.
I had to do a double mastectomy and thought I’d never be able to wear a swimsuit again. But the staff, nurses and doctors kept reassuring me that I could still be whole and beautiful and they helped me and held me along the way.
Once you have cancer, you become an advocate. We all draw inspiration and support from one another. Women of all ages and ethnicities are getting cancer. You may be scared to get screened, but knowledge is power. And there are amazing doctors a St. Joseph Hospital to help you get through this. There’s always hope in everything and there’s always a positive. Believe and trust and get yourself screened; you owe it to yourself.
Angela Wintheiser
I found the lump while taking a shower the day after Christmas. I knew it was something I’d never felt before and it was so unexpected. I felt this sense of urgency and I got right into the Comprehensive Breast Center at St. Joseph Hospital. They did a physical exam, an ultrasound, a diagnostic mammogram and then a biopsy.
Everything happened so quickly but my doctor made me feel like a member of his family. His beside manner was so comforting and consoling. I felt I was in such good hands with him. And that’s the way I felt through my whole course of treatment, from surgery to chemotherapy.
My oncologists are now a part of my life. One said I’d be attending his retirement party because we have this sort of lifetime partnership now. My friends and family even commented on the great care I received and I truly believe I got the best care that current standards have to offer.
You know, one day you’re a normal person, a mom driving the car pool, and then cancer suddenly jumps into your life. I was blessed to encounter people who care and are giving. I tell people all the good things that came out of that year—the bonds, the lessons and the relationships. I’m a survivor and now an advocate and living testimony to show that you can beat cancer.