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Breast Cancer Survivors: The Power of Sharing - Christy's Story

by on ‎10-18-2013 12:36 PM

I met Christy at Disney.  We were chosen to be a part of the “Hoop Dee Doo Review” cast and trained together in 1998.  I found her to be talented, funny, kind, warm, silly, generous and spunky!  Needless to say, we became instant friends.   Our friends definitely come into our lives for a reason, even if for a season.  (Thankfully, it’s been many seasons for us). 


I had moved on from Disney to NYC when I got the call from Christy.  She had been diagnosed with DCIS.  Since my Dad, brother, sister and brother-in-law are doctors who either diagnose or treat cancer; I immediately got them involved for advice and help with the process.  I remember going to Christy’s doctor appointment with her…I was the ears, her Mom was the love, and her friend, Laura, was the secretary who took copious notes.  Little did we know Laura would be diagnosed with Stage 4 Metastatic Breast Cancer one month later or that I would be diagnosed with Stage 1 invasive breast cancer two years later. 


The day I was diagnosed, I called to tell Christy she had “given” me breast cancer!  Of course, you can’t “give” anyone breast cancer; I was joking.  But we laughed and cried and commiserated about having this dumb disease…and then I called Laura, who was fighting for her life.  Unfortunately, Laura lost her battle a few years ago, but remained positive, hopeful, joyful and strong throughout.  She was an absolute inspiration to so many…including Christy and me.   Thankfully, Christy is thriving!!!  She is not only an actress, singer & dancer, but a stunt performer.  She has been “Sarah O’Connor” in the Terminator 2 show at Universal Studios Orlando for years…and it’s where she met her husband, Brad. 



Christy's Story



N:  How long have you been cancer-free?


C:  I have been cancer free for 6 years Smiley Happy 


N:  What type of breast cancer & what stage were you diagnosed?


C:  My cancer was Ductal Carcinoma In Situ.  Stage 0- it never left the duct. 


N:  Family history of breast cancer?


C:  My Grandmother had breast cancer in her 50's. 


N:  How old were you when you were diagnosed?


C:  I was 33 when I was diagnosed. Smiley Sad  


N: How was your cancer detected? (Mammo, breast exam)


C:  I actually saw a lump, and then it was detected by mammo- but they said it was negative.  An Oncologist said that there is sometimes a false negative, and I should have the lump removed just to be sure. 


N:  What was your treatment program?


C:  Thankfully, all I had to do was a mastectomy.  I opted for a bilateral just in case the other one decided to go bad.


N:  Did you seek a second opinion?


C:  I sought several opinions.  Lol! 


N:  Did you or do you take medication?


C:  No meds. 


N:  Are you finished with reconstruction surgery?


C:  Yes, I am finished with surgeries, and now just need to tattoo on some areolas! 


N:  What got you through the journey?


C:  Friends and anti-anxiety meds got me through! 


N:  What did you need most from friends / family /co-workers?


C:  I just needed friends to watch movies with me, agree that it sucked, go to appointments with me, and just be there when I cried (over a Halloween cake with you there, Nancy).  J


 N:  How are you doing today?


C:  I'm fine. Smiley Happy  Boobs are crazy looking... but, eh. Smiley Wink 


N:  How has having breast cancer changed you?


C:  I'd love to say it's made me a better person and that I look at life so differently; but, I don't really.  I wish I could still do pull-ups, and I wish pushups didn't hurt so much.  I am not as confident with the way I look, and I worry about how my breasts look in some clothing.  And it's hard to change in dressing rooms with other women being present without feeling a little embarrassed. Sigh... I do like being a source of knowledge for young women who are diagnosed.  I also like introducing them to other young survivors, so they know they will be okay or that they have support even if they aren't.  I love the women I have met, who are fellow survivors.  They are some of my most cherished friends. Smiley Happy 


N:  Advice/encouragement for someone newly diagnosed?


C:  I would tell them that everything is going to be ok, no matter what. 


N:  Anything else you would like to add?


C: I want to add that I love you (Nancy), and I am sorry I was contagious.  Smiley Wink 


Personal Aside:  Christy was very concerned about her body and that a man might not accept it.  I would always tell her the right man was just waiting to meet her...and guess what?  She did!  


N:  When/how did you meet Brad?


C:  We met at work just over two years ago.  He had been on 3rd shift for 13 years.  Switched to 2nd and voila.  Smiley Happy


 N:  When were you married?


C:  We got married on May 11th. 


N:  What’s it like having your love accept you and your boobs just the way they are?


C:  It is wonderful having him love me just the way I am.  He lost his mommy to breast cancer when he was 12, so he is just happy I made it.  And he tells me that they are still my skin, and he loves all of me- from the top on my head to the bottoms of my feet.  Smiley Happy