Christina Peterson

I was diagnosed with breast cancer Nov 2002 I had a lumpectomy followed by chemo/radiation What I have learned is to really appreciate everyday we have. To not sweat the small stuff. Reach out to those that need help and see the light in each of us. I also want to share my story as to how I found the lump in my breast. I had always done self examinations. Since the age of 30, I had always had annual mammograms. My last mammogram was February 2002 and was clear. During a self exam in November 2002, I found a lump. I didn’t hesitate at all, I just knew it was something that needed to be confirmed one way or the other, even though there was no family history of breast cancer. The test results confirmed cancer. My message to all women is to continue with your self exams and mammograms. Even if the following year a mammogram would’ve found my lump, the cancer would’ve had more time to grow and possibly spread. Because of self examination, I knew what was normal and not normal tissue, which led to early detection.

How life has changed was going through menopause unexpectedly. I didn’t know that chemo had the probability of pushing me through a medical menopause. Physically this was the most difficult for me. The side effects of chemo and radiation pass but it seems the effects of menopause last longer.

Also, I struggled with a severe case of depression. I discovered later, depression is one of the side effects of some of the drugs administered during chemo. I reached out to various groups and did one on one counseling. I took whatever steps I needed to take to fight the depression. A combination of therapy and creative tools like writing and yoga all helped.

The biggest help for me has been meeting the women in Carolina Breast Friends. With all the difficulties of cancer, these women have all experienced it and made me feel so much better about having had this battle. I’ve been involved with the group since August 2005 and I’m now serving on the Board. Carolina Breast Friends has helped me rebuild my esteem, come out of my shell, and fight depression. I truly believe in this group and know from my own experience the value that Kristy Adams-Ebel has created with a wonderful network of women!

Advice I’d give to any woman going through this is to first contact Carolina Breast Friends for the sisterhood of support, love, and encouragement.

Second, I’d advise to seek out laughter. Find whatever tickles your funny bone and partake! There will be so many times that laughter seems hard to find, so you have to look for it. I rented several Laurel and Hardy films. I had forgotten how much those guys made me laugh! I loved them so much growing up. Having a hard belly laugh even while going through something as unfunny as cancer, was another creative tool and it feels so good to laugh!

Always look for laughter!

Love, Christina Peterson