Braving Breast Cancer with Bev
Count on none other than fearless Beverly, also known as Bev, to strut right into chemotherapy donning high heels -- slippers in her purse, just in case. In our eyes, she’s the equivalent of Elle Woods of the movie Legally Blonde: a champion and role model for standing up for what you believe in, working hard, and having faith in yourself. Of course, they both like high heels, too.
Bev had no problem proving to cancer who runs the show. She was diagnosed in 2018 after receiving a mammogram and an ultrasound from her radiologist. She was then told she had to see a surgeon who instructed her that they were going to take out her tumor. Bev will be brand new.
Naturally, Bev wasn’t scared, devastated, or feeling much of anything relating to fear. Cancer didn’t mean a death sentence for her – just another battle she was going to win. After spending a week in Salt Lake City, Utah, Bev came back to southeastern North Carolina and received surgery to remove her tumor with her best friend by her side. Bev also underwent chemotherapy. Even that didn’t faze her. With high heels on her feet, she said, “I’m going to kick cancer’s butt!” and she proceeded to do just that.
Her chemotherapy came with some minor complications, but nothing to beat her down. A port in her arm ended up causing a blood clot, where she was then put on a blood thinner for six months and had her port moved to her chest. In a separate circumstance, during a chemotherapy treatment, her hazardous bag burst – something that had never happened to the nurse in her nine years of experience. A frenzy of nurses came in with hazmat suits to clean her room, and Bev was set up to a new chair. Thankfully, no one was burned, but the chemotherapy nurses were thrust into hazmat mode – something Bev certainly wasn’t anticipating to happen to her.
Nonetheless, Bev made the most of out of her chemotherapy. In total, it lasted six months. Bev is so outgoing that it was easy for her to make friends in the hospital. She had numerous conversations with other Individuals, and she brought her own support system along for the ride, too.
Bev knows her support system made a huge difference. She brought a new friend to each chemotherapy treatment.; Bible study friends, fellow church members, some family members, you name it. Her step son’s friends were largely involved in being there to clean Bev’s house - something they did quite a few times, and her sister flew in from Wisconsin as often as she could. Additionally, Bev was able to receive meals from others. That was a big help because Bev’s arm had damaged nerves from the radiation she got as part of treatment. No matter who it was, what she needed help with, or just wanting a friend to phone, Bev was lucky to have a huge network of individuals ready to step up.
Despite Bev’s challenges with her arm and not being able to open her hand in some stages, she joined the Livestrong Program at her local YMCA. The Livestrong program, according to the YMCA website, is a free 12-week health and wellness journey designed for cancer patients to help them reclaim their strength. Through the Livestrong program, Bev was taught about therapy, nutrition, enjoyed water aerobics, and rebuilt the strength she lost. She also completed the Livestrong program while simultaneously completing radiation – a true testament to Bev’s determination and strength. Bev ended up doing 20 treatments of radiation, 1 every day for a month, in 2019.
Two years after her initial diagnosis, Bev is on her feet, in her church, and even visiting her cherished grandkids in Ohio. She wants people to know that there is no need to feel sorry for cancer patients – it’s an unfortunate part of life, but Bev points out that having faith to see you through is all you really need. Her grandkids were scared of losing her, but Bev was never going to give up – she’s a fighter, through and through.
On top of her amazing, large support network, Bev created friendships from our team at Going Beyond the Pink. “Going Beyond the Pink brings people together,” she says, but also, “don’t feel bad that you feel bad.” Cancer bouts comes in waves, and there will be days the surf is just too much to ride, but teams like Going Beyond the Pink can help. It’s normal and more than alright to let yourself feel the emotions that you do, as long as you know that you are not alone.
Her final pieces of advice for cancer patients, caretakers and everyone affected by cancer on any level include:
Have a positive attitude
Try to keep it light – humor can be a coping mechanism!
Keep a journal
Take pictures
Be open to therapy: mental health is just as important as physical health
Find an exercise class that works for you
Be receptive to hugs and prayers
And, finally, be like Elle Woods: be confident, be fearless, and wear the high heels.
