SISTER SURVIVORS: "What were you diagnosed with, and what treatments did you have? Who were your doctors?"
KIM: "I was diagnosed last July with Stage 1 micro-invasive ductal carcinoma (DCIS). I have a family history of breast cancer so my surgeon Dr. Peugh recommended getting the BRCA gene test and I tested positive for the BRCA2 gene. I decided to do a bi-lateral mastectomy and with the doctor's recommendation I had an oophorectomy performed at the same time. The cancer was found early so I didn't need to take radiation or chemotherapy. My cancer is estrogen positive so I am taking Femara an estrogen blocker. Dr. Bishop is my plastic surgeon."
SISTER SURVIVORS: "How did your cancer diagnosis affect your family and friends?"
KIM: "My sister and I are the 4th generation to our knowledge to be affected by the BRCA2 gene. My sister is a 20 year breast cancer survivor. Her daughter who was a senior in college was able to get the BRCA2 gene test under my serial number and tested negative. My sister then got the test done and was positive. It was such a relief for all of us that my niece was negative. My niece was planning to get a bi-lateral mastectomy done if she was positive. I haven't had my children tested yet. It's information I'm not ready to know."
SISTER SURVIVORS: "What was the hardest thing you had to go through during your cancer journey? What helped get you through it?"
KIM: "The hardest thing for me was getting over the pain of the surgery. The pain truly took over my body. Having dear family and friends I could call on a heart-beat was very reassuring."
SISTER SURVIVORS: "How did your cancer diagnosis change your life?
KIM: "I don't let things bug me like they use to. I'm more patient with myself and with others. On the other side of things I really appreciate all the little things and notice the beauty in all things. One day I was sitting at the kitchen table and my son notice a duck in our backyard. I got to enjoy only for a moment the beauty of this duck and thanked the Lord."
SISTER SURVIVORS: "What did you learn during your cancer journey?"
KIM: "What did I learn from my cancer journey? That's an ongoing journey. I have learned to enjoy every moment of the day and try to embrace it with joy. Some days are hard but I try to do my best."
SISTER SURVIVORS: "What have you changed as a result of your cancer diagnosis?"
KIM: "The number one thing I have changed is my diet. I drink green smoothies daily and I am a vegetarian."
SISTER SURVIVORS: "Do you have a favorite book or quote or song that became meaningful to you during your cancer journey?"
KIM: "The one quote that I have lived by for the past 30 years comes from my mom "If something bad happens look for the good" I have always found the good and have experienced many blessings from a positive out-look on life."
SISTER SURVIVORS: "What advice would you give to a woman who is newly diagnosed with breast cancer?"
KIM: "There is so much advice to give but I think I would tell someone that "Time heals all wounds and to be patient with yourself."
SISTER SURVIVORS: "What advice would you give to friends and family of a newly diagnosed breast cancer patient?"
KIM: "Listen and allow them to freely talk about their fears and anxiety. I felt like I had to be strong and couldn't cry in front of anyone because I didn't want to scare them."
SISTER SURVIVORS: "Finish this sentence… “I am a…”
KIM: "I am a beautiful, courageous, loving, kind, grateful daughter of God. I am not my body. I am a perfect spirit with wonderful qualities that make up my humaness."
