Cressent has accepted the position of Treasurer on our board, and will be joining our team shortly. I'm excited to get to know more about her, as I'm sure all of you are...
SISTER SURVIVORS: "What were you diagnosed with, what treatments did you have, and who were your doctors?"
CRESSENT: "Invasive ductal carcinoma stage 4. I had 6 chemo treatments every three weeks, mastectomy with reconstruction, then I had 33 radiation treatments. My doctors were Doctor Rich and Doctor Tudor."
SISTER SURVIVORS: "How did your cancer diagnosis affect your family and friends?"
CRESSENT: "My two older girls took my my diagnosis the worst. They thought I would die, and so did I. My husband was the positive one from the beginning. He said, "You are tough and you will get through this and your body will recover."
Cressent, and husband, MarkSISTER SURVIVORS: "What was the hardest thing you had to go through during your cancer journey? What helped get you through it?"
CRESSENT: "My gull bladder - Days after my fourth chemo treatment, I was really sick and threw up for nine days. I was so weak I could not even walk. My family doctor admitted me to the hospital and the next morning they took out my gull bladder. It was really gross, it had 60 to 70 large stones. My surgeons said it was the worst they had ever seen. My attitude toward having cancer changed after that. Being sick with a bad gull bladder was a lot worse than having cancer. I knew, I would survive cancer."
SISTER SURVIVORS: "How did your cancer diagnosis change your life?"
CRESSENT: "I eat really healthy now and exercise a lot. I try to make more meaningful time with my kids, husband, extended family and friends. I also make and take time for myself to learn and grow and enjoy new things."
Twins, Jori, and JoshuaSISTER SURVIVORS: "What did you learn during your cancer journey?"
CRESSENT: "Enjoy every minute of your life. Don't let a good opportunity pass you by, and surround yourself with things that make you happy!" :)
SISTER SURVIVORS: "What have you changed as a result of your cancer diagnosis?"
CRESSENT: "I am more compassionate towards others. If I see someone in need I am right by their side trying to help with their situation."
SISTER SURVIVORS: "Do you have a favorite book or quote or song that became meaningful to you during your cancer journey?"
CRESSENT: "A friend made me a sticker for my vehicle that said Cancer Sucks. So, I pretty much stuck with that statement."
Daughter, DrewSISTER SURVIVORS: "What advice would you give to a woman who is newly diagnosed with breast cancer?"
CRESSENT: "Cry, it's okay to do that. Learn as much as you can about your kind of cancer and find a doctor you like. Surround yourself with positive people in your life. Make cancer a learning journey, have a good attitude. Cancer sucks, but your life dose not have to!"
SISTER SURVIVORS: "What advice would you give to friends and family of a newly diagnosed breast cancer patient?"
CRESSENT: "Talk about the situation together and openly. Cancer is not something one should whisper about. Be there for each other - comfort the hard days and embrace the good days."
Daughter, AmberSISTER SURVIVORS: Finish this sentence… “I am a…”"
CRESSENT: I am a... tough cookie, who loves to stop and smell the roses. I live each day to the fullest. I am a strong willed, wonderful, courageous, sometimes demanding woman who loves pleasing others."
