July Spotlight - Beth Crowley

This month I did an interview with our newest board member, Beth Crowley. She has been a member of Sister Survivors support group since almost the beginning. She has accepted the position of Secretary, and we are so excited to work with her. I'm sure you'll all love Beth. Here is our interview... ENJOY!



Lifting Hearts: " What were you diagnosed with, and what treatments did you have? Who were your doctors?"

Beth: "I was diagnosed with Ductal carcinoma in situ, grade 3. My surgeon was Jennifer Tittensor. My plastic surgeon was Jon Bishop, and my oncologist is Steven Wallentine."

Lifting Hearts: "How did your cancer diagnosis affect your family and friends?"

Beth: "I was the first member of my family to have cancer so no one really knew what to do or how to handle it. We talked about it a lot but did not let it take over our lives. We tried to laugh as much as possible even at the scary things."

Lifting Hearts: "What was the hardest thing you had to go through during your cancer journey? What helped get you through it?"

Beth: "Physically the hardest thing was recovering from surgery. I had never been seriously ill before. Mentally, getting used to my new reality as a cancer survivor with a very altered body. My family was so helpful and supportive with everything I needed."



Lifting Hearts: "How did your cancer diagnosis change your life?"

Beth: "It made me realize I am human and vulnerable. It was time to think about changing what I could to become as healthy as possible. "

Lifting Hearts: "What did you learn during your cancer journey?"

Beth: "Oh….. I am still learning every day. "

Lifting Hearts: "What have you changed as a result of your cancer diagnosis?"

Beth: "I try not to sweat the small stuff and I DON’T WEAR A BRA ANYMORE!!"

Lifting Hearts: "Do you have a favorite book or quote or song that became meaningful to you during your cancer journey?"

Beth: "My T-shirt from “So Much More” that says across the chest - “Of course they are fake, the real ones tried to kill me.”

Lifting Hearts: "What advice would you give to a woman who is newly diagnosed with breast cancer?"

Beth: "Research everything only on reputable websites and get many opinions from doctors and other cancer survivors."

Lifting Hearts: "What advice would you give to friends and family of a newly diagnosed breast cancer patient?"

Beth: "They need to hear you say that everything is going to be alright, but be careful not to minimize their fear and what is happening to them."

Lifting Hearts: "Finish this sentence… “I am a…”

Beth: "WOMAN… hear me roar!"