Cancer survivorship can bring a new sense of purpose. How has your experience shaped or inspired you to give back to the world?
When I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer, the 1st time, in 2014, I was going thru a divorce and had to face this horrifying situation on my own. You really never know how much help you need until you don’t have any. After my first surgery, I had to have radiation for over a month, sometimes twice a day. Once radiation was finished, I had to have a complete hysterectomy because my breast cancer was estrogen-driven, during pathology they found ovarian cancer. My doctor called and told me that if I had not had that specific type of cancer, they would not have found the ovarian cancer, and I would have been dead within six months. I realized then that I wanted to help support women going thru breast cancer. So I started “The Pink Pump” — a Breast Cancer Support Group. I have helped organize fundraisers, cooked and supplied meals, driven women to and from appointments, even sat bedside of women suffering and dying from breast cancer.
What are some of the biggest misconceptions about fighting cancer or being a survivor that you would like to dispel, particularly in a professional context?
Everyone has different reactions to cancer and to its treatment. People think because they knew someone who had breast cancer that you should be able to do what their friend or family did. While in the fight you may be able to work — or maybe not. At times my pain levels and reaction to treatment have stopped me from my everyday life. One of the medications, Letrozole, gave me Vertigo so getting out of bed more less trying to work was not happening.
Knowing what you know now, if you could go back and give advice to the person you were when you were first diagnosed, what would you tell her?
Keep your head up in spite of your personal situation (divorce), stay strong and do everything expected by your doctors so you can live to see another day!
Many people struggle with “chemobrain” or physical limitations during treatment. How did you manage the daily challenges while keeping your business afloat?
When I was diagnosed the first time, in three months, I had to have two surgeries and finish my radiation treatments. I took that time off so I could rest and heal, radiation took every ounce of energy from my body. At that time, I was a very busy interior designer, some of my projects were passed to other designers in the business. During my recovery was when “The Pink Pump” was born!
What specific coping mechanisms or lifestyle changes did you use that you found effective in managing both your health and business stress?
My Faith is what got me through. I remained active in my church and had a great prayer group. On the good days I spent time in the gym on the treadmill, I found that walking and listening to music relaxed me.
What was the most important thing you learned about yourself through this challenging experience that you now apply to your business leadership?
I realized that I am stronger than I ever thought I was, more willing to help at any cost and determined to succeed.
How did you lean on your support system, and what is the best advice you would give other entrepreneurs about asking for help?
I have always been very popular and have a host of friends who rallied around me especially the second bout of breast cancer when I had a double mastectomy. I am normally really independent, however, I allowed and asked for help with food, travel to and from doctors appointments and surgeries. This past year I have had six surgeries thus far and have one more to go, so I more than appreciate all of the assistance my support group has given me. After each surgery, one or two of my friends spend the night in my home, sometimes in the bed with me, to make sure I made it thru the night. They gave me my daily shot in the leg as I could NOT do it myself and made sure that I had food. My advice is to just say “please and thank you” and receive the blessings others are willing and wanting to give you.
What does “fearless” mean to you now, and what passion project or dream would you act on immediately, without hesitation?
“Fearless” to me means moving forward into the dark not knowing what will be there but believing in your heart you will come out on the other side victorius! I would like to grow my breast cancer support group to a full-time journey helping other women.
How did/do you define success at the beginning of your entrepreneurial journey, and how has that definition evolved since your diagnosis and recovery?
As an interior designer for over 25 years, in the beginning it was all about making money, getting the best clients and always in competition with my peers. It was a non-stop “dog eat dog” world, always r\Running and networking. After being diagnosed my perspective changed drastically, realizing each day is not promised. I found myself wanting to help other women and educate about the importance of mammograms and early detection.
