2009 Honorees


Ellen A. Dri	Husband Fred, 3 Children & 9 Grandchildren Worked as a Nurse Educator and as a Nurse Practitioner. On March 1, 2008, awakened in the middle of the night and accidently placed my hand on my left breast. I felt a suspicious palpable mass in the left sub areola area. On Monday morning I contacted my primary physician to discuss my concerns and he ordered a mammography. By Tuesday they performed an ultrasound, mammography and a biopsy. On Wednesday, I was called and advised that I had invasive breast cancer-ductile and lobular (Stage 3B). I had a bilateral mastectomy with removal of 17 nodes (7 positive). Chemo and Radiation followed. I had had mammograms at Northside Hospital for 16 years. They always sent a card that findings were negative - see you next year. In reviewing past mammogram findings, I noted two areas of increased density over a two year period. Unfortunately, I only saw the post card and was happy the results were "normal".
Based on my experience, I would strongly recommend that women should ask for a copy of the mammogram results. What have I learned from this experience? Be informed and question results. Be proactive. Get second opinions. When you are told you have been diagnosed with breast cancer, it is a life changing experience. I strongly recommend breast exams by your health provider, monthly self examinations and mammography evaluations once a year. Keep copies of all health records. Be involved with your health care. Attend support groups if they are helpful for you. Talk with women who had or have similar issues.
Donna Lynch	Even before I turned 40, I had practiced self-examination and had routine mammograms. So, in August 2001, I was very surprised when the doctors told me they had found something suspicious. I didn’t believe it was anything. It was cancer. My early stage breast cancer was very small and “like sand”, and none of the malignancy had left the duct. Because I was the first in my family to have cancer, I didn’t have a mentor. My concern was for the future and what to expect. My doctor assured me that I had “the best kind of breast cancer. If you are going to get breast cancer, this is what you would want.” She recommended no radiation, no chemotherapy, and no medication. She suggested I join a “study” where I could be watched carefully; my chance of recurrence was 8%. The choice was mine. The odds sounded good. After this experience was over, I felt guilty for the worry I caused family and friends. Yes, I had cancer, but barely. I didn’t talk about it. I don’t think, at the time, I really believed I had breast cancer.
By 2004, three years into the study, my cancer was back. This time it was invasive. Doctors removed the malignancy and lymph nodes and were able to save my breast. I would need radiation and medication (Tamoxifin) for five years. Now, I really believed I had breast cancer. Today, cancer is no longer a stranger to our large family (I am one of ten children). I have lost a brother and two cousins to other forms of this disease. Two of my sisters-in-law have had breast cancer. I no longer think of mammograms as routine because they revealed my cancer both times. After checkups, I always wait to hear, “You’re all set Donna. You can go.” I get overwhelmed each time when I learn this disease hasn’t come back…. because I KNOW it can. My joining a study helped doctors discover the early stages of my cancer’s return. Participating in these studies is crucial because it enables researchers to learn more about this disease and to find better ways to detect it, treat it, and cure it. My life and my priorities have changed forever. I am fortunate. My husband, Brian, and I have been married for 40 years and have two wonderful sons and three beautiful grandchildren. We live in Suwanee and keep a home in Boston (where I grew up), to be near our son and grandchildren. I am grateful for the due diligence of my doctors in the past and for those who continue to watch me now. I am thankful for the support of family and friends, and for strangers who do unbelievable things to fight this horrific disease. Life in great.
Franny Singleton	Until age 44, I had never been in a hospital for surgery, never had a significant illness. I was catapulted into the world of breast cancer after finding a lump in my breast in 1996. According to my oncologist, all indications were for a cure for this stage one cancer. I had a lumpectomy, radiation, and took Tamoxifin for almost five years. Right before planning my five-year survival party, I found out that the cancer had spread into my sternum bone. Once again, the prognosis was good, the cancer was growing slowly. After another six weeks of radiation to the bone and graduating to a new drug called Femara, I found myself in the world of monthly oncology visits, Lupron shots, and blood work, along with a drip of Zometa to help re-build the bone and avoid osteoporosis, the potential side effect of long-term anti-estrogen therapy.
Fast forward another six years to 2007. I had now taken Femura for six years, and my tumor markers had been normal for 5.5 years. Once again, it went up, indicating a problem. Sure enough, more breast cancer in the sternum bone, and now it was more difficult to get the problem solved. I had highly focused radiation treatments and started on Arimidex. This did not work. The tumor marker climbed almost 91 points above the normal number. My oncologist sent me to Dr. Ruth O’Regan, head of all hormonal breast cancer research at Emory’s Winship Cancer Center. She told me she thought I was on the wrong drug and she and my doctor agreed on Faslodex, another type of anti-estrogen drug that shuts all estrogen out from the cells. She said it would take three months to work, so patience prevailed and once the marker started to drop, it was like a miracle…the tumor marker was down to the 50’s after six months of treatment. I have now passed the two-year mark after recurrence two and have taken Fasodex for 20 months. With the state of health care today, the most important thing we can do as individuals is to become informed, diligent advocates of our own health. Trust your instincts, learn everything you can, and have faith in God’s power to keep you strong and hopeful day by day. That is how you will know that you are fighting your best battle. Pick your best medical team and communicate openly; doctors respect patients who are involved, have an opinion, and are willing to function as a participant rather than just a patient. “If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible to you.” Matthew 17:20e.

Lisa Swayne	Lisa Swayne was the typical, young, healthy woman when she was diagnosed with a particularly aggressive form of breast cancer at only 32 years old. Through six rounds of chemotherapy, two surgeries, and six weeks of radiation, she credits her family for motivating her to fight. “The first year was all about survival,” Lisa said. “We had a plan for treatment; a plan at home and a plan at work. Once the treatment program was established, we actually felt better because we knew we had a plan to beat this disease. “My message to women just diagnosed with breast cancer is to educate yourself, but don’t diagnose your illness from books and the internet. Talk to other women and their families that have had breast cancer and use their information to find the best doctors,” says Lisa. Five years later, Lisa is back to being a full time mom, wife, and working woman, and considers her cancer gone.

2008 Honorees


Ann Mason	I grew up in Snellville, Georgia, graduated from Snellville High School and then attended Georgia State University. My husband, Wayne, and I have been married for over 40 years and have four children and eleven wonderful grandchildren. My first encounter with breast cancer was in August 1992. My sister, Monteen Archer, was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer. After watching her go through chemotherapy and several surgeries, it made me more aware of my body. During one of my self examinations, I found a small lump and immediately scheduled a mammogram. The radiologist told me there were some changes from my prior mammogram but that it wasn’t cause for concern and said to come back in six months. Knowing that if my sister had gone to the doctor when she first suspected something was wrong that she would have had a better change of survival, I made an appointment with another doctor for a second opinion. Thankfully, he ordered additional tests and eventually a biopsy.
On a Friday night in March 1994 my doctor called with the dreaded diagnosis. I had breast cancer. The good news was that, unlike my sister, my cancer had been discovered in the early states. One week later, I underwent a mastectomy and reconstruction, along with the removal of several lymph nodes. My oncologist said that I did not need chemotherapy or radiation but that I only needed to take a drug called tamoxifen for five years. WHEW! My family insisted that I get another opinion on my therapy. I did and I was so relieved that the second oncologist recommended the same course of treatment. Sadly my sister did not win her battle with breast cancer. I am probably alive today because my cancer was discovered early. My advice to women of all ages is to do your self examinations and get regular mammograms. Remember, you know your body better than anyone else. Also, don’t ever be afraid to seek a second opinion. Mine may have saved my life. I thank God for every day.
Jean Miles Sugar Hill, GA	Just after Christmas 2006, I discovered a lump in my left breast. This lump signaled that 2007 would be a year like no one had expected. The year started with a doctor visit in which the lump measured 1.5 cm and because of my age (37) and the recent delivery of my third child a diagnosis of "likely nothing to worry about." Then a follow up visit yielded a measurement of 2 cm and a diagnosis of "some concern," followed by a mammogram and diagnosis of "very concerned". By the middle of February, a lumpectomy and lymph node surgery had confirmed breast cancer with lymph node involvement. After discussions with doctors, family, and friends, my husband and I reviewed all treatment options. We weighed the choices using two main contributing factors: What treatment would be most effective, and what would allow me to continue to function as a wife and mother. I have been married to John for 12 years and we have three daughters; Georgia (7), Samantha (4), and Addison (1). It was very important to me that I not be "sick" with cancer while I had cancer, for my sake, and for our daughter's sake. I went through 8 rounds of chemo, choosing to spread it over 24 weeks, followed by 36 radiation treatments.
In October of 2007, I completed my cancer treatments. Follow-up evaluations have confirmed that I am cancer-free. Throughout 2007, I became aware of the depths of my support system that I could have never imagined - Family, Friends, Friends-of-friends. But a large system of support was the other men and women I met during treatments. And for that I am truly grateful. Cancer does not target a certain age, race, or gender. Everyone should know their body and if there is something that doesn't seem quite right - get it checked out. Early detection saved my life and it has saved the lives of so many people I met in treatment. As 2007 ended, and 2009 began, I am proud to take on a new role of cancer survivor.

Sara Williams Suwanee, GA	I was blessed to grow up in beautiful Blue Ridge, GA. I attended nursing school at Georgia Baptist Hospital in Atlanta where I met and fell madly in love with Virgil Williams, my husband of 49 years. We have four children and are the proud grandparents of nine precious grandchildren… our world was perfect. How could discovering one small lump in your breast make such a life-changing and life-threatening difference? But, make a difference it did. After a lumpectomy, followed by radiation treatment and many visits to doctors and being dismissed in December five years later by my Oncologist, I just knew I had sailed through and life was once again beautiful. Little did I know in just another month, I would discover yet another lump in the same breast that would be more aggressive. To suffer through chemotherapy and radiation a second time calls on all the inner strength and faith one can muster. But, God gave me strength and faith I had, together with a very positive attitude.
I cannot emphasize enough the shear importance of regular self-examination and awareness of your body and its changes. I credit my early detection, my strong faith in God and the prayers, love and support of my family and friends with my survival. And, last but certainly not least, I also feel I had the best health care available with the physicians and staff of both Emory University Hospital and M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. They were diligent with their innovative treatment along with their cutting edge cancer research. For the last five years, I’ve proudly served on the Emory Breast Health Center Board of Advisors. Their pro-active research is amazing. This past January I received a very positive report from my doctors, and I feel healthy and truly blessed. Cancer does put a different spin on your thinking and your life’s prospective in general. There are no more “bad hair” days. You just thank the Good Lord for the blessings He has bestowed on you and enjoy each day to the fullest. That’s exactly what I am doing.