At the end of my interview with Gary Ellenbolt with South Dakota Public Radio, my assignment editor, Jackie Fink, asked Gary some questions about his story. Jackie asked him how he heard about my fight with cancer, why he is doing the story, and if there is anything else he would like to say. Here are his answers:
Danielle
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Dear Danielle, You are such an insipriation to so many people. I have missed you on the news, so got on line to find out why. I was sickened to hear why.You are a very strong young woman, and I will pray for you everyday.
ReplyDeleteI have a story to tell also. My family and I have lost so many to cancer, that my dear first cousin, that lives in Sioux City,Ia. decided to get tested for the BRACA gene. Well needless to say shw opened the pool, and now it has opened the eyes of our family. Since then, my sister MaryLou who also lives in SC got tested, she is also positive for the BRACA gene, my first cousin that started this has since had a total abdominal hysterectomy, and double mastectomy. My sister who tested positive is awaiting to meet with a 'GYN to see her next step.
I had my mammogram in July and they suggested through my family history that I be tested also, so I had an MRI, which was negative. I then got the results of my sisters, BRACA and made and app. with Jay Flanagen @ Sanford, he is a wonderful genetic coumnselor. With lots of discussion with my husband, my family doctor, Jay and a few of my relatives, I have decided I must go through the double mastectomy. I had a complete hysterectomy @ 27 yrs, and they tell me that has saved my from getting breast cancer this long. See we lost a wonderful sister from breast cancer in 1997 @ 46, and another sister who had breast cancer and had a mastectomy and is a survivor. I don't want to put my family through what we has to go through taking care of my dear sister Kathy, We had hospice care for 9 mo. It was the most rewarding thing I have ever done, but it was grueling at the same time. I have lost the last generation of my family to this dreaded disease, and I have told my sisters, daughter, and nieces that it is not going to take this generation. Now we have the power to be proactive and take the steps to save ourselves. God has been so good to us and I am thanking him everyday that He has sent the right people to us to lead the way for us to make the right decisions for our family. Now my daughter has been tested, my nieces are getting tested, another sister will soon be tested and only with the power of God will we all be saved.
I am going to see the surgeon and the plastic surgeon on Nov 2 and will decided the best, and most successful treatment.
I live in Pierre and work as a registrar @ Sandord Clinin in Pierre.
May you find peace in knowing you have so many people praying for you speedy and full recovery. Keep up the wonderful attitude, God bless and keep you strong. Sincerely, Maureen Shepherd 1603 Hilltop Dr Pierre,SD 57501. nanamoshep@hotmail.com