As you know the 2010 “To Have & To Hold” breast cancer photo shoot is set into motion. Throughout the year I will be posting stories from breast cancer survivors. If you are a breast cancer survivor and would like to share your story in a published book in which 100% of the net proceeds will be donated to the Susan G. Komen Foundation click here.
Let me introduce you to Christel.
The title hit from Smash Mouth, Everyday Superhero is what my story is all about. My name is Christel Bethea and I’m proud to say I’m a one year breast cancer survivor. My story is unique because I went against my doctor’s advice to have a benign tumor removed. The extraction of this foreign object provided me piece of mind and ease that I acted on my early detection instincts. During my post operation visit, I received the most shocking news of my entire life; the results revealed malignant cancer cells. How was I going to tell my husband and 2 young active boys that Mommy now has cancer? As we informed all of my family and friends, I received the same feedback: “How is this possible? You are so healthy, work out everyday, and eat wholesome foods.” I guess this goes to show that cancer has no biases or health specific preferences.
On April 24th 2008, I had a mastectomy on my left breast and the removal of 23 lymph nodes. I choose to have the Tram Flap procedure which entailed a complete breast reconstruction from the fat cells of my stomach. My mobility returned within the first two weeks. As a matter of fact, I completed the Susan G Komen 5k Breast Cancer Walk on May 10; 18 days after the initial surgery. Slowly I began adding all the work-out routines I was accustomed to prior to my cancer diagnosis. I went to my favorite room in the house (work out room) and began running on my trend mill, climbing my stair master, and working out on my elliptical. Mentally and physically I was a different person. I had survived cancer with a reminder of a newly reconstructed breast that was now part of my overall femininity. [click to continue…]
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