2004 New Balance Honorary Team Member
Peggy Schuemann
As I reflect on my experience with breast cancer, two themes recur. I believe in
the power of one person to make a positive impact in any number of ways, and I believe
that advocacy is a multi faceted undertaking.
I visited my doctor regularly, followed the guidelines for having mammograms and
also did breast self exams. At the time of my mammogram in 1992 the mammography
technician found reason to take additional pictures of my right breast. She saw
an area of concern. On further review, the radiologist who later read the x-rays
felt it simply was an area of calcifications. Still worried, I contacted my physician
and reported to him my concern. He replied that I should not worry, and told me,
"This is nothing to cut your breast off over, just have a mammogram again next year."
His attitude and insensitivity irritated me. I wanted another opinion; partly because
I had a lump in that breast that I could feel.
I went to the hospital where my mammograms had been performed, signed consent forms,
and took home copies of the written reports on each of my past mammograms. I was
told that since I was not in the medical profession, I would not be able to understand
the reports. I was not deterred. First, I certainly could understand the findings
the doctors reported on each mammogram’s written summary. Second, I shared the reports
with a friend in medical school, and asked him to learn what he could regarding
the next steps I should take. At the same time I asked friends for recommendations
about whom to consult for a second opinion.
My visit with the new doctor was more reassuring. He listened to my concerns, he
also felt the lump, and he had a plan. He asked me to wait one month, and if the
lump were still there, I would consult a surgeon. By now several months had passed.
I was doing my own research and had learned that most breast cancers are slow growing
and that an additional month or two should not be of consequence as far as disease
progression or treatment options. The trip to the surgeon proved necessary. Here,
too, I received reassurances. The surgeon felt that "so that he could sleep, and
so that I could sleep," the lump should be removed and checked for cancer cells.
He reported that nearly 90% of biopsies are negative for cancer. By now it was near
Thanksgiving. The doctor suggested that I enjoy family time and have a surgical
biopsy the first week of December. He carefully explained the process and I felt
very comfortable with my decision.
With the biopsy scheduled for early in the week, I felt confident that I would know
the results before the weekend. However, the surgeon was out of town. On Sunday
evening the telephone rang at about 9:30. Upon his return, the doctor had stopped
at his office to check on several patients. He learned that I had breast cancer
and called me immediately.
I include the above in "my story" because I think it points out from the very beginning
the power of advocacy. I have a strong belief that if you don't advocate for yourself,
you can't expect that someone else will do so for you. Over the years people have
asked if I am mad at the first doctor, who did not take seriously my concerns. Of
course not! My health care is my responsibility. We each must find the power and
strength to advocate for ourselves, not only in relation to health care, but also
as regards many areas of our lives. I am glad that I continued asking questions
and moving forward with my concerns. I urge others to do the same.
Having completed my treatment for breast cancer, my next step was to become involved
in education and awareness initiatives around breast health and breast cancer. My
surgeon asked me to mentor women newly diagnosed with breast cancer. One woman calls
me yearly, on the date that we first met, to thank me and tell me she still is surviving.
Last year, rather than the telephone call, we had lunch to celebrate the ten year
anniversary of our first meeting. One person, meeting with another, perhaps even
a total stranger, can make a positive impact. I learned that this is advocacy.
As I grew and learned and continued to reach out in many ways, I became involved
with the Milwaukee Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure®. I learned
that Nancy Brinker developed Komen for the Cure in honor and memory of her sister,
Susan G. Komen, who died at age thirty six from breast cancer. Nancy Brinker, and
the organization she founded, believes strongly in the power of one person to make
a positive difference. The goal of Komen for the Cure is "to eradicate breast
cancer as a life threatening disease, by advancing research, education, screening
and treatment." I embraced this mission and am grateful to have had the opportunity
to volunteer my time both in research related activities and in public education
initiatives.
Advocacy sometimes seems like a large undertaking. Writing letters to legislators,
walking the halls of congress, making a big "splash" in some way may be more traditionally
thought of advocacy endeavors. To me, advocacy is asking a friend or family member
to have a mammogram. Advocacy may be giving women permission to question their health
care providers. Advocacy may be outreach on a more personal level. Whether it is
Nancy Brinker, who one step at a time built Susan G. Komen for the Cure®,
or a friend in line at the grocery store asking another friend to follow through
with her mammogram, one person can make a positive impact.
I have felt a responsibility to reach out to others who cannot, or will not, advocate
for themselves. I have felt a responsibility to help advance research so that breast
cancer can someday be prevented. It has been a privilege to work with others who
have similar goals. I strongly encourage outreach and advocacy, and hope many will
consider the Milwaukee Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure®
as an avenue for their efforts.
As a survivor, my activities related to breast health and breast cancer initiatives
have enabled me to grow in many ways as an individual. I appreciate the many opportunities
made available to me. I lived. I continue to live. Year after year, too many women
die of breast cancer. For those women, and for those to come, I believe we must
continue to support research and to encourage public education.
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