by Deanna Rogers

Created on: May 04, 2009   Last Updated: May 25, 2009

It's been four years since my diagnosis of Breast Cancer. I was diagnosed, treated, and cured of this disease over the course of two years. One of the processes I embarked on during that timeframe was to be genetically tested.

As a result of that test, I learned that my having breast cancer was pre determined at birth. I tested positive for the BRACA 2 gene. For that reason, I was back for the last leg of the recovery process. I made a proactive decision to have my ovaries removed in effort to reduce any chance of developing ovarian cancer as a result of owning this GENE. Ovarian cancer carries a 27% risk factor if one has the BRACA 2 gene.

On a recent visit to the hospital that was to perform the procedure, I was patiently waiting to be called for a pre-operative appointment. I checked in and was handed a disc that would blink when they were ready for me. I helped myself to a complimentary cup of coffee, and settled in to one of the comfortable chairs in the waiting area. The TV was tuned to a local news station. With the depressing reports constantly streaming on the news, I turned my attention to people watching.

Apparently, cancer has no idea that we are in a recession. The waiting room was filled to capacity! As my thoughts started wandering, I wondered how cancer was affecting each of the individuals sitting in that waiting area. Some were patients, and others were family members there to support their loved ones. No matter which category they fit into, you could see tension on everyone's face. Cancer has a way of doing that to people!

As I was lost in my thoughts, a gentle, older woman probably around 75 took the seat beside me. She had gray hair, pulled back in a neat bun. Out of a very large pocketbook, she pulled out what appeared to be some sort of needle point and yarn. Obviously she's been in this waiting area before and knew that the wait would probably be lengthy. She sweetly turned to me and asked if I minded if she sewed. I was not offended by it at all and promptly told her so. I took an interest in what she was creating, since boredom was beginning to set in.

I love to engage people in conversations. After all, everyone has a story! I took the opportunity to ask her what the purpose for her visit to the hospital was. She told me that she was there with a companion who was 82 years old and diagnosed with colon cancer. She shared with me that his children felt he was too old to go through the treatment process. She on the other

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>