Notes from Perry Street: Recognizing Breast Cancer Awareness Month

By CORBY CARLIN WINTERS, Ambassador at Large

When I was in high school, my mom had a lumpectomy. It was scary for all of us and my first experience with breast cancer. I remember her discussing what she would do if she did have cancer. My mother was a Yankee filled with moxie and a passion for Jesus Christ.

She was a strong, caring and passionate woman. But she would not listen to anyone who had horror stories about breast cancer and their treatment. My friend and neighbor, Pat Lincoln, said that was a big issue she also faced.

Fortunately, my mom’s biopsy was negative. She always advocated for her own health and the health of others. So, being my mother’s daughter, I followed her example by always getting regular mammograms and doing self-breast exams, including checking your underarm and rib cage right under your breasts.

I remember my mammograms very clearly. The nurse had my breast nice and tight in an X-ray machine. Moments later, she says, “Mrs. Winters, don’t breathe, don’t move … NOW Breathe… DON’T BREATHE, DON’T MOVE!” The nurse reminds me I am in good hands and this is what she does. She re-adjusts me and again takes my breast in her hand as though she is casually picking up an orange at the grocery store. And once again, the nurse says, “Don’t breathe, Don’t move,” and so on.

There have been great advancements in women’s breast health. 3D imaging mammograms are the newest incredible technology. These machines require fewer images and provide greater clarity. But we have to do our part, too. I want to encourage all women to be their own advocates. Find doctors you trust and with whom you can communicate openly and honestly.

Last year at this same time, our friend Josie Exners wrote a powerful column for The Paper. She shared how she found a lump, which led to a double mastectomy, which saved her life. Be swift to contact your doctor if you feel any changes in your breast or anything in your body.

I want to honor some of our friends who have lost their fight with breast cancer.

Dona Eley and I were friends and counselors and attended church in Alaska together. Dona was diagnosed in 2014 and passed away from metastatic Breast Cancer in January 2024. She shared her journey in an incredible blog that has left an indelible mark on many lives.

Judy Wilson was one of my mother’s best friends throughout her life and her daughter JoQueta was my dear friend. Judy was diagnosed in 1991 with breast cancer and passed away in 2002 from metastatic breast cancer.

Our neighbor Barbara Bates Lee lost her stepdaughter at just 41 to breast cancer. Her stepdaughter was afraid and knew something was not right, but by the time she sought medical help, it was too late. She left behind her husband and two young children. As Barbara said “You CAN survive… If you pay attention!

I also want to honor some of my dear friends who are breast cancer survivors.

Vonda Holbrook and I were high school friends, and I was her maid of honor, Vonda was diagnosed in 2006 at 40 years old when she found her own lump and she had a double mastectomy. Vonda went back to school to become a nurse. Vonda’s mom was diagnosed in 1992 and passed away from metastatic breast cancer in 2000.

Emily Chandler Westergreen, owner of Underground Runway, was just 37 when she discovered she had breast cancer; she too had a double mastectomy. Donna Owens just retired and closed Parlor 34 Hair, but she was 45 and then 60 when she had breast cancer. My neighbor Pat Lincoln was diagnosed 2011 and she found her own lump. All these women are still cancer-free and a fabulous inspiration to me and so many others.

These are just a few of my dear friends touched by breast cancer. I share their stories to give us all hope and encouragement.

This is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Be aware. You are not too busy – make the time. Do it for yourself and those you love.