Phyllis

I have lived in the Philadelphia area for my entire life. I’ve always been athletic; basketball, softball and even track. I’ve also always struggled with my weight and positive body image. Cancer helped me change that. AND, I just celebrated 10 years cancer free!

It was two weeks before my 45th birthday and I found a lump. I had worked hard to get into the best shape of my life and was in a brand-new relationship. My prior mammogram was a mere six months prior.

I didn’t sleep that night. My gynecologist was the first call, radiology at the Bryn Mawr Breast Center was the next stop and even after the experts said it didn’t ‘feel’ like cancer (smooth vs rough edges), I went on to see a breast surgeon. He recommended a biopsy, which we did at that visit. The pathology came back as irregular but not cancer. However, based on my age, he recommended removing the lump (with margins) by having a lumpectomy and getting a full pathology report. The evening before Thanksgiving in 2012 (with 16 people coming for dinner the next day), Dr. Frasier called and told me what no one ever wants to hear:” The pathology confirms the lump is cancer and it is stage 1.” I was numb. I was scared. I was hosting Thanksgiving dinner the next day, how was I going to get through that…and then what came next?

Fast-forward my very long story. I ended up with 4 of 6 prescribed chemo treatments. I had every reaction possible and decided 4 treatments were enough. Quickly followed by 35 radiation treatments, all while working full time and being a single mom to my two sons (18 & 15). I ended up having 14 surgeries, with most being reconstructive, due to complications. I had an early cancer, but there was nothing easy about the treatment and recovery.

In 2015, I went to a seminar to hear all three of my docs speak. Situated to my right was a table of women talking about dragon-boating, which I had never heard of. They were lovely, but I was worried that I wasn’t ready for anything physical, having just completed my 14th surgery. Wanting to regain control of my physical life, I went to see their practice that winter. I went back in January and was hooked. It brought back every memory I had of being strong, in shape and athletic; none of which I was at that time.

I joined in 2016 and have since regained my strength, my confidence and myself. The women on the team helped me through a lot of personal issues; some cancer related but most were not. For that, I’ll be eternally grateful for the sisterhood.

Cancer led me to Hope Afloat and I’ve since made friends who will be ‘my people’ for the rest of my life. We support each other and what’s more-we have FUN along the way. I’m stronger than ever, both mentally and physically. I’m happy and free when I’m on the river or in the gym. Hope Afloat (via cancer) was a gift that I wouldn’t have asked for, didn’t know I needed and will always be grateful to have!