We are celebrating two LF breast cancer warriors, Linda Bayes and Brenda Schell. Both women were kind enough to share a bit about their journeys with us to help bring awareness to the disease.

 

After Linda Bayes’ mom cared for her own mother with breast cancer, out of fear she waited two years before admitting she had found a lump in her breast. Linda shared, “She was 47 when she was diagnosed and passed away four years later. Twenty years later in 2014, when I had just turned 47, my dad called me and asked me to come visit because he was not doing well. I found a lump in my breast during that visit. When I got home, I had a biopsy the same day I got the call my father died. One week later, during his funeral, I got the call that I was positive for breast cancer. I was so grateful at the time that my dad never had to know that.”

 

Linda noted how much has changed since her grandmother battled breast cancer. “The treatments from my grandmother’s day to mine are just miraculous. Not that everyone has the same prognosis, but at least we are not afraid to talk about it. There is info, testing, and even articles in neighborhood magazines encouraging women of all ages to GET TO KNOW YOUR GIRLS, LADIES! Feel them every shower, and if something is different go see your doctor! Breast cancer is painless and deadly. This journey is long, shocking, and when it seems it’s over, it rears its ugly head in a direction that again shocks and turns you to stone with fear once again.”

 

When asked about her journey with breast cancer, Linda says the fear of waiting for test results and treatment plans was the hardest part for her. She also emphasized the importance of caregivers/loved ones. “Please think of the ones caring for loved ones. Those strong husbands, friends, children, parents, etc. put their own lives on hold and are so strong. Their fight is real too. When my husband got offered a job here in Kentucky, he had to find and buy a home here and start his work while I stayed in Florida because my mother-in-law got a cancer diagnosis. I spent over a year with her, taking her to doctor appointments, treatment centers, and hospitals, and caring for her with a few reprieves from other children so I could visit my home and husband.”

 

 

 

 

Brenda Schell moved to LF in 2008 from Indianapolis with her husband who is originally from Louisville. Brenda bravely shared some of her story with us explaining, “I was diagnosed with breast cancer in August 2022. Before this, I had genetic testing done. My doctor had referred me to get tested and be proactive because I had two sisters who also had breast cancer. It took approximately 1 1/2 years to go through the procedure. Once those results came back, it was decided I was a candidate to have MRI testing yearly as well as a yearly mammogram. I had my first MRI in July 2022 with no symptoms or lumps at the time. Unfortunately, the first MRI did show a mass, and after a biopsy, it was determined to be cancer. I was very grateful that I had listened to the doctor to be tested. As a result, it was caught early. I had a double partial mastectomy in early September, followed by radiation. I have not been given an all-clear yet, but I will be having another MRI in early August. If clear, which I expect it will be, I can move to the survivor status. Overall I am doing great! I have had great support from my daughter and husband. I have gone to Art therapy/counseling and have a great team of doctors, which have made it easier.”

 

Thank you for bravely sharing your experiences to benefit your neighbors! Both Brenda and Linda urge everyone to be diligent and proactive. Self-exams, visiting your doctor for routine care, and family history are all critical with breast cancer. To learn more, you can visit www.nationalbreastcancer.org.