October is for honoring breast cancer heroes
- col-bobbie-randall
- October 25, 2023
- 438
Each October everyone is reminded more research is needed to reduce the incidence of breast cancer. Things that are usually not pink turn pink. Everything from pumpkins to football players switch colors to pink.
The campaign to make the public aware of breast cancer has been going on for decades. Funds are needed for research studies and education, but awareness is what saves lives.
Men and women can develop this dreaded cancer, but it usually affects women. The earlier that a noxious growth is detected, the survival rate increases.
I know a woman who is currently undergoing treatment for breast cancer. In fact, long before her cancer diagnosis, she invited me to coach her as she decided to become healthier.
First, she came to a class to learn more about healthy eating. I walked her through the basics of how and why to receive essential proteins, vitamins and minerals. One of the ways she lost weight was by limiting added sugar and alcohol from her diet.
Then I watched her attend as many physical fitness classes as her schedule allowed. She changed her body from a high percentage of fat to an even higher percentage of muscle.
Her clothes became too big and baggy for her slimmer self. The new clothes she bought were bright and bold. She was like a caterpillar turning into a butterfly.
Then she developed breast cancer. This shocking news made healthy eating and staying physically fit seem like a farce. How can this woman who worked so hard to be healthier get hit with this devastating news?
She followed all the rules. Staying in shape is one of the main means of reducing the risk of all cancers. Her exercise and sweat did not protect her from cancer as she hoped it would.
All the fruits and vegetables she learned to like did not shield her from this deadly growth. No matter how many changes were made to her lifestyle, she was not guarded from breast cancer.
After undergoing months of cancer treatment, I had the opportunity to candidly talk to her and commend her for the years of healthy eating and physical fitness. I reminded her of our first session that was loaded with good nutrition facts and recommendations. I applauded her for deleting the sugar from her coffee and candy bars from her afternoon snack.
We laughed as she told me about the menu mistakes she made with her family at first. She learned healthier cooking methods over the years and found ways to prepare fewer processed foods. The colorful produce section of the grocery store is her favorite destination.
Then she explained her chemo and radiation schedule and how it has not interfered with her job. She proudly announced that so far she had not missed one day of work because of breast cancer. I admired her tenacity and cheerfulness.
Then I asked her a soul-searching question, “Why you?” I will never forget her response. “Why not me?” she replied. Breast cancer survivors are my heroes.
Bobbie Randall is a certified diabetes care and education specialist and a registered, licensed dietitian. Email her at bobbierandallrd@gmail.com.