The theme of A Calendar to Live By 2022 is Perseverance. All 12 women who grace its pages have honest, inspiring stories of perseverance to share with readers -- as well as words of advice for other young women newly diagnosed with breast cancer. Read on to get to know more about Ms. June 2022.
Ms. June 2017 | Diagnosed at 46 (2013)
The turning point in Dee’s life was her breast cancer diagnosis. On top of typical breast cancer treatment including chemo, radiation, a mastectomy and reconstruction, Dee has had numerous additional surgeries related to reconstruction issues. She has had multiple foot surgeries due to neuropathy caused by chemo as well as significant weight fluctuations from medicines. “There’s so much that people don’t know about when it comes to what you go through after you’re done with cancer treatment. It doesn’t always end there, and side effects can last.” Dee persevered through her cancer journey thanks to her faith, her positive attitude, and her support system, which included Here for the Girls. The organization has moved beyond a lifeline for her; over the years, she has been a Board member, a long-time volunteer facilitator, a spokesperson, and fundraiser. “I stay involved because I want to help other women who are going through what I have been through. [H4TG] helps us in ways I never could have imagined.”
Dee is a different person today than she was before cancer. She has developed confidence and embraced life – in fact, she started riding a motorcycle and opened her own business! “I can follow my dreams, and more importantly, make them happen.”
Dee has this advice for survivors: Find one thing that you can do, either music, coloring, or reading, that can help distract you during chemo treatments and while recovering.
