The diagnosis of breast cancer on Valentine’s Day in 1986 is still a moment Judy Bond will never forget.
The Farley resident discovered a lump in her left breast after a shower.
When her doctor told her it was cancer her first thought was she was going to die and that she would not live to see her daughter Cindy, who was in college and Amy, who was in high school graduate. Shock and disbelief followed.
The retired legal secretary and bank employee was diagnosed with stage-two cancer and she underwent six months of intensive chemotherapy.
“I traveled to Arlington Cancer Treatment Center in Arlington, Texas,” Bond said. “The oncologist there set my protocol, communicated with my MD and oncology nurse here and I had treatments at St Luke’s Cushing Memorial Hospital in Leavenworth, Kan. and at home with an implanted port, making many trips back to Arlington for tests and checkups. I felt like the medical team took excellent care of me.”
She was well taken care of during her treatment, but it was rough. She had periodic nausea and diarrhea. She was often lethargic and lost her hair.
“Between treatments I had some days I felt good,” Bond said. “I was not able to work and my husband encouraged me to just let the chemo do its work. I would not have had the energy to work full-time.”
Even with some good days between treatments, there were many challenges for Bond.
“Losing my hair was quite difficult,” Bond said. “Also I have always been pretty independent so not being able to do everything for my family was tough. I really missed going to church, working and just trying to stay positive.”
With widespread and solid support from her family, friends and church family, who Bond described as awesome, the chemo treatments and down-time were much more manageable because they all helped with travel to medical appointments when she was too weak to drive. They also provided meals and helped in many other ways.
As Breast Cancer Awareness Month comes to a close, Bond urges women to get mammograms and do self-exams regularly because, as in her case, if breast cancer is found in early stages many women get a good prognosis and survive the disease.
She believes that Breast Cancer Awareness Month brings attention to the dangers of the disease and serves as a reminder that calls attention to the illness and sends a message about how women can catch it in an early stage.
For others who have just found out they have breast cancer Bond urges them to get a second opinion and find the right medical team they can trust and feel comfortable with.
“Let people help when they offer,” Bond said. “Find a support group or supporting friends and don’t isolate yourself. Staying positive is not always easy but being with positive people is a plus.”
When she finished treatment she made a resolution to exercise more and she has fulfilled that intention by joining, and becoming a dedicated member of the LIVESTRONG program at the YMCA.
LIVESTRONG is an evidence-based program for adult cancer survivors who participate in a health and fitness program with other survivors in a small group setting. Certified YMCA instructors help patients build muscle mass and strength, increase flexibility and endurance, and improve energy levels and self-esteem.
Facing a deadly disease has taught Bond that tomorrow is not promised, and to be thankful for the little things while trying to be a kinder and more considerate person and friend.
“Most of all I feel very blessed,” Bond said.
As she looks back at this frightening time in her life she also believes that going through this illness and surviving it has given her a greater sense of strength and enhanced her fighter spirit.