My Aunt Mary Ann, is a strong, healthy, beautiful 50-year-old woman. Until one day last year she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Thankfully, it was found extremely early and immediate action was taken. After removing the tumor, my aunt proceeded to get a double mastectomy. After this, she got reconstructive surgery. I interviewed her by phone this week to hear her first hand account on why she did what she did, and to ask her if she considers herself a ‘hero’ like many people regard Angelina Jolie.
Mary: “To answer your questions, I don’t consider myself a ‘hero’ in any sort of way! That is silly. I did what I needed to do and that was to remove the tumor. After that, I thought why should I get reconstructive surgery? I am happily living with Harry (her husband) and I plan to be for the rest of my life. He told me to make my own decision for the sake of me and me only. I then asked around thinking I should not just settle for my own opinion, but hear some others too. Not one person I asked said to not get reconstructive surgery. People told me that insurance usually covered some if not most, I am still young so, why not? I took all of this into account and decided to go ahead with the surgery. Recovery was not bad and well worth it. I am very happy that I ended up deciding to get the surgery. I would not have changed anything or any decision-making I did along the way.”
Me: Do you have any advice for people who are going through a similar situation as you did?
Mary: Go with your gut feeling. I asked many people to understand both sides of the pros and cons of reconstructive surgery, but ultimately I went with my decision. Harry always told me to do what I thought was best for me, whatever that may be. Hopefully, people feel that their spouse will encourage the same.
Although Mary caught her cancer early, many people do not. I am so fortunate to still have my Aunt in my life and this experience has definitely made our relationship even stronger. I think this has something to do with the sudden fact of being diagnosed with cancer. That is one of the few things that no one wants to hear in their life. Watching her in her situation and her recovery process has made me put lots of things into perspective, and gave me a few ‘reality checks’ too! I have always looked up to my Aunt, but now I may look up a little more than before.
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