‘There’s no easy way to say this: I have cancer. But this is a good story’
As mayor, I am fortunate to have a voice that’s louder than many. It’s not often that I get to use it to save a life. In this case, we are talking about mine. And maybe yours.
There’s no easy way to say this: I have cancer. But this is a good story.
Two months ago, I had a routine mammogram detect what turned out to be invasive breast cancer. I’ll be honest with you. I was terrified. I felt so scared! I’m a pretty strong person, but for a bit there, I crumbled. I leaned in hard on family and my closest friends to hold me up as my world shook. I still had to go to work every day. I still had political duties. My entire sense of self was challenged as I contemplated what my future was going to look like, all while holding it together in public. It was really, really hard.
Things happened very quickly over just three weeks — more mammograms, ultrasound, biopsy and a bunch of appointments with different specialists leading up to a lumpectomy and lymph node removal six days before Thanksgiving. Pathology showed they got it all out with clear margins, and it has not spread. I am recovering well and have not had to step back from any professional or political duties. (Did you notice I only waved with my left hand during the Christmas Parade?) I am now two weeks into daily radiation treatment, which will end around the Super Bowl.
Here’s why I’m telling you: this is a happy story because I did what I’m supposed to do. Routine screening has literally saved my life. I have an excellent prognosis because my cancer was detected about as early as it could have been, even before it could be felt. What if I had put it off? What if I’d waited just a few more months? And you, dear reader … what if YOU put it off?
Let your New Year’s Resolution be to get your annual or bi-annual mammogram. One in eight women in the U.S. will get invasive breast cancer. Early detection will save your life. Gentlemen, you’re not off the hook! What other screenings did you put off last year?
Routine recommended screenings are gifts of time and hope for you if they come back positive. Most likely, you’ll get good news, but if you get the bad news, be thankful. If it’s cancer, it’s not going away. The earlier it’s detected, the easier it is to treat, and the better your chances. If I can make it through this gauntlet publicly, you can too. I’m here for you if you need encouragement. We got this.
Make that appointment right now, before you forget. Email me at crayrussom@arroyogrande.org, and tell me how it goes.
With sincerest hopes for a healthful 2020 and beyond
Arroyo Grande Mayor Caren Ray Russom is a former City Council member and former San Luis Obispo County supervisor.
This story was originally published January 2, 2020 at 8:02 AM.
