Lillie Johnson had a strong family history of cancer and was diagnosed in August 1995. A retired elementary school music teacher and active in community organizations, Lillie is also a Reach To Recovery Trainer who counsels other breast cancer patients.

 

“One of the worst parts is the waiting for results. Because that wondering…that’s what really tears you up. Not knowing is so difficult.

 

“Once you have a diagnosis, you frequently have to get films, take them to a doctor, sometimes take them back. Now if you’re going through all this anguish, that’s just one more thing you shouldn’t have to do.

 

“If everything is right in one spot, you get answers, you have a schedule, your surgeon is there; it’s just much easier. You also have a resource for knowledge and I always tell my patients, be assertive. You have to stay on top of the case. Know everything about your condition.

 

“I also tell the patients there is life after cancer. You have to keep a positive attitude. I really believe in that. You just have to say ‘I am going to be fine.’”

 

 

Sister Stella Schmid was at stage-3 when she was diagnosed in January of 2000. She endured a mastectomy, two rounds of chemo and radiation. As a retired nurse of 40 years, Sister Stella found the roles reversed.

 

“I devoted my entire life to caring for others and all of a sudden I found myself being a patient, dependent on everyone else to give me the right medication, the right treatment and that was a real learning experience.

 

“Everything came at me so fast. You have to make major decisions within a short period of time. You immediately say to yourself, ‘what’s going to happen with my life?’

 

“When you’re in an environment where they’re focused just on you…they’ll all have the same type of approach and compassion, and can direct a woman to the kind of services she’ll need. That is so helpful and so important.

 

“You have a better chance when you have that kind of system, the entire team is educated. You’re not just another patient; it’s not just another case…that will be wonderful for this community.”

 

 

When Dr. Gantt, Curriculum Director for NEOUCOM in Surgery, found a small lump during a self-exam, she didn’t think it was cancer. Neither did the doctor who removed the lump. However, when she and her pathologist examined the tissue, they realized it was a small breast cancer. Ironically, the majority of Dr. Gantt’s patients are breast cancer patients.

 

“I’m very spiritual and it was almost like God was giving me the gift of insight into what my patients go through. I’m not better from a support standpoint; I’m better at nurturing my patients through this experience.

 

“Studies show that your mental attitude is important in fighting off cancer. Being comfortable with the care you get is critical. I traveled to Pittsburgh, got an MRI and the results that day. I underwent another biopsy, had a digital mammogram and got those results two days later. It was very comforting to have everything move so quickly.

 

“With the Joanie Abdu Center, we’ll have that same top level of care and efficiency here. This Center will bring all of our resources together; we’ll be able to reach out to all women, including the underserved women in this community and offer the high level standard of care, comfort and support they deserve.”

 

 

Madelon was diagnosed with breast cancer in March of 2005 and ultimately needed to have a double mastectomy. Madelon, a long-time Mahoning Valley resident, businesswoman and supporter of the local area, had her surgery done in a Cleveland hospital.

 

She would have preferred to stay in town.

 

“I like to do business in this town. I want to deal with people in this town. I felt like a traitor going away! Taking all of that insurance money out of town. But the waiting was excruciating and the care was fractured.

 

“As patients, we don’t want to go to Cleveland or Pittsburgh hospitals. It’s nice to know they are there, but it would be nicer to be able to stay here. We want to be home. We want our husbands and our kids to be able to run over and visit us at night. If you’re a mom, there’s still that feeling that at some level you shouldn’t be inconveniencing people…I wanted it to be easier for them.”