Survivor of the Month: Barbara Steele
Young New Mom Takes Aggressive Approach
Young mother Barbara Steele was nursing her newborn daughter when she decided “something did not feel right.” At 32 and with no family history of breast cancer, her OB-GYN told her not to worry.” He said, “It doesn’t feel like cancer.”
However, Barbara’s intuition told her something was wrong. In June 2004, after four months and an ultrasound, mammogram and biopsy, Barbara learned that she had invasive breast cancer that had likely already spread to her lymph nodes.
From the time of her diagnosis, Barbara decided to be proactive in determining her course of treatment. “I did my homework,” she says, “and showed up to every appointment armed with information. As a result, I was empowered by dialogue. I was able to ask the tough questions.” As overwhelming as Barbara’s diagnosis was to her and her husband, Jeff, being informed made Barbara feel comfortable in selecting the most aggressive treatment. “I didn’t want anyone to direct my life for me.”
Treatment is Just One Step
Barbara underwent a double mastectomy and hysterectomy, in addition to chemo and radiation. Her son was four at the time of her diagnosis, and Barbara and Jeff made sure to keep his daily routine as normal as possible. “When we told him that my hair would fall out, his one concern was that he would like it to be green or purple when it grew back,” she laughs.
Two weeks after her double mastectomy, Barbara was introduced to a Japanese healing treatment called Reiki. “I wanted to pursue my treatment and recovery with vigor and a sense of urgency while maintaining an open mind that would allow me to entertain some not so conventional means of treatment.” Reiki made such a deep impression on Barbara that she not only started seeing a healer, but has learned the technique herself. Her husband and mother also learned Reiki. “It has became sort of a family activity,” Barbara says. She has recently opened her own small business as a practitioner, and raves about Reiki’s effects on energy and relaxation.
Support of Family and Friends is Critical
Barbara maintained a lively sense of humor throughout what she refers to as “my cancer journey.” She gave three friends Chia heads as presents when her hair was just starting to grow back. “I love jewelry, and one friend decorated her Chia head with ‘Barbara-bling,’” she says. The Chia heads provided a little levity for Barbara, her friends and their young children, who learned not to be afraid of what was going on.
Her friends and family were incredible sources of support for Barbara. She says incredulously, “My mother and grandmother actually fought over who would do the laundry and ironing!” Barbara’s neighbors became two of her closest friends. “From the moment of my diagnosis, they organized meals, second opinions, support for my husband and play dates for our kids. They learned as much as they could about breast cancer. There really wasn’t any local support for women my age going through this,” she says, and is grateful that her friends and family were so supportive and engaged.
Giving Back Builds Confidence for Patient and Other Survivors
After surgery and chemo treatments, Barbara wanted to give back. She had participated in three Komen CT Races for the Cures prior to her diagnosis, and started volunteering for Komen. In addition to working on databases and events such as Lee Denim Day, Barbara is on the committee for the Komen CT Race’s Survivor Breakfast, held Race Day morning on June 2. “I’ve met so many amazing people, and volunteering locally is so important.”
Barbara has never felt herself a victim of her cancer diagnosis. “It was like a wake-up call. I feel like I am squeezing the most out of every day.” She urges young women to learn as much as they can, so they can make educated and informed decisions like she did.
“You have to know your own body,” Barbara says. “Trust your intuition when you feel that something is wrong—you will always be in control that way.”
This story was written by Emily Klein, Susan G. Komen for the Cure Connecticut Affiliate intern and a student at Trinity College. To learn more about the free Survivors’ Breakfast mentioned in this story, scheduled at Hartford’s historic Bushnell Park on June 2, visit www.komenct.org or call the Race hotline at 860-728-5500. To be involved in other Susan G. Komen for the Cure Connecticut Affiliate projects, visit the same website or call (860) 728-4955 |
