Sheila Cowan, 43 years old
Data entry representative for a local trucking company
Breast cancer survivor

“I was lying in bed one night and I felt this knot in my breast, but I didn’t really pay it any attention. Another night, I’d rolled over on the television remote and it was painful. This was in October of 2003. So at that point, I’d decided that I needed to go to my doctor for my routine check up in February. Then, one day at work, I had a reaction to some diet pills that I was taking, so I immediately went to the doctor, this was in November. I asked him if he would check my breast while I was there. The nurse did, and afterwards, she went to get the doctor. From that point forward it was a continuous thing (visits back and forth to the doctor).

When I found out, I was in shock. I would’ve never thought that I had breast cancer because it doesn’t run in my family. Shortly after I was diagnosed, I had the TRAMM procedure. This is where they removed my right breast and rebuilt it with my stomach muscles. At that time, I had to deal with a lot of other issues, so I just dealt with it (breast cancer) the best that I could. Southern Regional has been the greatest thing for me. The people up there are just wonderful! My entire family has been very supportive, but my 19 year old son has been with me every step of the way, and my three year old grandson would often come sit by my side when I’d feel depressed. I guess the thought of being able to see him all the time really helped me to get through my situation.

I was very lucky to be able to get into the Clinical Trial program, where I was able to take four Chemotherapy treatments every twenty one days. It was a little rough. The first treatment was okay, but as time progressed, each treatment got stronger and stronger. It began to take a toll on my body.

The most memorable experience was right before I had my surgery when I went through the orientation. The nurses on the Oncology team were very thorough. They explained the process and procedures in detail. They expressed genuine concern, and just knowing that if I needed them for anything that they would be there was very comforting. Lynn, my surgery nurse, was wonderful too!

The advice that I would give to others is to not procrastinate like I did and to try to not get depressed, because if you get depressed, it’s just going to make it worse on you. Also just know that (cancer) is something you’ll have to deal with, but you will get through it.

At this point, I’ve completed all of my treatment, and I feel fine! I’m just waiting to get the rest of my breast reconstructed. I can’t wait!