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40 percent. But she takes those statistics in stride.

“I feel at peace,” she said. “My faith is strong, and I don’t feel ‘done.’ I’m kind of stubborn. I have a lot of work that I still want to get done.”

Hair

Both Harris and Overlie lost their hair during chemo treatment. Overlie was understandably upset about losing her hair, which was waist-length, but accepted it as part of the process, and ultimately donated her hair to a children’s charity.

When she was ready, she took matters into her own hands, called her husband and best friend, and said, “Come over and bring beer. We’re having a head shaving party tonight.” Once her head was shaved, Overlie chose to wear hats.

Harris asked her daughter to shave her head immediately after chemo.

“I wore a wig or hat, and then halfway through, I wore nothing,” she said. “They weren’t comfortable, and my friends knew the wig bothered me, so they said, ‘Don’t wear it.’ So, I didn’t!

“I was a little bummed when my hair started to grow back and I had to fix it,” she said with a laugh.

Advice

Both women feel the knowledge and wisdom they gained through this traumatic experience has been a gift. And both have some advice to impart to others.

“Managing stress is huge,” Overlie said. “Mindfulness has been important for me. I’m working on simplifying my life. I don’t work long hours, and I’m very protective of my sleep. I would advise women to do your monthly self-breast exams, get your mammograms, and listen to your body,” she added. “We are our own best expert.”

Since her diagnosis, Harris has started eating healthier, and works out at the gym frequently. She enjoys a glass of wine now and then, and tries not to sweat the small stuff.

“Have your mammograms!” Harris said. “And if you do find out you have breast cancer, remember that it’s not a death sentence.”

Positivity

Faith, a sense of humor, and a positive attitude can work wonders in getting through cancer treatments.

“I felt like God held my hand every step of the way,” Harris said. “I put my life in his hands and I always have.”

“My positive attitude has been one of the things that has really carried me through,” Overlie shared. “That, and my dark sense of humor.”

Appreciating life

There’s nothing like facing a terrifying illness to make one appreciate the mundane, daily moments of life.

“There are so many things I’ve learned to let go. I’m going to live as much as I can in each moment,” Overlie said.

“I appreciate life in a different way,” Harris said. “The little things don’t bother and upset me anymore. Every day is a blessing. Having had breast cancer really puts life into perspective.” D

Carie Harris is available to connect with women who are dealing with breast cancer. She can be reached at 218-3932096, or charris@dncshoes.com.

Andrea Busche is a Duluth freelance writer and frequent contributor to The Woman Today.