Young Breast Cancer Survivor: Shauna Kennedy-Carr
Dealing with breast cancer is a challenge, and I'd like to share my personal story with you – a cautionary tale that we all need to take charge of our own health. You see, my mother had received her second diagnosis with breast cancer when I decided it might be a good idea to get myself checked out with a mammogram. Approaching 39 years of age, I went to the doctor. I shared my family's history including my mother's breast cancer diagnoses and requested a mammogram. The doctor told me that I did not need a mammogram because my mom didn't get cancer until she was in her 60s, and that it is more common for a woman of HER age. I was shocked. The nurse who was in the room with us must have noticed my comfortableness and questioned the doctor, “Aren't we still saying 40 for women especially if they have a family history?” The doctor said “No.” At the end of my visit, that wonderful nurse told me that she does not normally speak against the doctors, but shared with me Inland Imaging's phone number and suggested I give them a call to request a mammogram and to be sure to share my family history. I called Inland Imaging right away and scheduled an appointment for the very next day. The mammogram and ultrasound identified two spots their doctors were concerned with. Biopsies were scheduled. Then came the phone call – I had breast cancer! I could not believe what I was hearing. After the initial shock, I leaned on what I already knew. If my mom could fight breast cancer, then so can I! I came to realize what a blessing my mother's breast cancer was for me. I was already well educated on the topic and knew what the fight ahead of me would look like. I chose to have a lumpectomy followed by 6 ½ weeks of radiation. Additionally, because the biopsies identified my cancer as estrogen positive, I chose to have a full hysterectomy. Just 3 months later during a follow up mammogram, I knew that all the extra pictures being taken were not a good sign. I had another lumpectomy followed by a full double mastectomy. Just eight days later I was being released from the hospital to face another long recovery. As a part of my healing therapy, a friend and I started to refinish furniture and do crafts. This creative therapy led to the opening of my shop Those Girls, a home décor and gift shop specializing in recovered and repurposed items. To learn more about her journey, and the inspiration that started Those Girls, visit our full story on line. For more information about the current cancer screening guidelines, visit the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org. Shauna Carr is the owner of Those Girls Home Decor and Girft Shop located at 616 E. 3rd Ave Spokane WA 509.492.2302. To learn more about her journey, and the inspiration that started Those Girls, visit our full story online. For more information about the current cancer screening guidelines, visit the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org
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For more information visit www.metrowomanmag.com/spokane