Breast cancer survivor, now 50, celebrates life
Breast cancer survivor, now 50, celebrates life
HEFLER
Posted: Thursday, October 13, 2011 6:00 am | Updated: 8:44 am, Thu Oct 13, 2011.
This is a year of celebration for Lisa Helfer. She celebrated her 50th birthday and her fifth wedding anniversary. She also embarked on the trip of a lifetime to Italy in celebration of her mother's 75th birthday. Lisa's son graduated high school and will be college-bound in the fall, and she is enjoying her stepchildren and the birth of her third grandchild. The biggest celebration of all? April 2 marked what Lisa calls her 10-year "cancerversary."
"In some ways, this is the most important milestone, because without it, I wouldn't be here to experience all the other joys and milestones in my life," commented Helfer.
Being diagnosed with breast cancer a few weeks after her 40th birthday was a shocking revelation for Lisa since she didn't have a strong family history. It was discovered on a routine screening mammogram that Lisa decided to get solely because she was turning 40. The diagnosis started a whirlwind of activity. Within a few days she was meeting with one of Palmetto Health Breast Center's nurse navigators.
"In my opinion, these women are the unsung heroes of the medical team. These nurses take time to explain to you a whole new vocabulary, a whole new world that you have been plunged into," said Helfer.
Though Lisa's mother asked her to go to New York for treatment and surgery at a world-renowned hospital known for breast cancer treatment, Lisa never considered it.
"I felt like I was getting state-of-the-art care in Columbia," explained Helfer. "I never questioned my decision, and I don't question it today."
Lisa continues to celebrate being cancer-free. She has been named Palmetto Health Foundation's 2011 Walk for Life/5K Race for Life featured breast cancer survivor.
"Cancer gave me the courage to move out of my comfort zone," said Helfer, "and now I help other people discover what I learned through cancer. You don't have to have a major life crisis to begin to live the life of your dreams."
For more information about the Palmetto Health Foundation, call 803-434-7275 or visit their website atpalmettohealthfoundation.org/.
About Palmetto Health Foundation
Palmetto Health Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, engages community partners to enhance healthcare for patients and families served by Palmetto Health.
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