Donna Thayer

Survivor

I was diagnosed with breast cancer in July 2014 21st age 53. I revel in the very important ways that cancer woke me up. Physically! Emotionally! What advice would I give women facing such a diagnosis? Cancer does not have to be a cave of darkness and fear. It can–and does–bring revelations. And peace. And happiness. I was lucky–I faced a lumpectomy, three months of chemo, radiation. Hair loss was no big deal for me. I fought for and had great faith in my surgeon and oncologist. Mostly, I learned to slow down, no longer allowing the stress of a demanding career to dominate my life. Cancer taught me to truly appreciate health. Friendships that really matter. And time. Because, you know, that is all we really have.