The Faces of Breast Cancer Michele Latzo    Charlotte Anderson    Barbara Fohl    “Peep” Brereton    Karen Brzuz    Connie Falvey    Orinda Pulice    Dr. Kathleen Erb    Patricia Liebel    Shirley Martin    Barbara Power    Margaret Reinwald    Michele Latzo Breast cancer is the one thing you are not prepared for as a young mother. Finding a lump in her breast, Michele Latzo was not overly concerned at first. However, she decided to see her doctor right away. Her doctor responded quickly, ordering a full examination and found not one, but three cancerous tumors. Michele was only 34 when she was first diagnosed. It was the prime of her life. She worked and still works at Saint Vincent Health Center and Brevillier Village. When she was diagnosed, her children were at the tender ages of 2, 6 and 8. It was one of the toughest points in her life- both mentally and physically. Her experience has brought her family closer together and has taught them all not to take anything for granted. "It was a huge blow," says Michele. She decided, along with her doctor, to take an aggressive approach to the cancer. She opted for stem cell treatment. Although this form is very taxing on the body, being away from her family was Michele's biggest challenge. Because the children were so young, Michele found she wasn't free to focus on her illness-she still had her family to worry about. "I wasn't ready to give up. I don't know how I did it. I was just glad to be on this earth. Thank God for my mother and family." She struggled to keep her family together during that time, but now her family is better and has learned from the experience. The treatment was a success and now, years later, Michele is playing the role of an educator. With her daughter getting older, she wants to share her experience with her and those going through the same situation. She has decided to join the "Reach to Recovery" program to offer a younger voice to those with cancer. Her mission is to reach out to those who need help. She acknowledges that many young mothers need a peer to guide them. "No one knows the silent battles you fight when you have cancer and how it ripples through your family." Breast cancer is no longer the first thing on her mind. She has continued working and raising her family. "You can either feel sorry for yourself or thank God you're still here." Back to Top Charlotte Anderson "You have to look for the miracles in life. The may be small, but they are there." Charlotte lives this philosophy every day. From blossoming flowers to each new relationship, each day brings a new miracle and chance to begin another chapter in her life. "Everything in my life happens for a reason." After meeting her late husband while working at an elementary school in New York, she credits him with turning every experience into an adventure. They took risks, traveled, hitch hiked around the United States and shared a love of music. When she was diagnosed with breast cancer 20 years ago, they took it in stride. "Early detection is so necessary," Charlotte counsels. She discovered the lump and followed with a mammogram that did not reveal it, possibly because it was a lobular breast cancer. A mastectomy was recommended and her surgeon requested permission to biopsy her other breast while in surgery. Her particular cancer was the type to "mirror" itself in the other breast. Unfortunately cancer cells, both lobular and ductal in nature, were found. Six months later, Charlotte followed with a second mastectomy. No other treatment was needed, fortunately. Her diagnosis has been a blessing in disguise for other women. It was during her recovery that she was introduced to the Reach to Recovery program of the American Cancer Society. The program consists of breast cancer survivors who, in turn, reach out to those newly diagnosed. Charlotte is dedicated to the program, developing many new relationships. The Reach to Recovery program is strong- and effective-because of individuals like Charlotte Anderson. Charlotte noted that "Recently, our program's motto-logo was changed to read: 'No one should have to face breast cancer alone.' Since we all have faced breast cancer, we know how helpful it was to talk with a survivor who had coped and could support us. She came when we needed her, fit, informed, hopeful, and followed us all throughout the experience." She went on to say, "As a patient I was encouraged and inspired. And now, as a volunteer, I'm privileged to be able to do this service." Charlotte continues a strong involvement with the program but has also extended her volunteerism at a retirement home and a hospice. Her service to the community, a joyful and optimistic approach to life, and strong values have made her a true inspiration to all women. Back to Top Barbara Fohl Barbara Fohl is a survivor! Blind since birth, she lives independently and has worked for Ashtabula County for 27 years in Job and Family Services. Civil Service testing helped her find work after graduating from college. Having learned blindness skills all her life, she says training for a job was all she needed. Diagnosed in 1997, Barbara's breast cancer was discovered through a screening mammogram. "I didn't even believe it at first. I told some of my friends later that I wanted to stay home and feel sorry for myself, but I had to go to a rehearsal as part of a double quartet of Sweet Adelines! That group provided the 'hugs' that were needed that night." Following a lumpectomy, Barbara chose both chemotherapy and radiation therapy as preventive measures for recurrence. How has her life changed since breast cancer was diagnosed? "I was always a busy person and liked to think I was thoughtful and sensitive. When I was diagnosed, I was just amazed to hear from people I hadn't heard from for years, especially a former college friend who had polio but had become very independent. The renewal of this friendship was very special." Barbara went on to say, "Now, upon hearing someone has cancer, I want to call him or her up and offer to help in any way, especially by listening. Before, I was unsure of what to say - now I am more comfortable and, hopefully, more sensitive and comforting. I had thought cancer was a terminal disease but now see it as just a part of life. I've been fortunate." Barbara has several suggestions for anyone diagnosed with cancer: "Talk about it. Ask questions. Do all the reading you can. Find people who have been through it and talk with them. Consider keeping a journal - it helped me a lot. Have someone accompany you to your doctor visits." As the interview concluded, Barbara noted, "I used to pray that I would get my eyesight back to read all the things in the Bible. 'Ask and you shall receive.' I wondered why it didn't happen but through the years, I've come to the peace of knowing that God is with me and giving me strength, that it's not that He wants me to be blind and He could stop it but He has some reason I can be more helpful to Him as a blind person. A blind hymn writer said that when I get to heaven, the first person I will see is Jesus. Now that's exciting!" Back to Top