The Faces of Breast Cancer “Peep” Brereton    Karen Brzuz    Connie Falvey    Orinda Pulice    Dr. Kathleen Erb    Patricia Liebel    Shirley Martin    Barbara Power    Margaret Reinwald    Michele Latzo    Charlotte Anderson    Barbara Fohl    Peep Brereton At the Center's annual Survivors Day event this year, "Peep" (Constance) Brereton introduced herself - and two of her grandchildren by saying: "When I was diagnosed twelve years ago, none of my nine grandchildren was born!" A true survivor, Peep lives each day joyfully and fully, evidenced by her quick, warm smile and varied involvements outside the home! Accompanying her at this year's event was her husband, William F. Brereton, MD. Dr. Brereton recently retired from The Regional Cancer Center after almost 30 years as a medical oncologist/hematologist. Peep's situation was unique. With a nursing background herself, a husband who is a cancer specialist, a previous experience of a different cancer, Peep was more than knowledgeable about cancer. And then the surgery uncovered not one, but two lumps. What was it like? "That year had been extremely eventful…our oldest daughter had just married, another graduated from college, a son completed high school, and then routine mammography showed a lump. Perhaps the hardest part was that Bill, his partners and friends, jumped right in-everyone was telling me what was going to happen. I felt I needed to 'slow down the train'. I think all women should have some control where they can - initially, that was hard to come by for me." Following surgery, Peep underwent both chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Needless to say, she is most attentive to regular check-ups and annual mammograms! Having had two axillary biopsies because of the two different cancers, Peep realizes how fortunate she is not to have problems with lymphedema. The one message to women she wants to share with women? "Fight the battle with all the resources available to you. We have fabulous ones in our area." Back to Top Karen Brzuz "I have 100 first cousins-no one has ever had cancer but one!" Karen's experience of breast cancer illustrates that it isn't always genetics that determine if one will get cancer. "It can happen to anyone. That is why self-examinations and annual mammograms are vital to women's health, specific tools for keeping in touch with one's own body and sensitive to changes that may occur. In May of 1995, Karen was preparing to be a bridesmaid in her sister's wedding. She discovered her cancer "accidentally" while tanning. Putting on lotion, she felt a lump. The next day, she called her doctor and arranged for a mammogram. After confirming that she did have a cancer, she moved quickly to do everything within the week. Fortunately for Karen, she knew many doctors and nurses through her own career as a nurse at Hamot so she was able to navigate more easily through the healthcare system. Initially, her treatments included radiation and chemotherapy. But only one month after completing the whole treatment process, she noted pain in her sternum. Tests quickly showed that her disease had traveled (metastasized). As a result, she faced even more aggressive treatments - this time it was stem-cell transplant! This part of the experience was particularly difficult. Coincidentally, a friend of Karen's was also going through treatment for another kind of cancer. Even her stem cell transplant was a shared experience! Together, they supported each other and shared in each other's struggle through cancer. Today, she is determined to touch others in recovery. Her career as a nurse allows her access to work directly with patients. To her, nursing is simply "a calling." Her strong faith, as an Irish-Catholic, helps her get through to tough patients and continue along with her own life. Along with her faith, she attributes her recovery to a positive attitude. Her parents helped form the character she possesses today. She believes that her cancer was a fluke; however, she uses it as a way to connect with others. Karen has always loved her work and chooses to live her life to the fullest. She takes this experience in stride and continues her ongoing commitment to her family, life, career and patients. Back to Top Connie Falvey "Cancer is just a part of my life," Connie Falvey reflected as she discussed her breast cancer. In talking with her, one detects both strength and a determination that cancer is not going to rule her life! Having watched her mother fight cancer, Connie is prepared to do whatever it takes to have a normal life. In 1989, Connie and her husband were in the process of adopting a baby girl when she was diagnosed; during her treatment, the adoption was finalized. The gift of her daughter helped to keep her mind focused on what she needed to do. Both her husband and new daughter proved to be a tremendous source of support. Shortly after her own diagnosis, Connie's two sisters and two cousins would also develop breast cancer. "It was easier to go through it myself than watching my family experience it." As one can imagine, the whole struggle taxed the entire family. Fortunately, all of the women had successful treatments and are in recovery. The love within Connie's family provided the help to weather the tough times. Neither Connie nor her close family members fit the usual profile for developing breast cancer, but something went awry in the genes that resulted in so much breast cancer within the family. Connie, her sisters and cousins were young when they first discovered lumps in their breasts. Understandably, she stresses the importance of breast selfexamination and annual mammograms. "Don't wait to see a doctor if you find something; don't think it's silly or will go away. Be aware of your body-you know when something is wrong-go see your doctor!" Connie's outlook on life has changed somewhat. "I don't sugar-coat anything with people." Her cancer experience has provided her with a sense that she can accomplish anything-she feels stronger. Now, she prioritizes what is really important in her life and clearly identifies what is good or bad. "There's not a whole lot I can't do-and people's opinions aren't as important as they once were. Cancer has taught me many things, but most importantly, that God loves me." Connie is an employee here in the laboratory at The Regional Cancer Center. Daily, she interacts with patients, drawing and testing blood. She can truly look each patient in the eye, understanding completely what that individual is feeling. Patients, especially those facing a breast cancer diagnosis, quickly recognize her strength and courage and an immediate bond occurs. Back to Top