Two-time breast cancer survivor gives example to future patients



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She says that a positive attitude has helped her in the fight

FARGO, ND – So many of us have the pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but even though the end of October is coming to an end, that does not mean that awareness should be removed from our mind.

Sandra Dunn, a two-time breast cancer survivor, tells her story and gives her opinion to others.

She was diagnosed in 2008 for the first time.

"I was going to make it a year of fun. I wanted it, I would not remember chemo, radiation therapy, surgery, hair loss, "she said.

She did not want to associate cancer with the year 2008, so "the day before the fall of my hair, I went to buy a new car".

Dunn says that if something bad happens, it will disrupt you, balance it with something good.

"I woke up in the morning and he slipped in my back, you cry a few tears," I'm not going to work today. I do not have any hair & then you say: & # 39; I will not have any hair tomorrow either, & # 39; slap on that pretty wig that I bought, walk to my garage, get up behind my pretty new car and go to work, "she says.

Dunn hopes his story will inspire those who hear the words "you have cancer."

According to Sanford doctors, breast cancer will be diagnosed in one in eight women.

"More than 2,000 people are diagnosed each year at the Roger Maris Cancer Center. He really adds. Many of these people come from far away. Being able to come to a center like this one, comfortable and complete, where we have everything under one roof is a real blessing for us, "said Colleen Hardy, head of development at the Sanford Health Foundation.

When Dunn had her second diagnosis in 2010, she said it was more difficult that year. However, it was moments like a benefit that his friends and family had in mind that kept him in good spirits.

"When you go to surgery after an event that has given you so much love, I went with that head up," she says.

She says that if you have a loved loved one who has been diagnosed, it is best to be attentive and listen a lot.

"Sometimes it's better to listen and see what they need from you," she said.

"Many of us have a hard time not knowing someone with cancer if they have not been part of our own family," Hardy said.

In addition to support from family and friends, Sanford Health has participated in several programs at the Edith Sanford Breast Center and the Roger Maris Cancer Center.

There are programs such as the Mentor Survivorship program and the Nurse Navigator program.

"It's not just chemotherapy and radiation, but it's these programs that require us to supplement their care, that really go beyond that and differentiate us," said Hardy.

Dunn is part of the Mentor Survivorship program, which links someone diagnosed with breast cancer to another.

"There is so much medical stuff coming in and medical decisions, it's very overwhelming, it's necessary to talk to someone who has experienced that which can relate to your emotions," she said.

She says that her positive attitude has helped her get through the fight.

"All the studies showed the whole body-mind connection. If you feel better mentally, you really heal faster physically, "said Hardy.

"I really believe that our spirits heal our bodies. I believe that positive energy heals our body. We simply know that we heal better when we are happier, "Dunn said.

However, dark days are inevitable.

"There's no way you're going through that and you do not have those days when … it's dark. It's giving time to fall asleep, we have time to cry, but then we have to get up mentally, "she said.

When she has a bad day, she says that remembering happy memories is what makes her go through.

"It's been eight years since 2010, I have grandchildren, I watched my kids get married and it's a wonderful life," she said.

Sanford Health would like to remind women that mammograms and regular checkups are important for detecting breast cancer at an early stage.

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