Five women share their breast cancer journeys during Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Approximately 2.3 million people, worldwide, are diagnosed with breast cancer each year.  

No two cancer journeys are exactly the same — each is shaped by the individual’s illness, treatment, life circumstances, support system and resilience.

While all cancer experiences share common themes — such as fear, hope, exhaustion and determination — the path through diagnosis, treatment, recovery and beyond varies greatly from person to person. 

In observance of Breast Cancer Awareness month, five area residents each shared a part of her own breast cancer journey, in an effort to encourage others who might be facing a similar challenge.

Carol Orr was 49 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

"It was definitely a shocker, as no cancer history in my family. I had a biopsy and a confirmation of breast cancer. Your thoughts and emotions go in a lot of directions, but in the end, you just go through the journey," explained Orr. "So, I had surgery and then a few weeks later, chemotherapy, and a few weeks after that, 36 rounds of radiation. Definitely tough, but you just do it."

Orr shared some thoughts for those beginning a cancer journey, noting, "Some advice to those with a diagnosis would be to first take a deep breath and tell yourself you can do this. Educate yourself! Knowledge is powerful. Find a doctor you trust. I had a great doctor. And, take things one step at a time. Stay away from negative people who want to tell you horror stories!"

"I am a 23-year survivor and blessed," Orr added.

Janet Ellis was 63 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. 

"It was a total shock because for over 20 years I had had normal yearly mammograms," Ellis shared.  "I didn’t have a family history of breast cancer, so it was very surprising to me. I had a double mastectomy. I had chemotherapy and radiation and experienced many of the side effects that others have talked about. At the time, I was a morning radio show host and chose to share my journey with my listeners. Not for sympathy, but to emphasize the importance of mammograms and early diagnosis." 

"Cancer isn’t pretty," said Ellis. "Your body goes through difficult changes and when I lost my hair, it was an emotional whammy! I was not meant to be bald. Ha! But wigs can be bought and hats can be worn so when you are in the fight of your life, you realize what priorities are really important. 

Ellis continued, "One of the most important lessons I learned was that it’s okay to lean on others and to accept their support. I am so grateful for the prayer warriors that reached out from all over the country. I have always been a faith-based believer, so I knew that this was in the plan for my life. I also learned that even when I was unsure of the future or frightful of the outcome, God gave me the reassurance that He was right there with me. I was not alone and I drew my strength from Him."

"If someone is facing a cancer diagnosis, I would tell them to get the best recommendations for surgeons and oncologists. Don’t try to “Google” all the answers or try to self-treat," Ellis added. "It’s okay to seek a second opinion. Reach out to your support system. Let them know how they can help. Keep the faith, you are stronger than you think you are. Take time to rest. There may be days that you don’t have an appetite, but nourish and hydrate your body. You can get through this journey. You are important, you are a fighter. You are a survivor!"

LaDonna Weathers received her breast cancer diagnosis at the age of 43, and her treatment included a double mastectomy, chemotherapy, reconstructive surgery and a hormone blocker medication that she will continue taking for several years. It has been a journey that has taught her much—about life, facing challenges and overcoming obstacles. She also learned more about herself in the process.

"I've always considered myself a person of strong faith, but walking through cancer took that faith to an entirely different level," said Weathers. "I had to lean on God in ways I never had before. When so much was out of my control, my faith became my foundation. I learned that even in the hardest moments, I could find strength I didn't know I had because I wasn't facing any of it alone.  But one of the most powerful lessons I learned was that it's okay to not be okay, and it's okay to ask for help. I've always been someone who takes care of things, figures things out and keeps moving forward. Relying on others didn't come naturally to me. Cancer changed that."

Weathers continued, "I don't think you ever fully realize how loved you are until you find yourself in a position where you have no choice but to lean on the people around you. In my case, my life quite literally depended on it. I had complete strangers praying for me, and I had an incredible circle of family and friends who surrounded me with more love and support than I could have ever imagined. They showed up for me and my family in every way possible.

Sometimes they knew exactly what we needed, and other times they simply showed up, even when I didn't know what to ask for. Their presence alone meant everything. I learned that being strong doesn't mean doing everything on your own. Sometimes the greatest strength comes from allowing yourself to be vulnerable, letting people in, and accepting the love and help they want to give you. Cancer taught me that faith, love and the people God places in our lives can carry us through things we never imagined we'd have to face."

"If I could give advice to someone facing their own cancer journey, there are a few things I would want them to know," Weathers noted.  "First, take care of your body throughout treatment.We spent a lot of time doing our own research about nutrition and foods that could support my overall health and immune system. I made a conscious effort to nourish my body and give it the best chance to stay strong throughout treatment. I was fortunate to remain healthy during chemotherapy, and I believe being intentional about my nutrition, along with following my medical team's guidance, was an important part of my journey."

Weathers continued, "One of the best pieces of advice I received came from another cancer warrior who told me, 'Rest before you're tired.' It sounds so simple, but it was incredibly valuable. Cancer treatment is going to make you tired, and once you've pushed yourself to the point of exhaustion, it can be incredibly difficult to recover. I took that advice to heart and made rest part of my daily routine, even on days when I felt good. I learned that rest isn't a sign of weakness. It's part of taking care of yourself and giving your body what it needs to keep fighting."

"I would also tell someone to remember that this is your journey, and there is no right or wrong way to walk through it," said Weathers. "For me, sharing my story publicly was incredibly helpful. It gave me an outlet, allowed others to encourage me, and hopefully helped someone else facing a similar battle. But I also recognize that some people prefer to keep their experience private, and that's perfectly okay. You get to decide how you navigate this journey. Just know that whatever you choose, you are not alone. But perhaps the biggest piece of advice I would give is this—use the resources available to you, even if you don't think you need them. Organizations like Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks and Skaggs Foundation work tirelessly to support people facing cancer. There are so many unexpected expenses, challenges and needs that come with a diagnosis, many of which you can't possibly anticipate. These organizations exist to help carry some of that burden. Please let them."

Now on the other side of her cancer journey, Weathers finds it rewarding to give back to the organizations that helped her when she needed it most.

"Being able to turn something so difficult into an opportunity to help someone else gives my experience a greater purpose," Weathers explained. "Cancer may be your personal battle, but you do not have to fight it alone. Accept the help, make time for rest, lean on your people, hold on to your faith, and never underestimate how strong you really are.

Valerie Seitz received her breast cancer diagnosis in August of 2022, at the age of 61.

Said Seitz, "I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Invasive Ductal Cell Carcinoma of left breast with metastasis to lymph nodes and Paget’s disease of the nipple. Upon receiving my initial PET scan, they also found Stage 1 Neuroendocrine Lung Cancer in my right lung."

"We were blessed to be seen very quickly by my wonderful breast surgeon, Dr. Brian Biggers and a plan was formed," Seitz continued. "I did chemotherapy first (six rounds every four weeks), then a double radical mastectomy with 17 lymph nodes removed, 33 rounds of radiation, one full year of immunotherapy, then we addressed the lung cancer by removal of the right middle lung via thoracotomy. One year after the thoracotomy I had to go back in for another thoracotomy to remove a large blood-filled hematoma from the lung, I am now cancer free and continue on a daily drug treatment of Anastrazole to keep the HER2 cells that type of cancer at bay."

"What I learned through this process is the power of prayer. So many people were praying for me, and I truly felt those prayers envelop me," added Seitz. "This community came beside my wonderful husband (State Representative Brian Seitz) and our family during this time, and we can’t thank everyone enough. If I had anything to tell someone regarding cancer it would be don’t let fear win, trust your providers and know that there is light at the end of the tunnel and with Jesus either way you win! Also, contact Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks, Red Slipper Warriors, Susan Komen. They are wonderful resources. And let yourself be taken care of by those who love you most. Remember, hair is just hair, bald is beautiful, and know that you belong to a community of other warriors and God is in control."

The Branson Globe's own Karen Halfpop was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 56 and had a lumpectomy, five rounds of chemo, and a few months of Herceptin, followed by radiation therapy. She is currently taking an aromatase inhibitor, which helps reduce the likelihood of cancer returning, a medicine she will take for the next five years,

Halfpop shared some of the most important things her cancer journey taught her.

"Embrace your strength. For me, my strength was my Heavenly Father never letting me go, my family and my church family. Allow them to be strong for you while you fight your illness. Welcome the prayer, the meals, the sweet gifts. You’ll get to pass it on one day."

Halfpop continued, "When I was first diagnosed, my mom kept saying 'why you?' I finally responded, 'why not me?' No, you would never choose to have cancer, but it is part of God’s plan and provides a chance to glorify Him and witness for Jesus. My pastor shared a little book with me, 'Don’t Waste Your Cancer,' by John Piper. It’s a quick read, but a treasure trove of ways you can effectively use your cancer—or any serious illness—in your walk. It’s available on Amazon in print, as an audiobook and for Kindle. I highly recommend it."

Though each of their journeys were different, these five women agreed that relying on their own strength, along with help from friends and family, and their faith in God helped them through the diagnosis and subsequent treatment. 

Each would also stress the importance of annual mammograms. Early detection dramatically improves breast cancer survival. Localized breast cancer has a five‑year relative survival rate of about 99%, compared with 86% for regional spread and 32% for cancer that has metastasized. Early-stage cancers are typically smaller and less likely to have spread, making treatment options more successful and less invasive. Lower mortality: Regular mammograms can detect cancer before symptoms appear and reduce the risk of dying from breast cancer, so take time to schedule your mammogram today.