By Cathy Barnwell
I was diagnosed with bilateral breast cancer Nov. 4, 2015. I had just retired from working for JEA for more than 30 years and was getting into retirement — traveling, volunteering at a food bank, my church and with preschoolers for Reading Pals.
After initially hearing the diagnosis, I felt like I was the only person in the world who had cancer. It was a very frightening time. After a couple of weeks of a pity party, I realized that my job during this journey was to bring my body to appointments and to do what the doctors and medical staff told me to do. I understood that the only thing I could control during treatment was my attitude.
I had an unfounded fear that I would not be able to volunteer while undergoing treatment. I was the Session Clerk at my church and my pastor assured me if I felt like I could handle the job to keep on doing it. I didn’t do as much physical work at the food bank as I had done in the past, but was able to help. I found keeping as busy as I could kept my mind off of me.
I got through the “long” chemo March 10, 2016, and had my surgery April 12, 2016. I got finished with Herceptin Dec. 22, 2016. While I was going through chemo, I came to the realization that I needed to give back to people who are dealing with breast cancer. M.D. Anderson was open and I now volunteer a day a week in their infusion department.
While there, I visit with patients who want or need to talk, bring them things to drink if they want and offer lunch and snacks. I just listen when people want to talk. I have been blessed by some of the questions asked of me and the relief on some of their faces when they realize how far I’m out from my chemo and surgery. I love it when some of my favorites light up when they see me. It is gratifying to get a smile or laugh from people going through treatment.
I’m grateful to be here and able to contribute to bringing a little light into my corner of the world.
