FB Story of the Day: Mid-Mo hit hard by breast cancer
Posted: 10.04.2011 at 9:41 PM
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Lisa Gale was diagnosed with breast cancer two years ago. When it comes to treatments she feels like she's had it all.

"I've had everything. I've had chemo, surgery, radiation and reconstruction surgery," lists Gale.

Lisa is taking a wellness class at the Goldschmidt Cancer Center that helps focus cancer survivors on their best life, during and after cancer treatment.

Dr. Raonak Ekram puts the problem of breast cancer in perspective. She says in 2008, 3810 women were diagnosed in Mid-Missouri, 900 died from the disease.

"So there's a pretty high incidence of mortality here in Mid-Missouri. So our focus is really to get the word out there that survival for breast cancer depends on coming in as early as possible so we can take care of it," explains Ekram.

All the primary tools for breast cancer treatment can be found in Mid-Missouri.

There's even help for low income women to get mammograms.

But even with survival comes side effects from the disease. Celestine Stegeman had breast cancer when she was 66 years old.

"I thought if I make it five years I'd be lucky," she laughs.

That was 16 years ago. She wears a lymphedema sleeve to control one side effect of the cancer, but is hoping this wellness program will keep her on the right track to stay independent and cancer free for years to come