My mom is one of my best friends. It might be because she listens to me go on about boys. It might also be because she makes the meanest beef brisket dinners and helps me with my laundry when there’s too much going on. But, I think I know the real reason we’re so close.

My first year in high school, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Out of nowhere, she tells me this. I cry. She cries. Then, she tells me it’s going to be OK.

Only my mom can make something so scary seem so OK. We both knew she was in for a tough road ahead with surgeries and chemotherapy treatments, but we didn’t let that stop both of us from being strong.

I stayed by her side through it all. On days she was so sick and couldn’t move, we’d plop on the couch and become engrossed in cheesy soap operas. It was too easy to laugh during those shows, and I think that’s exactly what she needed. No matter how much pain she was in, she’d never complain.

And, she still remained by my side under her conditions. I was too young to have a driver’s license at that time, so when I had to go somewhere, no matter how weak she felt, she’d drive me around.

She was my hero during those tough times. She survived the treatment and, believe it or not, came back better than before. Who knew being diagnosed with breast cancer could be such a life-changing experience for both of us? And, of course, I mean life-changing in a good way.

I never hesitate about talking about my mom’s time with breast cancer. It makes me smile to know how hard she fought and how gracefully she handled herself. I learned what it means to be a strong woman. She is my real-life example of that.

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Perhaps you have had an experience with someone close to you having survived it. Perhaps you have had someone close to you lose his or her battle with it. Most likely, everyone has known someone affected by this disease.

According to The National Cancer Institute, it is estimated that 13.2 percent of women born today will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some time in their lives.

The idea that “It won’t happen to me,” should be thrown out. Even some college-aged people have been diagnosed with it. Take this month to learn more about breast cancer. Visit http://www.breastcancer.org for prevention and awareness tips.

And, if you are not becoming aware of it for yourself, at least do it in honor of the victims and survivors of this disease. I’m sure they’d love to know their struggles made a difference in your life as well as theirs.

 

Julie Miller is a senior journalism major from Shreveport and serves as editor of The Tech Talk. E-mail comments to jem028@latech.edu.