Breast cancer survivor embarks on a new chapter and marker of time in life
By Maureen Murphy Chodaba, RDH
As I look back upon my life, I realize that I categorize my memories as things that happened before August 18, 1995, and things that happened after that date. That was the day that I was diagnosed with breast cancer. That was the day that turned my world upside down, shook it back and forth, and rolled it around until that world was upright again.
My cancer presented itself in two different forms: Paget’s disease of the nipple which appears as a scaly rash across the nipple and areola, and infiltrating ductal carcinoma which appeared as a palpable lump. The treatment was a mastectomy followed by 7 treatments of very aggressive chemotherapy.
I was very fortunate to have had my career as a registered dental hygienist in clinical practice at that time. Some days I didn’t really feel that way. It wasn’t always easy to get up in the morning, especially when my blood counts were low from chemotherapy. It wasn’t always a joy to place my wig on my bald “chemo head” and try to find the energy to get through my day.
Annual stand down event will help needy veterans
The fourth annual Cowlitz County Veterans Stand Down will be held in the National Guard Armory Longview Monday. The event is designed to assist veterans in need.
The event will be held 9:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the armory, 819 Vandercook Way.
The Stand Down concept is modeled on a practice that the Vietnam War provided a safe retreat for units returning from combat operations. The troops were able to clean, fresh uniforms, enjoy warm meals, receive medical and dental care, open mail and enjoy the camaraderie of friends in a safe environment.
Representatives of several social service agencies will be present, and veterans who are homeless or in need of services are encouraged to attend and ask for help.
Community members can help by donating money or items including socks for new underwear, sweats, boots, T-shirts, toiletries, coats and sleeping bags. Money can be sent to Cowlitz County Veterans Stand Down, PO Box 1997, Kalama, WA 98625. Donations are tax deductible and a tax identification number is available upon request.
