At her company, Patricia Johnson has been a wellness advocate for a long time, and she has always placed a high value on healthy living practices like exercising and eating well. “I encourage team members to join in our 5K walks and volunteer at community events,” she said.
Volunteering with Komen
Patricia volunteered with Susan G as part of her work as a wellness advocate. Komen on everything from prepping event packets to helping with registration and making calls to event participants.
Discovering That She Had Breast Cancer In 2016, Patricia’s doctor felt something in her breast during her routine wellness exam. “My doctor told me I needed to get a biopsy,” she recalled. I thought, “Okay, let’s look into this and make sure everything is fine.” And then I received that dreadful call. I had cancer of the breast. Early detection and screening for breast cancer are important to people’s health. Early detection of breast cancer, when survival rates are highest, can be assisted by screening tests. Breast Cancer Treatment
Initially, Patricia was diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer and she was grateful for early detection. She opted to undergo a lumpectomy, during which doctors realized the breast cancer was actually stage 2.
Once she recovered from surgery, Patricia’s treatment included chemotherapy and radiation therapy. “My son was in college, and he moved back to help me out, and he was very adamant that I get out and get moving,” she said. “We did a lot of hiking.”
Strong Support Team
Patricia had a strong support system during treatment – from family, friends, coworkers and the people she’d met volunteering for Komen. She stated, “I even formed my own team for our local Komen event.”
Staying Active in Treatment
While undergoing treatment, Patricia kept herself active. She explained, “My exploration of nature increased, and that definitely made me feel better.” “I felt the need to stay active and be positive throughout treatment. That kept me encouraged and helped take my mind off of things.”
One of Patricia’s favorite pastimes, hiking, helped her feel and perform better physically and mentally. I would strongly urge others to move about. Patricia stated, “It’s a good way to take your mind off what you’re going through, but everyone is going to have a different treatment plan or be going through different things.” “You gain strength mentally and physically.”
Living a Healthy Lifestyle
Patricia has not received treatment in eight years, and she continues to be disease-free. “I’m in a new season, seeking my new normal,” she said. “I continue my active lifestyle, I eat healthy – avocados and guacamole are my favorite snacks – and I continue to stay connected with my breast cancer community.”
Patricia has no plans to slow down. She loves hiking in the Texas Hill Country and at state parks in Oklahoma and Arkansas. She’s traveled further, too. She stated, “Last year, we did Bryce Canyon and Zion in Utah.” “And in a couple of months I’m heading to Oregon to explore some of the trails there. There’s so much to see.”
Learn more about Avocados From Mexico’s partnership with Komen here, and try one of their avocado recipes.
Please visit komen.org to learn more about maintaining a healthy lifestyle following a breast cancer diagnosis. Statements and opinions expressed are that of the individual and do not express the views or opinions of Susan G. Komen. This information is being provided for educational purposes only and is not to be construed as medical advice. Persons with breast cancer should consult their health care provider with specific questions or concerns about their treatment.
