ALWAYS A TEACHER - GIVING A GENTLE NUDGE

A Survivor Story by Laura Schmitz

My name is Laura Schmitz. I am a wife, a mother, a grandmother, and a retired elementary school teacher. I am also a breast cancer survivor. Every August I would put up new bulletin boards in my classroom, design desk name tags, welcome a new group of third graders, AND schedule my mammogram. You might guess that I love order and routines! I retired from teaching in 2019 after 44 years of doing my dream job! Though my routines changed, the one thing that did not change was scheduling my annual August mammogram. On August 28, 2019 I received the phone call telling me that “something looked different than last year” on my mammogram. This was the beginning of my medical journey. My sister had passed away from ovarian cancer on Feb 25, 2019. I immediately told my husband that I probably had breast cancer. At the age of 68, my turn had come…so I thought. You know how sometimes you just get that feeling? Sure enough, the nurse navigator met with me and told me that I had Stage 1 Breast Cancer, and I would need surgery. I was given a list of upcoming appointments including one with the surgeon. Remember that I love organization and routine. I told my husband and my adult children that we would take it one step at a time. I felt a sense of peace, but also fear. Would all the cancer be removed from my breast? Would I need a mastectomy or a lumpectomy? Would I be around to watch our precious grandson begin kindergarten? Would I need chemo? Would I live to describe myself as a cancer survivor? I reached out to my principal at school and my parish priest. Many prayers were said on the parish prayer line. Cards flooded my mailbox from friends, fellow parishioners, and students. A college friend mailed me a letter every day for a month! My support system was set in place! I underwent the usual: ultrasound, MRI, biopsy, and genetic testing. On September 30, 2019 my supportive husband, daughter, son, and daughter-in-law waited while the surgeon used his skills to remove cancer once again from another patient. Later that beautiful unusually warm autumn day I was wheeled out to my car. I felt a sense of peace. Four weeks of radiation followed. No blistering of my skin and no fatigue. I was feeling grateful and fortunate for my body’s strength and the care I received. The pink heart-shaped pillow became my friend and constant companion. I once again felt a sense of peace, even hiding it under my blouse during a Sunday Mass. Sleeping with it under my arm allowed me to rest and heal. So how has having breast cancer changed me? I share my story and encourage others to schedule a mammogram. Some stop me on the street to thank me for giving them a “gentle nudge” to take the time to get the screening. I do realize that some women will not schedule the mammogram for various personal reasons. But for those who do make the appointment, I feel a sense of peace. Perhaps it is sharing my gratitude for being given a second chance on life and a purpose in continuing to help others…outside the classroom. I send notes of encouragement to those in my community who receive a breast cancer diagnosis. I plan to go on the local radio station in October-Breast Cancer Awareness Month- to tell my story to the listeners. For you see, my story might just save a life.