Survivors
It’s been 28 years since Jane Ledbetter received the news that she had breast cancer.
Ledbetter discovered the lump herself the previous December, after her sister Velma Bowers had been diagnosed the previous month. It was between the breast on the left side and she isn’t sure whether a mammogram would have picked it up or not. Ledbetter and Bowers were no stranger to breast cancer, after seeing their mother Minnie Phillips suffer from it – as well as losing their sister Berdell Crisp to the cancer in 1991.
Ledbetter went to the doctor at Harris Regional in Sylva, where she underwent a mastectomy. She underwent four treatments of chemotherapy. She was supported by her husband, who was always there for her. It is important to note that last week’s featured survivor, Joy Stewart is a first cousin to Ledbetter. Ledbetter and Stewart feel that it is important to know family history and be proactive taking every precaution to make yourself more aware of your body and changes that may occur.
Heredity has certainly taken a forefront in this family’s fight with cancer. Ledbetter’s oldest daughter Monica experienced melanoma several years ago. Her youngest daughter Robin is currently undergoing treatment for ovarian cancer
“Be your own advocate and don’t wait for a doctor’s appointment to determine your chances for the disease,” Ledbetter advised. “Know your family history and do self-examinations as well as mammograms and physical exams.”