Better Things

Well it's been just over two weeks since I had my tissue expanders replaced and now it's time for me to really help people.  A few months ago I was asked to be on a Breast Cancer Patient Advisory Counsel (PAC), and I said "yes" because in the beginning, my Care Coordinators Lynnae and Carrie (who I attribute much of my sanity during that time to) set me up with a girl in Boston, who had also been diagnosed at 28.  She was finishing up her 5 years as I was starting mine, but it was beyond comforting to talk with someone who knew exactly how I was feeling (each woman who goes through breast cancer has their own, unique story, but I was able to relate to her better than the women I spoke with who were in their 50's and 60's when they were diagnosed).  As soon as I hung up the phone with her, I knew I wanted to be that someone on the other line offering comfort.  Being a part of this PAC is my way to improve the care that newly-diagnosed women are receiving. 

My first meeting was last night, and it was kind of a "passing of the baton" meeting.  Each year in the fall, a few new women join the PAC and the women who have already served their two years leave.  We went over a summary of everything they accomplished over the past two years (The biggest and most important, in my opinion, was creating the Care Coordinator position. I cannot imagine not having Lynnae/Carrie to go to!) and I'm so excited to see what my group comes up with!