Colour Me Pink Special Feature: Educator, Suzan Gresham
Diagnosis confirmed: Jan 4, 2014
Finished Chemotherapy and Radiation: August 19, 2014
Tell us about your diagnosis:
“When it was confirmed that I had breast cancer, I was shocked. I was holding on to the hope that it was cysts and that everything would be O.K. It was confirmed, Stage 1 tumour on the right side and benign cysts on the left side. After giving the news to my stepmother and a few friends, I broke down and cried; asking why and how did this happen? I have to admit, I was scared of facing a life changing event in another country far from home and friends. I had the support of family and friends at home. My expat community shared words of encouragement, love and prayers during the hardest times of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Thankfully, I have finished both treatments. Although it was rough, I managed to keep a positive attitude, tried to make everyone around me laugh and love life.”
What or Who has inspired you most:
“My biggest inspiration came from my dad. I watched him battle and survive lung cancer for 2 years. I told myself, if my dad could put one foot in front of the other and fight, so can I. I told myself that whatever the outcome was, I would keep fighting, one day at a time.”
Words of encouragement or advice:
“I would encourage anyone who is diagnosed with breast cancer to reach out to family and friends. To seek out those who have fought, or those who are going through treatment, for support. Most importantly, keep a positive attitude because you will make it!”
