All this month we continue to highlight the great news that more people are surviving breast cancer than ever before via our series of Survivor Stories.

Next up – we’ve Cheryl Shaw. When I first heard about Cheryl’s diagnosis I was shocked and it seemed so cruel (but aren’t they all?) because Cheryl has devoted her life to fighting the disease as the an affiliate Executive Director of Komen for the cure.

Cheryl’s diagnosis was very recent and she’s still receiving treatment. Here’s her story…

How did you first find out you had cancer?

I found about my cancer through my annual mammogram.  One year there was nothing the next year there was cancer. The extent of the cancer was confirmed by an ultrasound, a biopsy then an MRI.

How did you react when you heard the news?

The information was received over the phone and it didn’t really have an immediate impact.  My daughter was home from college and I shared the news with her and I did shed a couple of tears but couldn’t really figure out why I was crying.  It seemed like it was what I was supposed to do, but there was no real sadness.  For me it didn’t seem like a big deal.  I’ve had surgeries before and felt that I would get through this one too.  I was more concerned about how and when to share the news with members of the Komen family and the media considering my role as Executive Director of the Komen Puget Sound Affiliate.  There was never any doubt that it was important to be open about my diagnosis publicly from the very beginning.

What course of treatment were you prescribed?

I had a lumpectomy three weeks after a diagnosis of DCIS (ductal carcinoma insitu) and LCIS (lobular carcinoma insitu) and am currently entering my second week of radiation, which will be followed by a decision of breast reconstruction and Tamoxifen.  There is nothing that can be done about the LCIS since they are not cancerous but abnormal cells that can become cancerous.

What most surprised you about your treatment?

Breast cancer is not as simple as I thought.  Removing it does not resolve the issue because there is a need to continue treatment to reduce the potential of recurrence.  The diagnosis will impact you for the rest of your life because of the recurrence factor.  It does not appear that there is a 100% guarantee that you will be cancer free for life.  I was also surprised at the number of doctors that become a part of your treatment “team”.  The first time I met with my surgeon I left her office with seven business cards of other medical professionals I needed to contact.

What would your advice be to anyone who’s just received a cancer diagnosis?

Remain optimistic and positive.  Your spirits will help your outlook and your ability to get through the treatment.  Cancer can be treated.

How long have you been cancer free?

I am currently in treatment but consider myself cancer free as of August 30, 2010 the date of my lumpectomy.

What lessons did you learn from the experience?

Breast cancer is indeed a journey.  Treatment is not based on one decision but many that will affect your health and your options the rest of your life.  I also learned how faith is so important in this journey and how many people who know you and don’t know you extend their prayers, kindness and expressions of hope.

If you could send one message to all the Good Enough Mothers out there – what would it be?

When going through any trial in your life, do not give up and give in.  Fight to the end and have your friends and family fight with you.  Every minute of your life is precious. Be vocal about your journey and place great emphasis on the positive because your experience can help someone else.

Cheryl Shaw has worked in the nonprofit sector for over twenty five years during which time she has held leadership roles to promote healthy living in minority communities, advocacy for health, education and economic disparities and developing community collaborations to address critical needs.  She is currently the Executive Director of the Puget Sound Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation.  Cheryl was diagnosed with breast cancer in August 2010 and is currently in treatment.