Asako Vactor

     Although I’ve always been a “health nut”, always trying to exercise and eat right, I was foolish enough to disregard the need for performing the recommended monthly self-breast exams.

     Early in 2005, during an annually scheduled health exam at the Trippler Medical Center, which is located in Honolulu, Hawaii, my doctor found a lump the size of ½ a pea in one of my breasts.  Next, a biopsy was performed and I was scheduled for the results with my doctor at a later time.

     Initially, when I was called for the biopsy results and as I look back on this moment in time, I was so positive that I didn’t have any health issues that I told my handsome husband (Ted Vactor) that it wasn’t necessary for him to come to the doctor’s office for the results.

     During my appointment my doctor told me I had breast cancer. When I reached the hospital parking lot I called Ted on my mobile phone, still in shock, I screamed at him telling him that he “should’ve been there with me!”

     Naturally, my reaction to all of this was “why me, I’ve been so healthy?”  This truly was a trying time physically and mentally.  Ted was very supportive during this whole ordeal. He was always there with me, by my side providing a shoulder to lean on during all of the doctor’s appointments and the surgery.

     After having been diagnosed with cancer, I was scheduled to have a lumpectomy.  The surgery was designed to cut out “only” a small portion of the cancer that was found.

     Unfortunately, in the first attempt to remove the original cancer, additional cancers were identified and required immediate treatment.  The doctors recommended another lumpectomy before our family was in the process of moving to another military installation in Heidelberg, Germany.

     My mastectomy was performed on the day Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans.  I will always remember my surgery anniversary date—never to be forgotten!

     During my post surgery, we had to make trips to Landstuhl every 4 months to see my oncologist and surgeon.  Fortunately, my cancer was caught in the early stages and I’m currently taking Tamoxifen and did not have to undergo radiation or chemo treatments.  Silly me, I have four wigs & was looking forward to losing all my hair so I could see my gray hair grow back from scratch.

     The earlier that breast cancer is found, the better your chances are for successful treatment and continued good health—I consider myself to be very lucky. Live your life to it’s fullest!

     Many experts point out that diets and heredity play a part in this deadly disease. In my own paternal side of the family, there have been five females diagnosed with breast cancer.  My father has also had prostate cancer.  Two of the five have lost their battle with breast cancer.

     Experts in the fight against cancer continue to say that, “during your annual visit to your doctor, insist on having a breast exam by the doctor, nurse, or other health professional every year if you’re 40 or over.  If you are between 20 and 39, you should have this exam every three years.”

     I don’t believe cancer has changed my life forever.  It has made me more aware!  Knowledge is power!  Instead of living under the shadow of myths and misunderstandings, do the right thing when it comes to your physical health.  I’ve managed to still continue doing what I always done prior to my cancer diagnosis and surgery.  I try to watch what I eat and even have found a new love in organic foods, but still love my sweets.

     My son has been very supportive and always lets me know when there’s something going on about breast cancer shows and articles.  He has purchased the Brighton Power of Pink jewelry every year for me as October is also my birthday month.  My sister Debra in California has also been very supportive and buys me the Chevron Breast Cancer Awareness Car that comes out every year.

     I would urge all women, mothers, daughters, sisters, aunts, nieces, etc., to perform monthly breast checks and get your yearly mammogram—as mentioned earlier, eating healthy and exercise are know deterrents to cancer.

     HELP FIND A CURE!   You don’t have to donate directly to the breast cancer sites, by just purchasing food and miscellaneous items that have the pink breast cancer signs, a portion of the proceeds go to help find a cure is absolutely greatly appreciated by all breast cancer survivors and future patients to be diagnosed.

     **Editor’s Note: October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  Asako was asked to write about her breast cancer survivor story to raise awareness and provide encouragement to our readers. Her husband, Ted Vactor, works in the District’s Real Estate Branch.  They have been married for 27 years.