Speak Out: Keeping faith through breast cancer

By Dorothy Marburger

One day I noticed a lump on my breast that was sore and wasn’t going away. I had fibrocystic breasts so I wasn’t too worried, but my partner, Gina, encouraged me to get it checked. The doctor called me back for an ultrasound, and Gina, who is an ultrasound technician, was with me during my exam. She kept repeating, “it’s bad, it’s really bad.” I was worried, but much more for Gina than myself. I wanted to be strong for her.

I like to call my journey “out with the old and in with the new.” I put everything in God’s hands. I knew I had no control over this thing that had invaded my body. I chose doctors who I trusted and did all I could to improve my chances of survival. The rest was in God’s hands. My support system of my partner, Gina, and my friends was strong. I met many people along the way that I now count as friends.

From day one, Susan G. Komen stepped in and I never had to worry about how I was going to pay for my medical expenses. They helped me pay for my treatment at Poudre Valley Hospital and provided on-going support services throughout my battle with breast cancer. Komen became my “Angel in Pink.”

I underwent eight months of chemotherapy to shrink the tumor with little success. A few months into my treatment, I entered a clinical trial that included oral chemotherapy. The trial drug made me so sick that I couldn’t work. I lost 50 pounds and Gina had to help me in and out of bed. I dropped out of the clinical trial, and at that time had a double mastectomy. Luckily the cancer had not spread to my lymph nodes. I chose not to have reconstruction. I was worried about further complications, and for me it was actually a freeing decision. Komen continued to be my Angel in Pink, helping me throughout my journey with non-medical financial assistance as well my treatment costs.

From the beginning, I was open with my doctors about Gina being my partner. She was there with me throughout every treatment and every test. Just the other day, I said to her, “We’ve been together for 18 years, I’m missing a few parts, but I love you.” She responded that she was missing a few parts too, but thankfully we are healthy and going strong.

I first signed up for the Komen Denver Race for the Cure in 2010, the year I was diagnosed. I was back the following year. I will do the walk as long as I am able. I consider it a joy and privilege to give back in some small way. From the beginning Susan G. Komen was there for me, and I want to be there for others. Seventy-five percent of the funds raised by Komen Denver, stay in Colorado to help women like me.   Please join me on September 29, 2013 at the Pepsi Center for the Komen Denver Race for the Cure!