Support helps in cancer battle

The fiscal director for Catholic Charities' Housing Office calls herself just an ordinary person who has made the decision to live a normal life despite her recent diagnosis of breast cancer.

"Attitude is everything," she said. "I'm not about to let illness change my life. I'm going to maintain a normal life."

Adjustments

Rather than taking the stairs at work, she now rides the elevator because chemotherapy has left her feeling fatigued.

The treatments also make her more susceptible to other illnesses, so she is staying out of theaters and crowded areas, and has opted to shop for Christmas through catalogues.

Supporters

"They keep telling me how wonderful I look," she said. "If I need something, I know they're there to help." When she began to lose her hair from the treatments, for example, her co-workers lent her scarves so that she could match them to her outfits.

"Catholic Charities cares for all people with great amounts of mercy and love. This most definitely includes employees," Mrs. Perry noted. "Sister Maureen Joyce [executive director] and all of my co-workers have offered my family and me an overwhelming level of care, love, assistance and prayers. I cannot imagine how we would get through this without all the support we've received. I sometimes think it's a contest to see who can express more concern."

Health diligence

When she noticed a physical change in the appearance of one breast, she went for a mammogram and ultrasound. Both came back normal, and she was told to return in a year. But that didn't sit right with her, and she told her doctor that she wanted a surgical biopsy.

"My doctor and I have a wonderful relationship," she said. "I told her that I didn't want to risk my life on one person's opinion."

That biopsy revealed she had a cancerous tumor that had been present for eight to ten years. Mammograms, Mrs. Perry notes, are only 84 percent accurate. Her message to others is to take responsibility for their health.

"If you think something is wrong, keep pushing," she said. "It's your body. You need to advocate for yourself."

Difficult times

Mrs. Perry's diagnosis came three years and two days after her husband's. They have moments when so much illness is difficult to handle. But when she asks "why me?" or "why us?" she realizes that they aren't the only ones facing challenges.

"It's life. It happens to everyone and you have to keep going," she said.

Surviving

"It's made us much more appreciative," she said. "I feel blessed that we've learned to appreciate family and friends and what's important in life."

Keeping a sense of humor is one of those important things. "Laugh. Have fun. Enjoy what you've got while you've got it," she advises.

She also prays "for the strength to get through what I have to. I also hope for peace for myself and my family in dealing with whatever we have to deal with."

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