When Misty Watson got the phone call from the doctor she had breast cancer, she hung up on him.
“He called back,” Ms Watson said. “He said he’d keep calling back until I talked to him about it.”
That was 17 years ago when Misty was in her second semester of nursing school and the mother of a 2-year-old and a 9-year-old.
“I was convinced that my results got mixed up with the little old lady sitting next to me in the waiting room,” she said. “I did not want to deal with it.”
The Survivorship Nursing Navigator at The University of Texas Health Science Center in Tyler has made it her life work to help, educate and advocate for cancer survivors.
“I originally wanted to be a labor and delivery nurse,” she said. “Finding out I had breast cancer was a pivotal moment. It changed the direction of my life. I realized I wanted to work in oncology. “
The Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure is set for May 13 at Bergfeld Park. Misty’s work as the team captain is an annual event. This year, she will walk the 5K route with her team and thousands of cancer survivors.
She’ll be joined by former co-worker, fellow caregiver, and survivor, Cindy Hughes.
Mrs. Hughes went from caregiver to patient when her breast cancer was detected at Texas Oncology where she works as a chemotherapy scheduler.
“Five days before I was scheduled for a hysterectomy, I be-bopped to the exam room for my annual mammogram,” she said. “They said they needed to take some more pictures because the doctor saw some concerning spots, one on each of my breasts.”
Fortunately, Mrs. Hughes’ cancer was detected so early she didn’t need chemotherapy or radiation. A double mastectomy, 7-months ago followed up with five to ten years of the prescription medication Arimidex are what has made her empathize even more with the patients she schedules for their treatments.
“Early detection is the key,” she said. “ I want to be an advocate. Knowing your body and taking care of your body are very important. Like many others, I thought I was safe because there isn’t a history of breast cancer in my family.”
Mrs. Hughes has participated in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in the past, as a care giver. This year, her family will join her for the race alongside hundreds of other survivors and thousands of participants.
The Tyler Race For The Cure packet pick-up and fundraising activities will take place up to the event.
Visit komeneastcentraltexas.org to register for the event. Packet pick-up will start on May 10 and run through May 12 at Broadway Square Mall in the Sears Wing, between Candy World and Charlotte Russe.
Beth Lytle, owner of Fly & Love Yoga Lounge, will teach a yoga class at 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. May 12 in the Sears Wing of the mall. All proceeds will benefit the Susan G. Komen foundation.
Visit www.manduka.com/projectom to register. A $10 donation will be collected on-line or at the start of the class.
An after party will be held at the Broadway Square Mall from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. featuring fashion shows, giveaways and informational tables.
Twisted Root Burger Company will host Dine For A Cure from 5 to 9 p.m. May 10. Ten percent of the evening’s purchases will benefit the Susan G. Komen foundation.
Read the story from the Tyler Morning Telegraph.