Lorie McDaniel

In April 2007, I was on Spring Break mulling over the final details of my upcoming retirement.  After 25 years in the classroom, I had decided to retire.  My son, Stephen, was going to graduate from Cal Poly SLO in June, so the timing seemed perfect.  While I was working in my yard, I pulled a muscle on my left side and decided to have the doctor check it out.  While at my appointment, I  had her look at my left breast.  I have always had lumpy breasts, but I noticed a change in the nipple and was concerned.  My yearly mammogram wasn't due till June, but I figured she could set my mind at ease.

But just the opposite happened.  The look of concern on her face said it all.  The next three weeks were a whirlwind of tests and appointments.  I had my first surgery on May 7, followed by a second one on May 16.  I started chemo after returning from my son's graduation, and radiation after its completion.  Those eight months were hardly what I had expected from retirement.

During this time I had the never-ending support of my fabulous friends.  A single mom with no immediate family, I relied on my co-workers and friends to get me through it all.  The best piece of advice came from a fellow survivor.  She said "Don't waste any time or energy trying to figure out 'why me?' It is what it is."  I put all my energy in completing my treatment and adjusting to the "new normal," a term I first heard in the self help group at Michelle's Place.

I went to my first group the day after I got my diagnosis and was overwhelmed by the experience.  All the ladies were so open and giving.  Later, I came in for a wig, hats and scarves, and some of the classes.  The support from the staff and the ladies in group encouraged me more than I ever thought possible.  The information they share is, at times, more relevant than that from the doctor's office, by virtue of first hand experience.  And the humor!  They say "Laughter is the best medicine" and at Michelle's Place, I found plenty of humor and lightness to help in the healing process.

About ten months ago, I took the next step in the healing process: I started to volunteer at Michelle's Place.  Click here to read Lorie's volunteer story. What was the worst time in my life is now something that I can share with others who are recently diagnosed.  i hope that by sharing my experiences, I can help other women understand what is happening to them, and hopefully ally some of the fear.  I will continue to recommend Michelle's Place as a source of information, compassion, and friendship.  It has been a godsend to me and I can't thank the ladies enough for all they have done for me.

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