Carin Hansen
Learn More About Our Breast Cancer Survivors: Chat with Us | Email Us
<< More Breast Cancer Survivors
Hi! My name is Carin Hansen and I would like to share with you a wonderful place...Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA).
At age 40, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I had five primary sites in my right breast, which is extremely unusual. In everyday terms it means I had cancer and four recurrences simultaneously. My breast was removed and chemotherapy was started. I also followed a strict nutrition regimen with vitamins and a diet to help rebuild my immune system and keep me strong through treatment.
Being from a large city like Denver, I felt like there were plenty of "good" doctors to take care of me here. But after I was hospitalized with an allergic reaction to the chemotherapy and a staph infection, I began to wonder. When my oncologist walked into my hospital room and told me she "knew I was a problem patient from the first time she met me!," I felt I was in need of better care.
Several weeks later, a friend told me about the Cancer Treatment Centers of America. I called the toll-free number immediately and within 48 hours had an information packet in my hand and an appointment set! Upon arrival, my husband and I were greeted by a staff that was extremely friendly and competent. One of the initial facts that impressed me was that the doctors will not "play God" by setting a life expectancy. They do everything possible for your remission and cure, but won’t waste valuable time guessing at the time you have left. Due to the fact that I was now some five months from the initial surgery, the doctors told me that they really couldn’t do any adjuvant therapy. If there was any remaining cancer, it probably would not respond to treatment, and so a comprehensive follow-up program began.
I have visited CTCA at Southwestern Regional Medical Center over a dozen times. Each time, I am overwhelmed with the graciousness and concern of all the staff. The care each patient is given is unmatched anywhere. I get to hear from other patients about new techniques the center is using for their forms of cancer. The doctors spend as much time with each patient as needed. You never feel rushed to leave so they can get to another patient. The entire Patient Relations Department is a delight to work with. I have been very well taken care of in every way.
I have lost my remaining breast, but in no way do I feel unfortunate. Instead I am always reminded of how blessed I am to be alive and able to tell others of my experience, AND how blessed I am to have found Cancer Treatment Centers of America.
April 2, 2008
For the past several years, I have been blessed with great health. In 2005, it was determined that I had the breast cancer gene, which means my doctors watch me like a hawk. However, I have had no problems with new tumors and all my blood work results are great!
I am a cancer victor. I use the term “victor” instead of a “survivor” because I did not just survive—I was a victor over the disease. That victory, as it pertains to my medical journey, has very little to do with me and my strength. Many beautiful, strong spirited women lose their lives to cancer. I thank God and my doctors for victory during the medical part of my journey. However, I am a victor in many areas of my life. Physically, although my body changed and my health was temporarily lost, I found joy in learning new ways to dress and accessorize. Emotionally, I found a new confidence during times that attacked my self-confidence. Mentally, I was challenged to find ways to keep my mind on the truly important things. Spiritually, I became much more sensitive and open to God’s leading in my daily life.
During my time of treatment, I became very aware that women just like me were facing issues relating to health and beauty, and that they could have used a road map for the journey. As a wardrobe and image coach, I found this distressing and developed a curriculum to serve as that map. Recently I wrote Beauty During the Cancer Journey. It is a comprehensive health and beauty guide for the journey, from diagnosis to victory. I also have a website (www.bridges2beauty.net), which offers support and hope to women of all ages and in every walk of life.
I count it a privilege and blessing to be able to share with and care for every woman who contacts me. I know that I have been left on this earth to make a difference—and that is my prayer everyday—that I will be able to touch just one person’s life.
