Kelly Findt

Owasso, OK

Breast Cancer Survivor

I dont think I fully appreciated the number and value of the friends and supporters I had before I learned I had cancer, but it was one of the things God impressed upon me during my cancer experience.

We actually had people from two churches and two schools who loved us up totally when I learned I had stage 3 breast cancer in October 2007. Because my husband had become associate pastor at Central Baptist Church in Owasso, we'd recently moved there, but we still had great friendships at the last church we'd served. Also, although I'd taught for 17 years at Haskell Middle School in Broken Arrow, that fall, I'd taken a position at Owasso 7th Grade Center, so I also could be a greater part of the Owasso community. When word circulated about my cancer, God supported us through all these groups of people in amazing ways.

My cancer chronology began shortly after starting my new teaching position, when I found a lump in my breast. But, as I regularly found cysts, lumps and bumps in my breast, I wasn't worried and thought I'd wait to see a physician until my regular check-up in October.

At that check-up, however, the doctor also found the lump and sent me for a mammogram and biopsy. The biopsy showed stage 3 breast cancer.

They called and told me that while I was teaching. The cancer shocked me, but I'm glad I found out that way, because I couldn't fall apart. I had to keep my focus on the students.

In early November, I underwent a lumpectomy at a Tulsa hospital. A follow-up meeting with my oncologist concerning further treatment resulted in my husband and I deciding to search out alternatives. One of our friends worked at Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) and always raved about the care provided, so I decided to call.

The first time we came to CTCA, I met with a radiation oncologist, as well as a wound specialist, a nutritionist, an oncologist, and others, and was so impressed. Doctors and clinicians were conferring about me and my care immediately, and I felt like everyone was focused on me and my health and solely on that. It was like no healthcare place I'd been before. I knew this was where I needed to be.

Instead of external beam radiation, I opted for a combination of High Dose Radiation (HDR) breast brachytherapy and chemotherapy for treatment. I did the research on this procedure, after they presented it to me, and felt comfortable that this was the way to go.

In December, 18 catheters were placed under the tumor bed in my breast, and twice a day for five days, pellets of radiation were inserted directly to the tumor site. The catheters were then removed, and I don't remember having any problems from the procedure. From January-March, I then underwent a series of four chemotherapy treatments.

Throughout all this, I can't remember a day going by when I didn't receive a card, an e-mail, a phone call or a meal brought over by someone.

Before I was going to shave my head, the teachers at my school in Owasso threw a hat party for me. The teachers at my old school in Broken Arrow gave me a huge basket with lotions, food, books and inspirational and humorous gifts.

My daughter, who was home for Christmas from the mission field in Mali, West Africa, left me inspirational care packages at the end of her visit for each of my upcoming chemo treatments. My husband was a rock; my son was such an encouragement; my students were wonderful and always said such uplifting things.

One of my most memorable moments came when I completed my last chemo treatment, and the CTCA Infusion staff brought up me dinner and a celebration cake. I cried. At CTCA, I was treated with compassion and love. People called me by name everywhere I went. I was hugged, visited with, prayed with and prayed for, by staff in every department. I loved that I was able to do my chemo in the evenings, after work, and that if I needed anything, I could call my case manager, and she'd take care of it and call me back.

I've enjoyed sweet fellowship with Jesus since I was 10 years old, but He really blessed me during this cancer journey by His presence when I just needed to climb up in His lap and break down and by the people He provided who reached out to me. I always felt like someone was thinking of me or caring for me. I've never known anything like it, and it's made me more aware of others and wanting to be there for them.