Irene Holthaus
I am 70 years old, married with three children and one grandchild and am
retired. I enjoy painting and arts and crafts.
Within less than month, my daughter and I were both told we have breast
cancer. My daughter, who is 48, was diagnosed with breast cancer during
a routine mammogram. As a mom, it was devastating to hear. I was shocked
and scared. Because she knew I would shocked and scared, she waited to
tell me and had already done her research. By the time she told me, she
was calm and collected and assured me there are now so many medical advances
and breast cancer is very curable. She wanted to deal with this in a positive
manner, splashed with humor. The next thing that came to mind was that
I had not put an annual mammogram reminder on my calendar and I missed
the yearly exam by a significant amount of time. Therefore, I nervously
made my mammogram appointment along with my gynecologic appointment. Lo
and behold, my mammogram turned into needing an ultrasound and then a
biopsy. Indeed, I also had breast cancer, IDC, stage 2. The same breast,
same type and stage as my daughter.
I had a lumpectomy and two re-excisions that did not have clear margins.
I will be having a mastectomy with immediate reconstruction. I had intraoperative
radiation therapy and no chemotherapy needed because of my oncotype score.
With Covid, it has been difficult to escape my worried mind. Family gatherings
had to be limited and even a simple date night with my hubs was off limits.
But my daughter and I have been able to text and call and enjoy a few
family gatherings…with face masks. There is always a lot of laughter
and playfulness in our family. It’s how we roll. Laughter is as
important as the air we breathe. A smile turns your frown upside down…My
motto. It’s an oldie but a goodie and it works.
I did resort to social media for added support. You can never have too
many “likes” and heart emojis on your social media posts.
I also suggest checking into breast cancer Facebook support pages. If
nothing else, you can learn things you wouldn’t think of researching
on your own.
Message to other women
Time gets away from us with our busy schedules, other responsibilities
and a multitude of other things on our mind. My suggestion is to mark
your calendars a year ahead right after each mammogram.
My daughter and I were both diagnosed with breast cancer less than a month
apart. Our family uses humor to get through difficult situations. We have
both been very open family and friends about our diagnoses as well as
keeping everyone updated on our journeys through social media in a humorous
and positive way. Laughing about our challenges and poking fun at the
odd things our bodies are going through has helped others feel more comfortable
talking about what’s happening. When others can have a giggle too
it really helps keep us moving forward with positive attitude! Even though
there are days where we struggle, our sarcasm and sense of humor bring
lightness to the situation that wouldn’t otherwise be there. Both
mom and I are artists and wanted to incorporate both our odd sense of
humor along with our artistic styles to create a collaboration that makes
everyone smile! So, we went with a play on words. Hence, Blue-Footed Boobies
will take center stage on our “Save the Boobies” chair.
Chair Location
Brighton at the Gardens Mall
3101 PGA Boulevard
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410