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Go to Home PageServices > Breast Health > The Pink Chair Project 2021 > Irene Holthaus
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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

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