The Foster-Matteson-Bugler Family
From left to right: R. Colleen Foster (mother), Cindy Matteson (survivor sister, a.k.a. "Pink Ninja"), and Pam Bugler (sister).
Mother's Story: R. Colleen Foster
Survivor Sister's Story: Cindy Matteson
Sister's Story: Pam Bugler
My name is R. Colleen Foster and I’m the mother of Cindy Matteson, a 3 year breast cancer survivor. I appreciate and support Susan G Komen for the Cure and all that has been done to help fight this disease. Being with Cindy thru all this long ordeal of surgeries, chemo, radiation etc. makes one more thankful for all that breast cancer research has done. After losing my mother to uterine cancer and my husband to pancreatic cancer, I’m thankful for cancer research. I’m proud of Cindy for all of her time and support to Komen , and of her sister, Pam, for participating in the Sister Study.
Thank you
Colleen Foster
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My name is Cindy Matteson — mostly known by my family and friends as the “Pink Ninja.” I am a 2006 breast cancer survivor. If you’re wondering about the Pink Ninja part, I learned very quickly to accept my breast cancer challenge and attack it head-on as I thought a “Ninja warrior” would.
In December of 2005, I found two lumps in my breast while performing my monthly self breast exam. I thought to myself, hmmm...those weren’t there last month...I was so happy that I “showed up for myself” that day — talk about a WAKE UP shower! After a mammogram, ultrasound, and needle biopsies, I learned I had a very aggressive form of breast cancer. I chose the oncology doctor that took care of my father when he was ill, and a wonderful surgeon, and the next month I had a double mastectomy and a sentinel node biopsy. By the time I had the surgery, a third tumor had developed, and 6 of 10 lymph nodes tested positive for cancer. They definitely weren’t wrong when they told me it was aggressive! The NINJA attitude kicked in again...I was going to show cancer how mean I really am! In fact, when I started losing my hair after my 2nd chemo treatment, I shaved my head! I am now finished with the cancer drugs. I do feel strong most days and have returned to a more livable routine. The best news for me is to get clean blood tests and to hear there is no evidence of disease...that makes the endless hours of chemo and radiation all worthwhile. One of the issues that always weighs heavy on a breast cancer survivor’s mind is…when will I be out of the woods with this disease?
I truly feel lucky to have found these lumps when I did and I’m so grateful that I was vigilant about performing my monthly self breast exams, otherwise as aggressive as this cancer was, I may not be here today to tell you my story. I am honored and excited to be part of the NIEHS Two Sister Study and especially happy that Susan G. Komen for the Cure supports research like this that can make a difference in so many lives, and by participating, I can in some small way try to give back to those who need help. I look forward to being an advocate for breast cancer awareness for the rest of my lifetime.
Thank you so much for allowing me to share my story with you. Remember, early detection is your best protection!
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I am always interested to hear people tell their “stories” of when they were diagnosed with cancer or their family member was diagnosed. Many say it was like getting punched in the stomach, a feeling of no control or simply just feeling like they wanted to give up. I must say for me, both times family members were diagnosed, it felt like someone hit me over the head and I could not comprehend what was being said. It was almost surreal.
It has happened in our family twice. Twice too many! My dad was diagnosed in November 1999 with pancreatic and liver cancer and died December 31, 1999. He died so quickly it was impossible to believe and process what was taking place. The pain never goes away when you lose your dad; it just changes and gets easier to deal with as the years pass.
Life seemed to be clicking right along and in December of 2005, my sister was diagnosed with breast cancer. We just did this cancer “thing” with my dad! What in the world was going on? Not only did I feel pain for her, the impact on our mom was incredible. I know she must have felt like she just could not go through this again.
My sister lost both breasts, had chemotherapy, radiation therapy and several plastic surgeries. I can honestly say, she is the strongest, bravest person I know. (My mom is no wimp either!) Through all of her treatments and surgeries she remained positive, never wanting any of us to think she could not handle what was happening to her.
So when you ask me, “Why are you joining the Sister Study and the Two Sister Study,” my answer is this, no one should suffer the pain of this terrible disease. I will do my part to find a cure. Studying each family member to find the link is so important. I continue to ask myself was my dad’s cancer and my sister’s cancer somehow linked? Even though they are different types what could the connection possibly be?
It is only through studies such as these that we move forward. — ontinually working so that no other person will have to hear that terrible word – CANCER!
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