Our Pink! Stories: Ginger Denton
As part of our continued efforts to promote awareness to breast cancer in partnership with CHI Memorial Foundation's Pink! Gala, we will spend the month leading up to the Pink! Gala on Saturday January 27th sharing stories from HHM employees who have personally battled the disease.
Ginger's Story
Ginger Denton, bookkeeping specialist at HHM Bookkeeping Solutions, courageously opens up about her personal battle with breast cancer. In this heartfelt conversation, Ginger shares her story, detailing the challenges she faced, the moments of triumph, and the unwavering support she received from her loved ones and colleagues at HHM. Listen to Ginger's full story below.
Can you tell me about your diagnosis and how you first found out you had breast cancer? My lump was discovered by my husband who was very concerned and encouraged me to see my doctor. Get those mammograms, ladies! I had missed two of my annual mammograms. Catching it earlier might have prevented some of the treatments.
What did treatment look like? After the lumpectomy, scans and tests it was determined that radiation for six weeks would be the best option. After the breast reconstruction (which I was told could only happen before the radiation), I started my radiation treatment. Near the end of the six weeks, I was getting small amounts of pain and fatigue, but it wasn’t slowing me from any normal activity. After all the treatments I was given a “hormone blocker” pill that I must take for five to 10 years. I am five years into my treatment and still have the wonderful privilege of taking that little pill. The side effects from the medication are basically going thru menopause every single day. Hot flashes, anxiety, muscle weakness/soreness, mood swings etc…but considering the alternative I think it is best to suck it up and continue the treatment.
What advice would you give to someone who has recently been diagnosed with breast cancer? Find someone who has been through the process for support. Also, close family members are a major plus. All the oncology team and doctors have also been wonderful. I say this with certainty because on my first visit with my oncologist I had just finished my reconstruction surgery two days before and happened to get very sick. She jumped into action and handed me the trash can fast. I kept apologizing and she assured me it was going to be ok. I knew then that she was going to be my person through this journey. I also had a nurse from the MaryEllen Locher Breast Center who gave me support services which was a nice plus.
What advice would you give to anyone listening/watching this? This is just another journey in life. You will work through the fear of the unknown quickly and be given a plan of action. Just trust the process.
Have you made any lifestyle changes since your diagnosis, and if so, how have they impacted your health and well-being? We try our best to eat healthier but being a “fluffy” person, I do fall off the wagon every now and then. The best advise is to keep up with any medication and doctor visits. Never skip any process or treatment.
How has your perspective on life changed since your diagnosis? It has greatly changed my perspective on life. I don’t worry so much about the small stuff. I have found that spending time with family and especially grandchildren has become a top priority. No one is remembered for the objects they own but they are remembered for the time spent with them.
What support did you find most helpful during your treatment? My husband was my main source of support. It was a great comfort having him around. The staff at HHM also rallied behind me. I could feel the love from all around.