October 22, 2022 Issue, Page 15 of 22

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October 22, 2022 ‘Two weeks prior to Leah Chisum’s diagnosis they took a family picture. In the front are children Lanora Walters, Nislee Chisum, Mackee Chisum, Frankie Lowry and George Lowry. In the back are the adults Jeff Barrick, Debbie Barrick, Lani Walters, Clay Walters who is holding Ellis Walters, Leah Chisum, Jason Chisum, Jenne Lowry, and Wheeler Lowry.; Leah Chisum at Nowlin Dental Clinic celebrat- ing Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Courtesy photos. Leah Chisum Fights Breast Cancer By Sheryl Ponce ered from chemo. Then after Between the trips back and instrumental to caring for her with it and the unknown. ment. surgery, I will have radiation forth to Oklahoma City and and her home family. Chisum “As you start the process you Chisum’s journey is not over, On July 22nd, 2022, Leah treatments, then reconstruc- disrupted routines, she found become more empowered, and she remains positive and al- said that Drs. Bob and Lisa Chisum was diagnosed with tive surgery. I was told this that being a mother and hav- Nowlin are amazing. it becomes a battle. This jour- lows others to give her the sup- stage two invasive ductal car- process would take at least a ing cancer was trying, but her “My coworkers have been more ney has renewed my faith in cinoma or breast cancer. She year,” Chisum reported. husband has been a rock of than willing to take up the the power of prayer. My church port and love she needs. The currently works as a dental as- In her first visit with the phy- support that she needed. slack when I can’t be there. family has also been a source prayers seem to be a source of sistant for Drs. Bob and Lisa sician, he referred her to St. “My family has been very sup- ‘They honored me for breast of strength for me. I have been comfort and definitely appreci- Nowlin at the Nowlin Dental Anthony’s Breast Care. Then it portive, and my parents have cancer awareness month. I blessed with an amazing team ated. Clinic. was time to inform her family been more than willing to help. have been blessed with the of doctors and nurses that Chisum is married to Jason, best work family I could ever have taken excellent care of me “After my diagnosis, they did and work family. That has made all the differ- an MRI, CT scan, bone scan “Their (both families) reac- ence in the world,” she added. ask for. They help to make since day one. That gives me a and they have two daughters, this process as stress free as feeling of great security,” she Nislee and Mackee. She is the and echocardiogram. I had a tions were immediately posi- Hearing the words that she is possible. After 15 years there, noted, daughter of Jeff and Debbie chemo port placed on Aug. 4th, tive, supportive, and uplifting. cancer free is what she is look- they truly do feel like a family,” ‘The patients at the clinic have Barrick. Her sisters are Jen- then started chemo treatment ‘That positive support is what ing forward to the most. Chisum said. also been supportive and kind. ne Lowry, who is married to on Aug. 15th,” Chisum said. carried me through that first “A friend told me that I am She would like others to under- Although she must follow She is now on her fifth treat-scary phase of my journey,” climbing a ladder right now stand that when a person first strict guidelines and follow her Wheeler Lowry, and Lani Wal- ment and will be facing three Chisum said. that’s missing a few rungs. I gets diagnosis of cancer, there doctor's orders, she is able to ters, who is married to Clay more chemo treatments. She She continued to explain that am looking forward to getting is so much anxiety associated stay safe in the work environ- Walters. goes every other week to re- the hardest part of her journey to the top of that ladder. 1 am ceive the medicine. was also her most rewarding thankful that I have that op- “{ will undergo double mas- part in trying to keep her life portunity.” tectomy, after I have recov- at home as normal as possible. Her work family has also been la J J F& e v) =~| 1a you Know: hm y I ¢ According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer mainly occurs in middle-aged or older / é women, In fact, the median age at the time of a breast cancer diagnosis is 62. Though it's possible \ | a JS for women far younger than 62 to be diagnosed with breast cancer, the ACS reports that only a very q small number of women younger than 45 are diagnosed with the disease each year. Despite the av- & erage age of onset being over 60, breast cancer is highly treatable. The World Health Organization notes that breast cancer treatments routinely achieve survival probabilities of 90 percent or higher. However, those probabilities decline considerably in lower-income countries where access to screen- ing and other medical services is limited. For example, the WHO notes that five-year survival rates for breast cancer routinely surpass 90 percent in high-income countries like the United States and Canada. However, those rates are as low as 40 percent in South Africa, where early detection of the disease is less likely than it is in wealthier nations. That disparity in survival rates underscores the need for greater resource allocation in lower-income countries, but also highlights the effectiveness of screening and other measures in high-income countries where women are taught to report any abnormalities with their breasts. AWARENESS As many know, October is breast cancer awareness month. It's a time to rally around everyone at every stage, whether they're just learning about breast health, have recently been diagnosed, are currently undergoing treatment, or celebrating many years of survivorship. Our family celebrates our personal heroes, Belynda Kilhoffer and Kelli Kilhoffer. These two women valiantly and bravely conquered their battles against breast cancer. Sometimes breast cancer can present without symptoms. Screening is important. While death rates continue to decrease, early detection and diagnosis are just as important as ever. This diagnosis is dear to my heart and I celebrate the strength and survival of many women who have completed the fight or are currently in the fight. I encourage you to perform screenings or speak with your provider as early detection saves lives. -Tiffany Kilhoffer, APRN 1721 W. A Avenue, Elk City 1203 S. Main St, Elk City Whinery Family Medicine 580.303.4390 580-225-2547 * 580-225-2500