Susan Carter (Susan just completed her chemotherapy & radiation treatments required for her battle against breast cancer.)
{Scroll down to read Susan's e-mail !}
Subj: Re: WPHS Alums - Class of 1961
Date: 8/4/2003 10:46:21 AM Eastern Daylight Time
From: susancricks@msn.com
To: Maryp5243@aol.com
      Mary, please forgive my long delayed reply to your caring response to my "news". I completed chemo in January and radiation in April. The former was a very rough "journey" with multiple adverse side effects requiring two hospitalizations. In the midst of same, Dekalb County sent me a letter
saying I "would report" to work on 2/27, or take a long term leave, or resign. So much for compassion and valuing your teachers....Against my doctor's wishes, I did return to teaching just 4 days into the 33 day radiation cycle; it was that or lose my current school position and insurance.I guess the good Lord felt He had tested me sufficiently with chemo as He made the radiation journey bearable...especially with the fantastic support I received from the teaching staff and administration at Lakeside.
      Summer vacation brought a wonderful opportunity for R&R, and I must say I am not looking forward to beginning the new school year tomorrow (preplanning). However, I am most appreciative for greatly improved health, an excellent teaching position (although fewer than 160 eleventh graders would be desirable), and most of all, the loving support of family and friends. My daughter, Mary, has been my "earthly angel" throughout these many months (one year tomorrow since the "routine" mammogram, which turned out to be anything but), and I cannot imagine making this journey without her. Although her brother,Carter, was there during the emergency times, she was
my daily "nurse" (in addition to her work as an occupational therapist) whose loving care was critical in my recovery.
      Looking forward, I am happily anticipating our mini-reunion at the Blue Willow Inn this Saturday. How diligently Bill has worked to coordinate the plans!!! I wish you could be here with us, Mary.
      Thank-you again for your encouraging words and sharing your mom's story. Hope is what heals, and hearing others' "success stories" is certainly a source of hope. Mary, feel free to share any part of my story, but most of all, the importance of an annual mammogram. By the way, an ultrasound done the SAME day did NOT reveal the danger signs (microcalcifications obscured the tumor).
      Finally, "short" is great; I may never wear a longer hairstyle again!
      With love and wishes for your mother's continued good health, and yours as well, Susan