ST&BF June “Survivor of the Month”: Beth Stockdale, Breast Cancer Survivor!
Like so many of our ST&BF Survivor-Athletes, Beth is not just a strong survivor but a strong supporter of SCCCF & ST&BF! She supports SCCCF & ST&BF and our Local Cancer Community through her participation, volunteerism, and financial support! Thank you, Beth, for being a “Beacon of Hope” for others in our Local Cancer Community!
People Are Reading the Local Cancer Community Update!
Sunday after church I was in the gathering area and one of our members came up to me and said, “I didn’t know you had cancer!” I explained that I was diagnosed with breast cancer seventeen years ago. She replied, “Well, I read about you being the Survive, Thrive & Be Fit “Survivor of the Month”! So, people are reading the Local Cancer Community Update!!!
Diagnosis:
I was diagnosed in 2008. I had been doing all of the right things like getting annual mammograms. One night, when I was getting ready for bed, I found a lump.
I had been working in the lab since 1985, seven years before Dr. Matthews came to Sheboygan. And I worked with Dr. Matthews from that point and eventually Dr. Bettag until I retired in June of 2019. As soon as I was diagnosed Dr. Matthews pulled me into his office. We chatted for a long time but he assured me, “Don’t feel you need to remember all of this because we’ll go over it again.” He made sure I got all the necessary testing done!
Cured?
As far as I know I have been cancer-free since! I’ve never liked the term “cured.” I think we have cancer cells in us, whether they’re active or not. And once you’ve been diagnosed with cancer, it is always in your head. I am a survivor, though!
ST&BF Is About Doing What You Can to Live the Best Life Possible Following a Cancer Diagnosis!
I got active in the activities that were being offered at this clinic even before Survive, Thrive & Be Fit was around (2010). I remember you offered some random classes... and then I participated in most of the ST&BF activities! NOTE FROM TIME: Beth & I went through the list of current ST&BF activities and she has participated in everyone at one time or another!
I just want to say that ST&BF has given me many opportunities to try things that I normally would not have done on my own. Most recently, for example, I got to enjoy Dory Boat rowing! The activities are fun. Plus, being in a room with fellow cancer patients/survivors is very enlightening! ST&BF is not about people coming together to complain or dwell on their treatment or diagnosis. Sure, there is some of that... but primarily it is about cancer patients/survivors doing what they can to live the best life possible following a cancer diagnosis. And it’s fun to work out with familiar faces and new faces... knowing we are all cancer survivors!
Although I enjoy all of the activities that are being offered, I would say yoga is my favorite!
Three Distinct Cancers Between My Husband and me!
When Dr. Matthews first came to the area, I never thought that cancer would be a part of my life. Then Mike, my husband, was diagnosed with testicular cancer when he was 40. Eight or nine years later I was diagnosed with breast cancer. And then Mike was diagnosed with lung cancer and he passed in March of 2017. I never expected three distinct cancers just between my husband and me. But with the support of family, friends, and co-workers, I’m thankful to be here!