"Use your resources wisely" (Part 2) - An interview with Breast Cancer Survivor, Carla Hays

In our previous blog we told the story of Carla's diagnosis or breast cancer while she was separated from her family, planned treatment and as a former Girl Scout leader of twelve years, her determination to follow her own advice: “Use your resources wisely.” This is exactly what Carla Hays did when she was diagnosed and treated for breast cancer.

Carla looked up the Tri-Cities Cancer Center online to learn what resources were available here. With a bilateral mastectomy scheduled and chemo treatments to follow, Carla visited the Cancer Center’s Resource Center on a Friday. She was greeted by Connie Warner, the Tri-Cities Cancer Center’s Resource Coordinator. Connie showed Carla an assortment of wigs, helped her try them on and even styled them for her. Carla decided on two which Connie placed in a bag with pillows (for support during and after treatment), and scarves. Carla was a bit confused as to why Connie was stuffing a bag full of “goodies.” When asked, Connie told her that if she liked these various items she should take them home. Curious about the costs, Carla learned that all of these supplies and numerous resources found at the Tri-Cities Cancer Center are offered free of charge to anyone receiving cancer treatment in the area regardless of where they are receiving treatment. This was truly a surprise and relief for Carla as she was not actually a patient of the Cancer Center.

On another visit, she was provided with a camisole and other mastectomy products. Again, free of charge. Carla took advantage of our free facials provided by Sunny Almeida, LMA of Aesthetic Journeys. According to Carla, this service is “phenomenal.” She also participated in the Look Good…Feel Better® Program and attended our Breast Cancer Support Group, held the 1st and 3rd Friday of every month, where she bonded with ladies who also were receiving treatment or had been treated for breast cancer in the past.

While Carla has just completed her treatment and returned to work, after being off for the past six-months, she plans to continue participating in the Breast Cancer Support Group on her every other Friday off. She also plans to volunteer at the Cancer Center. This is such a wonderful testimony to the level of service and care the Tri-Cities Cancer Center provides those in our community who need it most. Speaking of, Carla mentioned she heard about the great community support the Cancer Center receives. This helped to instill a belief that the Tri-Cities Cancer Center is a worthy organization to be associated with.

When asked what thoughts she would like to leave people with Carla stated, “The resources [at the Tri-Cities Cancer Center] are incredible.” She mentioned a friend who was being treated for breast cancer in Las Vegas who didn’t have access to the resources which were made available through the Cancer Center. Carla’s message to the masses, “Overcome denial. I felt a lump and put off being checked. Don’t let your fear keep you from doing the smart thing.” Carla is a big proponent of mammograms and she finished her interview by stating, “The Cancer Center is always involved in my story.”