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Survivor Spotlight- Maryann Davidson
As John Lennon said, “Life is what happens while you while you’re busy making other plans.” This rang true for Maryann Davidson when she received a positive diagnosis for breast cancer. At the age of 41 and after only having her second mammogram, Maryann was told that she had a suspicious lump and was recommended to see a surgeon. This shocked Maryann as she had no family history of breast cancer. “I had no idea that was coming,” says Maryann.
However, life for Maryann could not stop. As a mother of two, she stayed busy with school trips and summer camps. And on top of it all, her daughter’s birthday party was quickly approaching. Maryann had been planning her daughter’s birthday party and the invitations had already gone out when she received the news that she had breast cancer. Maryann didn’t want to cancel her daughter’s party, nor did she want to miss the party.
After her diagnosis, she began working with her team of doctors, Dr. Valle, surgeon, Dr. Schlabach, oncologist and Dr. Gefter, radiation oncologist. After discussing her surgical options, she opted to have a lumpectomy. They met as a team to discuss her case and plan her treatment for the coming months. Maryann began a chemotherapy regimen including Adriamyacin and was a participant in a clinical trial which found that doing more aggressive regimens of chemotherapy provided better results.
During her diagnosis and treatment (while “kicking and screaming,” she said), she met several survivors but did not think that support groups were for her. She recalls going to her first mammogram after her treatment and feeling that it was the “longest and most frightening day of my life.” It was then that she realized that she needed support.
Maryann began relying on her friends for support and became acquainted with Breast Cancer Network of Strength™ Chattanooga. The next thing she knew, she was asked to be in the organization’s inaugural fashion show. Ever since then, “I have become more and more involved in the fashion show and the organization.” Currently, Maryann is the chair for the 2008 Fashion Show and is a member of the Board of Directors.
Seeing Maryann today, you would never know that she is a survivor. Maryann just received reports that her BRAC 1 and 2 were negative. She has a vibrant and positive outlook on life and is still busy planning "the next big thing", whether it’s for Network of Strength™ or her family.