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Cancer survivors honoredBy Danielle Strenke The thought never crossed Eileen Flemingís mind that she wouldnít make it. She maintained a positive attitude through her first fight with breast cancer in 1971 and then her second bout with breast cancer in 1986. "I just never thought anything bad would happen, and that God would carry me through,î Fleming said. Besides her strong faith, Eileen said the other reason she is a cancer survivor with no signs of the disease is her husband, Wally. The two were only dating in 1971 when Eileen discovered the lump. ìHe made me schedule an appointment the next day,î Eileen said. The persistence from Wally probably saved her life, because at age 34, Eileen had none of the factors considered for high-risk for contracting cancer. ìIt was so early in the game, I really had them stumped,î Eileen said. ìThis was before mammograms, and not a lot was known about breast cancer.î She also said the doctors were perplexed because she was young, healthy and active. Both of Eileenís parents were healthy, and lived long lives. It was also extremely fortunate that the cancer was found when it was. The doctors told Eileen that it was an extremely fast-growing cancer that had been caught within the first weeks of development. Eileen said Wally was extremely worried throughout her procedure, pacing in the hospital. Within a year, the two were married and started a family soon after. Eileen said having her children, Randy and Tena, was a miracle too. ìThey told me I probably would have to adopt because I wouldnít be able to have kids,î she said. The couple moved to North Branch in 1978 from East St. Paul, the year their son entered kindergarten. A positive attitude can make all the difference and Eileen is living proof. After the tumor was removed in 1971, Eileen had radiation treatments. With her second run-in with breast cancer, Eileen went through chemotherapy. With both methods of treatment she felt great. ìI never got sick or lost any hair,î she said. ìBut I had a lot of prayers going up so that was the main thing that helped me through.î She also amazed the doctors by never needing any pain medication while in the hospital, or during recuperation following. ìThey told me to take something, but I said I didnít need it,î Eileen said. ìThey told me I would need it later, but there was never any pain.î Eileen was even able to continue working for the North Branch schools as a paraprofessional in special education. ìI would work for an hour, go to the hospital in Cambridge for chemotherapy and then come back to work,î she said. Wally has the same positive attitude and strong faith, which was important when he went through treatment for skin cancer five years ago. A few unusual spots on his upper back made Wally ñ and Eileen ñ concerned. After tests revealed it as cancer, the areas were cut out. Unlike Eileenís cancer, no further treatment was needed for Wallyís skin cancer. ìYou just have to watch your skin very carefully,î Eileen said, adding that Wally goes back to the doctor every six months to check for a return of the disease. ìThatís the main thing with anything ñ keep a close eye on your health,î Eileen said. She is a firm believer in mammograms, especially when the mass found in 1986 was something she couldnít even feel. ìIt was tucked underneath ñ I wouldnít have noticed,î Eileen said. ìBut both my parents were healthy, so I donít know.î Both Eileen and Wally are now retired, although Eileen continues to work occasionally as a substitute for the North Branch schools. Wally worked as a mechanic for 20 years with 3M. He suffered a stroke in 1984, which Eileen said was frightening. ìI knew his time wasnít up though,î she said. Fortunately, the stroke did not leave any permanent speech or physical limitations, Eileen said. Now Wally occupies his free time gardening, while Eileen enjoys daily gatherings over coffee with friends. The couple also spends a considerable amount of time with their newest family member, 16-month-old granddaughter Paige. In April, Eileen and Wally celebrated their 30th anniversary with a party at United Methodist Church in North Branch. The coupleís unwavering faith that God will carry them through along with a positive attitude make them ideal choices as the honorary co-chairs for this yearís Relay for Life cancer walk this Friday and Saturday, July 26-27 at Tanger Outlet Center. Eileen said they are honored to be chosen, and have been a part of teams in the walk for the last five years. ìThe first year we had one team from United Methodist, now we have several,î she said. More than 50 people on five teams from the church will participate along with the Flemingís in this yearís walk. She said the church teams have several fun events and fund-raisers planned for the evening. Items they will raffle include a handmade tablecloth, handmade birdfeeder and a basket filled with all the fixings for a spaghetti dinner. As co-chairs, Eileen and Wally were asked to speak with walk participants during a brief program at 7 p.m. Eileen said Wally asked her to do the talking. ìI will just share that attitude is everything,î Eileen said. ìItís always an enjoyable evening ñ weíre very excited.î ©ECM Post Review |