Nancy Gohmann was 57 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Her story is worth hearing in light of the recent revised guidelines on breast cancer screening, and also in how this woman did not let cancer take, alter, or define her life. Today, at a very active 72, this fit redhead has some advice on breast health and living well.

In January 1993, Nancy, a Chicagoan and mother of three sons, went for a routine mammogram and the results came back normal. Four months later, Nancy found a lump in her left breast while showering and immediately went to her internist and then to a breast surgeon. Upon examination, the surgeon suggested they wait a month as it looked to him like a non-malignant cyst. But within a few weeks the lump grew and Nancy experienced tenderness under her arm. She insisted that the surgeon give her another look and a needle aspiration was performed. “The next day the surgeon called me at work and said, ‘We can’t believe this, but your tests came back positive for cancer.’ I was devastated.  I asked myself, how can I have a normal mammogram and just a few months later, I have cancer,” she recalled.  Within three days, Nancy had a lumpectomy. The lump was cancerous, 14 of 21 lymph nodes taken tested positive for cancer, and the oncologist described her disease as ‘aggressive. ‘

After the diagnosis, Nancy made a pact with herself: “I will not let this cancer beat me,” she told herself. She underwent six months of chemotherapy followed by six weeks of radiation. She lost her red hair and experienced the debilitating fatigue of cancer therapy. “It was uncomfortable, but I made a promise to myself that I would not die. My brother was going through cancer therapy at the same time and I knew my family could not lose two of us. I never thought I would not make it, but I prayed a lot.”

When the chips are down, we often see the angels in our life. Nancy’s mother-in-law, Alma, then 82, was living with Nancy’s family and stepped into the role of champion caregiver, researching therapy side effects and making organic meals to nourish and strengthen her new patient. “Women are different than men,” Nancy explained recalling Alma’s support. “She was so maternal and comforting. I’ll never forget her efforts.”  Nancy remembers she and Alma poring over Dr. Susan Love’s Breast Book, which proved to be a godsend.

Nancy was also supported by her circle of girlfriends. Jackie Fischer, 70, met Nancy in 1958 when their husbands were friends and they lived on the same block while raising children. “The one thing about Nancy that defines her is her attitude. I knew she wasn’t going to let cancer defeat her. She helped get me through my own battle with cancer in 2007,” Jackie said.

When Nancy finished treatment, Jackie was going through a divorce. Jackie suggested the two of them pursue new activities for fun and fitness. The first activity was line-dancing classes which the two attended weekly for more than five years. Next came golf lessons at Jackie’s urging. Today, Jackie and Nancy are in leagues and play several times a week in season.

Nancy getting autographs at baseball game

“Nancy is an extraordinary woman and is always seeking new adventures,” said Jackie. She loves travel, musicals, plays, baseball games, museums. She consistently strives to get the most out of life. She is Ms. go, go go!  And she can strike up a conversation with anyone…for that I am jealous, but when I am with her, we always meet new people. My family adores her. For my 70^th, she came with my family on vacation and kept up with the young people. She is upbeat, honest, and a very faithful friend for which I am grateful,” said Jackie.

We asked Nancy: How did having cancer change your life?

“After cancer, I learned never to take anything or any day for granted; tomorrow is never promised, so live for today. I thought about the things I always wanted to do, but never did as I was raising my family. I had a passion for travel, so I made it my priority.  I have been on a Mediterranean cruise, to Europe, white water rafting in New Mexico, to New England, mostly traveling with my girlfriends. With Jackie, I took line-dancing and golf lessons. I believe that exercise keeps me young, so I power walk for an hour every day, outdoors in good weather, and in the mall in bad.

What do you tell other women about breast health?

“This is your body, and you are the boss. If something doesn’t feel right, ask questions and demand answers. It is so important to do breast self exams. I got so angry when I read the new recommendations on self exams and mammograms. If I didn’t find the lump, I might not be here today. I feel very strongly that women my age should have a mammogram every year. “

Since being declared a cancer survivor, have you spent your time differently?

“I take life one day at a time, and embrace adventure. Life might be a little scary at times, but I say to myself, just do it!”

(Nancy’s friend Kate, 49, says Nancy taught her the game of golf and told her it is never too late to take up a new sport. Kate said, “Nancy is amazing and has so much energy. We walk the course for 9 holes and I can barely keep up with her. I really admire her spunk and spirit. I only hope to be like Nancy when I am 72.”)

Nancy, how would you complete this sentence:  Nowadays, when I wake up, I often think….

“I am grateful for seeing another day – whether the sun is shining or not. I make it a point to do the things I really enjoy … traveling, spending time with my nine grandchildren and girlfriends, shopping, golfing, walking, having nice dinners with friends, and focusing on the positive. Tomorrow is never promised, so live for today. At the end of the day, I am very happy sitting by myself with a glass of wine and toasting my life – as nice as it is.”

Mary Pat Byrne (If you have an idea for an inspiring story, please send the details to MPB@JustANumber.com)