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She was 26, in school working for an associate degree in accounting. Her treatment and loss of her breast sent her into a bout with depression, she said.

"I felt like less of a woman," she said.

Her family had rallied around her, but she regrets not joining a support group, where survivors could empathize rather than sympathize.

Ms. Cundiff isolated herself and quit school while receiving treatment. Eventually, she decided not to allow the disease to dominate her life.

She received support at Augusta Technical College from a guidance counselor, and at home from her son.

"He helped me out with feeling good about myself," she said.

HER ADVICE

"Do go to support groups. I did not go to the groups, and felt alone and not understood by those around me ... You need all the support you can get ... Do not use disposable razors to shave your head; that causes razor burn. Not fun."

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Comments

DonnaSims

Thursday, Oct. 15 2:25 PM

Deseree, congratulations on your victory over this illness. My sister has had a double mastectomy from breast cancer. It's amazing to see how much strength and courage a person can have when they have a need to fight something such as breast cancer.
Your advice is good. Telling people what you're going through and allowing them to be supportive is the best thing to do. My sister also verified your advice about the razors. One thing I've noticed is that women look very exotic and beautiful in the turbans and then their hair grows back in thicker and shinier than ever (and often a different color).
You have lived this and learned from it. You can feel proud.
Blessings
Donna Sims