A Discussion with Beverly Helton

In 2008, a very healthy and active 48-year-old Beverly Helton, who up until the moment she detected a lump in her breast felt “just fine,” was diagnosed with stage III invasive breast cancer. She beat it. Then, in 2017, she was diagnosed with stage III ovarian cancer, and she’s beating that too. Through both journeys, she relied on her faith, friends and family for the strength to fight. Now, she shares her experiences to help others do the same.

What was your first thought when you heard your breast cancer diagnosis?
Not surprised. I knew this lump in my breast was much different from my other benign lumpectomies over the past 25 years. I didn’t share my diagnosis with anyone for several weeks. I needed to accept, understand and comprehend the impact this cancer diagnosis would make in my life, to my body and in my future. Alone one night, I finally said out loud the words “I have breast cancer,” repeating it over and over, with tears streaming down my face. From that point forward, my goal was to fight and fight hard, trust in God and follow the advice of my medical team. Breast cancer was not going to defeat me.

What was your first thought when you got your ovarian cancer diagnosis?
Shocked! I wasn’t experiencing any of the typical ovarian cancer symptoms. It really was an “accidental blessing” that during a check-up related to my breast cancer Dr. Stephen Davidson ordered a CT scan to look at my ovaries because I mentioned experiencing a sharp pain near my naval. The scan showed an abnormality, and after additional testing, things moved quickly. With ovarian cancer came another medical team led by Dr. Warner Huh, gynecological oncologist and surgeon at UAB. I had an incisional hysterectomy. I knew ovarian cancer was a reality, but I was not prepared to learn that it was necessary to remove part of my colon during surgery. Neither was I prepared for a stage III ovarian cancer diagnosis. I mentioned my diagnosis was an accidental blessing; a few more months could have allowed my cancer to become more advanced.

Is there anything that stands out as really special?
Prayers, greeting cards, texts, emails, voice messages and hugs. Even on the worst days, these acts of kindness and support made me smile and helped me re-focus and re-energize and fight harder! My niece laminated business card size inspirational Bible verses, which I placed in different locations in my house as reminders of God’s love. I still keep these with me, in my car, in my purse, at work and on my bedside table. A group of co-workers sent me motivational cards every day for a month, to be placed in the glass vase that arrived with the first card. Members of my family spent more than three weeks every month for six months with me coordinating transportation to medical appointments, even the numerous unplanned ones, and took responsibility of my household and many personal responsibilities. My core group of friends surrounded me with their love, prayers, hugs and helped in other ways that are too numerous to mention.

Sometimes, just being there or a hug is all that is needed with no conversation.
Some patients like to talk about their diagnosis; others don’t.

What did you do for yourself that helped you cope?
I believe that faith in God and prayer make a difference and provided me with the necessary inner strength. I believe that a positive attitude and a fighting spirit are almost as important as medical treatments. I could not change my diagnosis, but I was in control of my attitude, acceptance and determination to complete the
proposed chemotherapy treatment plan.

I also took it one day at a time. I had the ability to focus my energy on the present day. Worrying about what tomorrow would hold, how I would feel or dreading a chemo treatment was not in my best interest; it was a waste of energy.

Exercising has been critical to my recovery. I needed to “feel” better about my body and help accelerate my healing process. Immediately following my breast cancer treatment, I joined Pilates and yoga classes. After chemo for both cancers I walked more frequently, slowly working my way up to a three-mile run. I was also able to get back on my road bike. Exercise helped me regain my physical strength, but also provided the mental boost and challenges I needed to offset the after-effects of chemo.

What advice would you give others on how to help their loved one going through cancer treatment?
Listen and offer support. Identify specific ways you can help. Sometimes, just being there or a hug is all that is needed with no conversation. Some patients like to talk about their diagnosis; others don’t.

For more inspiring survivor stories, check out these Joy to Life podcasts.