Sue McKelvey : Age 57 : Duncansville, Blair County

Sue was diagnosed with breast cancer in August of 1997.  While doing a self exam she found a lump.  She then went for a mammogram which was positive.  The doctor said “you have breast cancer. You should think about a mastectomy.”  Sue was out the door in ten minutes.  She decided she needed more advice.  She educated herself and went to Pittsburgh.  The doctor there told her she had a choice between a lumpectomy and a mastectomy.  Sue had a lumpectomy.  She went for chemo treatments in Pittsburgh and took her radiation treatments in Altoona.

Sue lost her hair.  She went out and bought a wig.  She named it Fluffy.  “Fluffy and I had many adventures in the battle against breast cancer, but we did it.”

“You have to educate yourself about the disease and the treatments.  It was more of a conformation of all I believe in my heart and soul about the importance of faith, attitude, family and very good friends in life and in the cancer battle.”

“It doesn’t matter what life hands you, with trust in the Lord and a good sense of humor you will be fine.  Don’t ever ask why me or say can’t. Can’t is a state of mind and you don’t want to live there.  Asking why me, is such a waster of valuable time in the scheme of things.”

Sue says one of the biggest sources of hope through her battle was her faith in Jesus. “You really can’t live unless you are prepared to die and know where you will spend eternity.  So I knew even if I lost the battle I would be fine.”  Sue has been cancer free for 12 years.