We’ve all heard about breast cancer but unless it strikes you or someone you love, it’s just words. According to current statistics, one in every eight women will develop this form of cancer during their lifetime. That only accounts for females in the US. Early detection is the key to recovery, which is why getting an annual mammogram is so vital.
Hearing you have breast cancer is like a kick to the gut. Immediately, you think the worst. But thanks to modern medicine, new technology, and a slew of dedicated doctors and nurses, there are now more than 3.5 million breast cancer survivors in the US alone.
Surgery adds another layer of fear
Depending on the type of breast cancer involved, doctors recommend that some women have a single or double mastectomy. Sometimes, the operation removes cancer while other times, it serves as a precaution from having cells develop in an otherwise healthy breast. Surgery on top of a cancer diagnosis often overwhelms women, and rightfully so.
Making a bold decision
In 2013, a woman named Doreta Norris had a breast biopsy, which proved to be cancer. As a precaution, she opted for a double mastectomy. That way, she wouldn’t have to worry about the disease developing in the other breast. At 52, this was frightening yet necessary.
Unbelievable support and encouragement
Doreta was scheduled to have the surgery performed at Piedmont Henry Hospital in Stockbridge, Georgia. This is so frightening for most women they have to be taken into the operating room in a wheelchair. Their legs simply won’t hold them up.
“I want to dance”
Instead of allowing fear to suffocate her, Doreta made an unusual request. She wanted to dance her way into the operating room. Yep, you heard that right, she wanted to boogie down, wearing a hospital gown and all. But what happened next surprised even this feisty Atlanta woman.
It’s a hospital party
After telling her nurse what she wanted to do, other nurses and doctors came up with a plan. As she exited her room to head into surgery, she got the surprise of her life. Lining the walls were nurses and doctors who wanted to dance with her. And that’s what they did to the blaring music — Gangnam Style.
A day to remember
As Doreta stated, “It was an emotional dance. Staff came up to hug me, dance with me, and give me words of encouragement. I truly felt like I could conquer the world.” Not only was her surgery successful but she’s now cancer-free. As soon as she’s strong enough, we have no doubt she’ll be hitting a dance floor somewhere.
What a beautiful message
What Doreta did isn’t common. But considering most women feel scared, she wanted to go into surgery her way, and she did. This story is a great message to females everything. If you’re diagnosed with breast cancer, life isn’t over. You may have to make a few hard decisions and some changes in your life, but don’t ever give up.
If you or someone you know has cancer, we invite you to watch the video below. Just because something bad happened doesn’t mean you have to give into it. A much better option…dance.
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