How Support and Positivity Help During a Cancer Battle
After beloved Iowa news anchor Calyn Thompson, 28, revealed she had secretly been battling breast cancer, news viewers and colleagues gave her an outpouring of support.
The American Cancer Society estimates "297,790 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women" this year.
Thompson has undergone chemotherapy and is preparing for surgery later this month.
Cancer warriors need to know they have a strong support group behind them. It helps them alleviate anxiety and depression as cancer treatments become more intense over time.
Positivity can have an impact on not only good mental health to overcome adversity and everyday challenges but can also improve your health outcomes.
When a beloved Des Moines, Iowa, news anchor revealed that she had secretly been battling breast cancer while still working on-air, she was flooded with support and encouragement from viewers and colleagues. Though she’ll soon be taking time off for surgery, she promised she’ll “be back and better than ever” for her fans.
"It was a shock when I found out I had breast cancer. And it honestly took me several weeks to process it. I asked a lot of 'whys?' and have found maybe using my platform here at WHO 13 News to share my story is 'my why.' If I can help even one person, it will be worth it," Calyn Thompson, 28, said during a recent morning newscast.
Thompson is not alone. A cancer diagnosis can be shocking and intimidating. To help, SurvivorNet experts recommend not blaming yourself for the disease.
One helpful suggestion for cancer warriors at the start of their cancer journeys is to learn more about the disease to ease your fears of the unknown. Also asking your doctor additional questions and even seeking a second opinion can help with the initial shock and anxiety associated with a new diagnosis.
"I think it's really important for them to be able to hear it multiple times, take notes," Dr. Heather Yeo, a colorectal surgeon at Weill Cornell Medicine said.
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Thompson's breast cancer journey began ironically shortly after doing a morning segment last Novemver reminding viewers to stay up to date on their mammograms, a common screening method to detect breast cancer.
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers that many women have been touched by it in some way. It occurs when cells in the breast grow out of control. The American Cancer Society estimates, "297,790 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women" this year.
Women with risk factors like dense breasts or a personal or family history of breast cancer may benefit from having annual mammograms.
If you notice any changes in your breasts, such as new lumps or nipple changes, ask your doctor about getting a mammogram or other screening tests. Remember that you're the best expert on your health and what's normal, or not, for your body.
"I've learned cancer doesn't discriminate; not with age or profession, it can happen to anyone," Thompson said.
The cancer warrior teared up while giving news viewers a peek into her journey.
"I have completed six chemotherapy treatments, and it feels so good to have that hurdle behind me," she said.
These days it's not just about the stage of your breast cancer. Hormones, biology, and genetics should all play a role in determining your treatment.
Currently, the only way to know if systemic therapies like chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or hormone therapy have worked is by performing surgery to remove nearby lymph nodes and test them for disease. If the lymph nodes have any residual disease, a lumpectomy or mastectomy may be needed.
"If [the cancer] is no longer there and has been killed with systemic therapy, the surgery itself may not be necessary," Dr. Henry Kuerer, a professor in the Department of Breast Surgical Oncology at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center told SurvivorNet.
By using image-guided biopsies, doctors may be able to confirm that breast cancer has been wiped out without needing to remove lymph nodes.
The next step in Thompson’s breast cancer journey will include surgery in late May.
"I will be taking a few weeks off to recover and rest, but I will be back and better than ever!" Thompson said before growing more emotional.
Her news colleagues embraced her with hugs as the news segment concluded.
Power of Support
Thompson's heartfelt public monologue of how she became a cancer warrior pulled at the heartstrings of longtime news viewers who delivered an outpouring of support.
Cancer warriors need to know they have a strong support group behind them. It helps them alleviate anxiety and depression as cancer treatments become more intense over time.
"Thank you for sharing your story. You are a Warrior u got this. I've been in the breast cancer journey also," Carrie Kopacek Nedved wrote on Facebook.
"Thank you for sharing your story. It may inspire someone to see their doctor if something just doesn't seem right. I'm a breast cancer survivor for 8 years," Facebook user, Joan Mahoney wrote.
It's responses like the ones from Mahoney and Nedved that helped motivate Thompson to share her cancer journey publicly. She hopes her story encourages others to monitor their health.
"Don't put off preventative screenings. And if something doesn't feel right like it didn't for me, please go get it checked out by your doctor. Early detection does save lives," Thompson said.
More words of encouragement continued to shower the brave news anchor for sharing such a personal moment in her life.
"Calyn I am a 7-year breast cancer survivor. Your positive attitude will help you get through this. There is life on the other side of this diagnosis. Praying for a speedy recovery from surgery," Kathy O'Connor wrote on Facebook.
Positivity can not only promote good mental health for overcoming adversity and everyday challenges but can also improve your health outcomes.
Johns Hopkins expert Dr. Lisa R. Yanek studied the connection between heart health and keeping a positive mindset.
"Positive people from the general population were 13% less likely than their negative counterparts to have a heart attack or other coronary event," Dr. Yanek and her colleagues found in a study.
Mayo Clinic lists several health benefits that positive thinking may bring to your life. Some of the benefits include lower rates of depression and greater resistance to illnesses. Positive thinking also reduces your risk of death from cancer and infections.
Calyn Thompson, an Iowa news anchor, shared her breast cancer diagnosis. (Photo: Facebook/Calyn Thompson)
Dr. Charmain Jackman is a licensed psychologist and founder of InnoPsych. She echoes SurvivorNet experts on the benefits of positive mental health while facing a health diagnosis.
"In the face of a life-threatening diagnosis, fear, hopelessness, and despair can quickly take space in your mind. However, your mindset is a superpower and can be a potent antidote to illness. Practicing gratitude, cultivating joy, and connecting to the community are practical ways to develop a resilient mindset," Dr. Jackman said.
"So many women go through this journey, but trusting your doctor and keeping your faith will see you through. I am a 26-year survivor. God Bless!" Nancy Hugo wrote on Facebook.
Undoubtedly, the warm words from friends, colleagues, and loyal news viewers are having an impact on the beloved news anchor as she continues battling breast cancer. Thompson thanked her supporters and promised to return better than ever.
"Thank you to you, the viewers. Helping you start your day each morning is a responsibility I don't take lightly, and little do you know how much you've been helping me these past five months," Thompson said.
