April 2008 Buddy Check
By: Tiffany Alaniz
Updated: April 21, 2008
One four state woman says she has an important lesson to share with others.
She learned it first hand after being diagnosed with breast cancer last fall.
At 43, Karen Reynolds was living a busy healthy life as a mother of four.
She had a normal mammogram just seven months earlier, but one day noticed a lump..
"But I thought it was another cyst that i had earlier so i didn't do anything for 3 months and wish i would have and now i preach on it because i should have everyone should," said Reynolds.
The lump would move and harden, scaring Karen into going to the doctor in late September she was diagnosed with a very aggressive form of breast cancer.
Karen used her situation to help others telling anyone who would listen to get their mammograms and not ignore any changes in their body.
"I had 2 girls come up to me and tell me they went because if it could happen to me, it could happen to anyone"
She's weathered the storm with the help of a loving family her kids, Kaitlyn, Kaylee, Brett and Blake and her strongest support her husband.
"And my husband's been the best if someone doesn't have a husband that stands by them like he has me. I feel sorry for them and he's been great they go through it with you your family and friends do."
The last few months have been filled with ups and downs and plenty of adjustments.
"My kids and husband seeing me sick after chemo that’s been the hardest"
Through it all she's been showered with love and help from her work family at mid-con cables.
"I have a good support group at work, home, everywhere, it's been amazing."
Karen is wrapping up her last chemo treatments and is undergoing reconstructive surgery. She says she's stronger now.
"I feel like now after you've gone through this you can get through anything"
