Survivor shares breast cancer journey

Breast cancer survivor Lynn Hagerman lives in Clear Lake, near Houston, with her husband, Barney Cearley, and their dog Candy, a “beautiful Maltese.” Hagerman has been an educator most of her adult life, beginning as a first-grade teacher after graduating from The University of Southern Mississippi. She was one of the first crew members at Space Center Houston, later served on its educational team and worked with children as a vision therapist for a local optometrist. Among many volunteer activities, she serves in a leadership role with Bosom Buddies, a breast cancer support group that coordinates with Pampered Pink Bay Area and Sisters Helping Sisters on an annual fundraising event to promote awareness and assist men and women with the challenges of breast cancer. Hagerman also is a proud supporter of MD Anderson’s Annual Fund and the Boot Walk to End Cancer®.

I was diagnosed with stage I breast cancer in March 2008. My doctor’s office telephoned me with the news while I was parking my car at a Kroger store. I never made it inside.

Two weeks later, I was at MD Anderson for additional tests. Fortunately, my treatment included a lumpectomy, performed by Dr. Anthony Lucci. After surgery, I had six weeks of radiation at MD Anderson’s Bay Area facility (now known as MD Anderson Cancer Center League City), such a convenient option 10 minutes from my house. I drove myself to and from appointments and never got tired. As of March, I’m a 13-year survivor, thanks to God.

I am truly blessed and grateful for my brilliant doctors and all the staff at MD Anderson — at the Texas Medical Center and in the Clear Lake area. MD Anderson is the place to be for anyone who has cancer.