Cancer Survival Stories 2 – December 2010

Debra Garrison

After a routine mammogram in December 2004, Debra Garrison recalls what she describes as “an out of body experience.” She sat in silence as her doctor described in detail over the telephone that the calcifications found within Debra’s breast tissue were in fact suspicious and her biopsy had come back positive for breast cancer. “At this point I was scared, but I was also ready for it all,” says Debra. Shortly after, Debra underwent a lumpectomy and mammosite radiation therapy. She stayed strong throughout her therapy and pushed through her diagnosis by focusing on finishing her bachelor’s in marketing degree.

Now cancer free, Debra has completed her bachelor’s, advanced in her career, and is now a sales representative at Clarisonic, a company she’s “proud to work for because of their dedication to helping women with cancer.” Clarisonic has an on-going partnership with Look Good… Feel Better (LGFB) – an organization that helps individuals with cancer improve self-esteem and manage treatment and recovery with added confidence.

A LGFB participant herself, Debra found solace in the uplifting workshops put on by the organization. “Look Good… Feel Better workshops allow you to interact with others who are going through the same thing you are,” Debra said. “Women talk about their fears and their battles with cancer, but then you see them laughing and you start to see smiles. It really is a sisterhood.” But most importantly, LGFB offers an avenue of discussion. “When I was first diagnosed I did not speak out much about my cancer,” she confesses. “My advice to other women facing cancer would be: Do not be afraid to speak out.”