Oftentimes an unfortunate situation can reverse and become one of joy and thankfulness.
Such is the case with Simone Owen, a cancer survivor who lives in the County Line area of Attala County.
She has completed chemo and radiation treatments and has now been accepted in a trial program in hopes of a vaccine being developed that will help other cancer patients as well as reduce the incidence of the disease.
“Even though you have constant anxiety you have to keep moving forward. You deal with each phase of the journey,” Owen said.
She detailed what she terms “the journey,” with diagnosis of 2B invasive breast cancer with lymph node involvement May 8, 2015. It was detected through a mammogram made during a routine checkup. On May 15 she said she began eight radiation treatments, which she took at two-week intervals to shrink the tumor before having surgery. Following a double mastectomy in September she had a period of healing, followed by therapy, 28 radiation treatments and more therapy. In July she will visit her doctor to determine the date for reconstruction surgery.
She has praise for her family and their support. “You gain a new perspective on life. Through this journey I have met wonderful people, some not as fortunate as me. My heart goes out to many,” Owen said.
Through a friend she learned of the Mayo Clinic vaccine trial being conducted in Jacksonville, Fla., with 270 participants. She met all criteria required for acceptance and will drive to Jacksonville for the vaccine one day a month for the next six months. She will also take an oral medication daily during the six-month period.
Owen said she is hopeful that what she is doing with the trial program will be beneficial for others who have cancer. “It gives you a sense of satisfaction in knowing that you are hopefully making a difference,” she said.
Support from her husband Tony; children, Tony, 24; Macie, 22; Maggie, 10 and Madeline, six, along with other friends and family members has resulted in her always having someone with her throughout the journey.
“I have not hidden anything from the children about my cancer. My husband and I told them about it as a family two days after I was diagnosed,” Owen said.
In addition to taking care of family and being involved with the activities of Maggie and Madeline she is continuing her profession of dental hygienist. She drives to Forest oneday a week where she works at Reynolds Dental Practice.
