Having cancer enriched my life in ways I couldn’t possibly have imagined,” said Lisa Bronson, a five-year-plus breast cancer survivor. “The disease and the aftermath have brought substance and focus to my life.”Bronson was a busy national sales director for an upscale shoe manufacturer and a mom on the verge of divorce when cancer was discovered during her routine annual mammogram at Saint John’s Health Center. What was initially thought to require only a minor procedure instead required far more extensive treatment, including a series of surgeries, chemotherapy and radiation. Bronson’s journey through diagnosis, treatment and recovery from breast cancer in 2004 was documented in the Oct. 9, 2004, airing of Speaking of Women’s Health, a half-hour Lifetime Television series hosted by Florence Henderson and Rachel Campos.
“When I was asked if I might agree to being filmed, it never occurred to me to say no,” Bronson recalled. “It was my feeling that seeing my story might help personalize the disease and make it less frightening, or inspire more women to get a mammogram. Early detection is clearly the key to surviving cancer.” One of the keys to her recovery was the support she received from loved ones during those difficult days. “My circle of friends was there for me each step of the way,” she said. “It’s really important let people in and let them share the experience with you.”
Bronson advises women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer to just put one foot in front of the other, deal with what they can an maintain a positive outlook. “It’s also very important to choose a facility that prides itself on real caring and doctors who are at the forefront of cancer research and treatment,” she said. “From the first time I experienced Saint John’s—when my son was born—and Sister Marie Madeleine came to my room to say a prayer for him, I knew I was in a compassionate, caring place. When I was diagnosed with breast cancer 17 years later, the expert radiologist was right there in the Breast Center and was able to immediately confer with my surgeon on-site.
The expertise and one-stop location saved my life and eliminated my anxiety. From my surgery to my oncologist to my postoperative care, I knew that I was being treated by world-renowned experts who were leaders in new approaches. For example, the drugs used in my chemotherapy had only been available for 30 days.” Just as important, Bronson said, was the compassionate, personalized care she received at the hospital.
“Everyone was so down-toearth and talked with me as if I were their only patient. I was treated as a whole person, not a disease. When I went to the Positive Appearance Center to get a vest for holding the drains after surgery and hats to cover my balding head, I was served by a lovely, supportive, informative woman. After I completed chemotherapy, I had to undergo radiation therapy every day for 30 days, so I got to know the staff really well. We laughed, we cried—and we even sharedmakeup tips.” Bronson has follow-up appointments with her oncologist every six months and undergoes CT and bone scans once a year. “I feel great,” she said. “I also joined the John Wayne Cancer Institute at Saint John’s Auxiliary Board to keep up with the latest advances and to help raise funds.” Today, Bronson is an executive assistant with a private equity firm and enjoys an active lifestyle and a healthy romantic relationship. “The cancer experience has made me feel deeply connected to the universe and everyone in it,” she said.
“If surviving breast cancer is the worst thing you experience, then you indeed have a fortunate life. I am very blessed.”