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Greenville Public Library
Breast Cancer
Awareness Display at Library
The Greenville Public Library is hosting a very special Breast Cancer
Awareness display this month. Debb Summers, a popular hairdresser
at Creations Hair Studio in Greenville, is sharing a photo journal of
her experience with breast cancer. The pictures were taken at key
points during her treatment by friend and professional photographer
Shelley Miller. Information and materials from Wayne Healthcare
are also available.
Debb tells her story as an advocate for women to know their own bodies,
as it was by self examination she discovered her illness. She
also wants to inspire friends and family to be supportive of a woman
who is diagnosed. “When you hear someone is doing chemo don't run
away. That's the time to run to her,” says Debb.
Her friend Sarah Beard set up a “Care Calender” online so people could
log on and sign up for such tasks as chauffeuring her to treatments or
providing meals. Debb's boyfriend and kids did housework and kept
up school activities. “I really missed their school
activities.” Her son was still in high school and is now a
student at Ohio State. Her daughter is a sophomore at Arcanum.
The photos chronicle important milestones in her journey. Debb
was diagnosed on October 8, 2010 and had surgery on November 11,
followed by chemo treatments at Good Samaritan North from December 9 to
May 25, 2011. She shaved her head the day after chemo started
until last February 11. The chemo was scheduled for every 21 days
and she would be “out the first ten.”
Debb then had radiation treatment every day for over six weeks and
slept 15-20 hours a day if not at work. “It will take 2-3 years
to regain my energy,” she said. As long as she rests well and
eats well she now has more good days than bad. Debb said she felt
better when she could go to work and focus on other people. She
derived a great deal of support and love from her clients and
co-workers.
At the one-year mark Debb had a family photo taken, the last in the
series. Because her co-pays were so high, she received help from
private donations and from The Darke County Cancer Society. Debb
plays golf as a hobby so the Union City Golf Course and Stillwater Golf
Course held fundraisers as well as the Kenny Monnier Golf Outing.
Debb is seen pictured with close friend and Librarian Deb
Cameron. She is very grateful for having been surrounded by love
and support throughout her illness and recovery. As she said,
“You can't do it by yourself.” The Library appreciates her
sharing her story and photos and hopes the public will gain better
understanding as a result of Debb's efforts.
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