For most young women, the thought of breast cancer rarely crosses their
mind, but maybe it should. At age 34, Candice Smith, a veteran dancer
of 26 years, kick-boxer and healthy-lifestyle advocate, learned that “cancer
doesn’t discriminate” and “no one is immune to it”.
Candice has loved to dance since before she can even remember, so much
so that she dedicated 26 years of her life to it. It’s this innate
self-discipline and passion for competition that has propelled her dedication
to fitness and healthy-lifestyle even after her dancing career.
“I actually feel like fitness helped save my life,” said Candice
as she recalls one evening back in February after returning home from
the gym. “If it had not been for removing a sweaty sports bra, I
may not have found the lump as early as I did.” Knowing her family’s
history of cancer, she immediately called her doctor and insisted that
she schedule a mammogram. After having a
3-D mammogram and subsequent ultrasound at
Catawba Valley Imaging Center, the radiologist informed Candice that the area was, indeed, highly suspicious for
malignancy and introduced her to Kim WeaverRN, BSN, OCN, Cancer Navigation Coordinator for CVMC. In the privacy of Kim’s office,
Candice was able to ask questions, express concerns and receive counseling
on how to prepare for and make an appointment for her breast biopsy. Because
Candice chose to have her biopsy at Catawba Valley Imaging Center, Kim
was able to be there the day Candice found out she had
Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS)Stage 0 breast cancer and helped educate her and her husband on their next steps.
“Kim is more than my care coordinator, she has really become one of my best
friends,” explains Candice. “She’s always available
whether I need advice, encouragement or just to talk. At times I feel
closer to her, than to some people I have known almost my whole life.”
Feeling optimistic before heading into surgery.
Kim has been with Candice and her family through every step of her journey,
from coordinating and attending doctors’ appointments to her surgery
on April 1st(a double mastectomy with first stages of reconstruction) and then her
final implant surgery, performed by cosmetic surgeon
Dr. Steve Siciliano, on July 17th. “I wasn’t sure what life would be life,” Candice describes
as she remembers how she felt after surgery. “Would I be the same
fun-loving, passionate young woman that I was before?” One thing
was for sure; the experience had changed her in more ways than expected.
Candice explains, “I have had good and bad days since April, even
though I may look fine on the outside –internally I battle feelings
of grief, anxiety and uncertainty daily worrying for myself and others
who are going through a similar journey.” Even though she still
struggles from day to day, she remains positive and now views life as
an opportunity to do something great. She emphasizes, “I want to
do all I can to spread early detection and awareness. So many young women
I know have been affected by this terrible disease.”
Candice has already had several opportunities to use her experience as
platform to help raise awareness. In May she walked for
AnaOno, a lingerie line exclusively for women who have had surgery related to
a breast cancer diagnosis, intheir first
fashion show in Charlotte. And, just last month she traveled to California to share her story, pose
in a vintage-inspired pin-up style calendar, and become a 2016
Love, TwelveBombshell. Even though she can’t lift as heavy as she is used to
she still manages to get in the gym everyday and is planning on competing
in a NPC (National Physique Committee) Bikini competition at the end of
October, wearing pink for breast cancer awareness, of course.
Candice is thankful for all of the incredible medical staff, family and
friends that have and continue supporting her through her journey to find
what she calls her “new normal”. Continuing to do everything
she can to spread awareness and help other people realize the importance
of self-awareness she wants to remind us that “No matter how young
you are and no matter how healthy you are – become more aware your
body and know when something is not right. Do no wait, go as soon as you
feel something and take care of your health.”
CVMC offers assistance in locating area support groups and programs for
cancer patients. Resources including sources for mastectomy supplies,
ostomy supplies, wigs and other medical equipment are available. For more
information about community programs and services to assist with paying
for treatment, obtaining supplies and transportation call the
Catawba Valley Medical Center Community Cancer Resource Center at 828.732.6054.