Cancer – a time to reflect, appreciate and recalibrate

Sunrise buds (Photo by Lisa Panero)
By Maria Saporta
When I got the call that I had been diagnosed with breast cancer on the morning of Oct. 13, my first reflex was: “I don’t have time for this. Take it back.”
After all, breast cancer had not been part of my life’s plan. There was no history of breast cancer in my family. And although I have had fibrocystic breasts for decades, countless biopsies had the same result – the cysts were always benign.
It got to the point where I didn’t even want to go get a mammogram anymore because I knew they would inevitably lead to more biopsies and more negative results.
Lesson No. 1: Don’t ever assume you are immune to cancer.
Lesson No. 2: No one plans to have cancer. No one has time for it – the ongoing tests, doctors’ visits, surgery and treatment. Instead, it hits you upside the head and tells you to wake up and make time for yourself and your health.
So when this reality hit, I decided I would embrace it as another one of life’s experiences.

Sunrise buds (Photo by Lisa Panero)
The good news is that my cancer is Stage 2. For people who have a breast cancer vocabulary – I’m learning it as I go – it is 100 percent estrogen-fed, which my surgeon’s nurse, Jennifer, said was really good news.
The bad news for me is that taking post-menopausal hormones would be part of my past, and uncomfortable hot flashes would be in my future. I’m convinced that if there were more female medical researchers, we would have more post-menopausal options.
The cancer also is slow-growing – a 15 on a scale of 0 to 100.
Jennifer had told me initially it was in at least one of my lymph nodes. That was puzzling to my breast doctor of many years – Dr. William Barber. He explained to me that once cancer is found in a lymph node, the common assumption is that chemo will be necessary.
Lesson No. 3: Don’t make assumptions.
Dr. Barber told me he questioned whether chemo would be effective for my kind of cancer. “If it were me, I would want to have the Oncotype DX test,” he told me in a two-hour, one-on-one visit. The Oncotype test would tell us whether chemo was necessary or effective.
The problem was that insurance rarely pays for an Oncotype test if the cancer has been found in a lymph node.
Lesson No. 4: Be willing to challenge the status quo.
The company that performs the test told me my insurance said it wouldn’t pay for it. Would it be okay if they appealed that decision. “Of course,” I answered. “I want that test.”
“You will have that test,” the lady on the phone said. If the appeal were denied, the xompany would charge me the “in-network” rate – meaning it would cost about the same as my co-pay. That was a no brainer.
So on Nov. 13, I had surgery – a lumpectomy plus the removal of 11 lymph nodes. Cancer was in two of them.
The Oncotype test results also have come back. The risk of recurrence with chemo, radiation and hormonal therapy is 11 percent. The risk without chemo is 9 percent.

Our family photo taken in December 2014 – Carmen, Maria, David and pets (Photo by Marisa Ottaviano)
I’m going into such detail about something rather personal for two reasons. I want to be as transparent as possible with my family, friends, readers and the general public – with the hope that my journey can help others who may be going through a similar experience.
The second reason is so all of you can understand why I’m so thankful this Thanksgiving season. My prognosis is good. It appears I won’t have to go through chemo. But even if that weren’t the case, my brush with cancer is giving me an opportunity to reflect and reassess on what I treasure most.
I have come to welcome that reality check.
My children, my sister, my cousin in Paris and my extended family, friends and colleagues have been so supportive – making me realize we can never fully appreciate the love that surrounds us until we get such a wake-up call.
So far, I have been somewhat selective in who I’ve told. But I’ve come to realize there are so many more people I know and care about – making me even more grateful for my extended network of friends – including all the wonderful SaportaReport readers.
I want to publicly share my thanks and appreciation for all of you – for being part of our team and community. I plan to keep you informed as I continue along this journey.
Lesson No 5: We are moving toward the individual diagnosis of different cancers based upon genes and DNA. As the medical profession moves to personalized treatments for our individual cancers, the insurance industry must keep up.
Lesson No. 6: I have come to realize I now have a whole new family of people who have survived breast cancer – a kind of sisterhood welcoming me into its fold. We all have a story to tell – and fortunately, most stories are of people who have beaten breast cancer.

Marching to save our planet on Sunday, Nov. 29, 2015 – People’s Climate March Atlanta (Photo by Maria Saporta)
Lesson No. 7: Another self-realization is I love what I do. I love being a journalist, and it’s as much a part of me as the oxygen I breathe. When I insisted on working while I was recovering from surgery, I explained to my editors that work is therapeutic.
In short, I care deeply about what’s going on in our city, state and world. I want to do whatever I can to help make Atlanta better, stronger and livelier – and the best tool I have is as a journalist.
Lesson No. 8: As much as I love my profession, I also have come to realize I need greater balance in my life. The cancer has helped me take a deep breath – reminding me I need to enjoy life as much as I can. We all do.
So for all those lessons, I am especially thankful this holiday season.
mariasaporta SaportaReport God bless you, and thank you for sharing. I admire your tenacity and appreciate your perspective about life.Report
Sending you good thoughts Maria! Thank you for sharing with us, and for everything you do!Report
Thank you for sharing your lessons.Report
mariasaporta All the best to you. I walked this walk with my wife twenty years ago. I hope you do as well as she has.Report
You have given your readers a big service with this post.Report
Your words are both informative and comforting. An awful lot of us have gone through similar tough situations and such a large community can be a welcome support. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family…Report
Thanks for your words Chuck Burleson. We are sharing all comments with Maria!Report
Thanks Richard Higgins. We are sharing everyone’s kind words with MariaReport
Thanks for reading Tree McDougal. We will send Maria your note!Report
Holding good thoughts. CA has touched many folks in my family and I appreciate your words. Keep on keeping on Maria!Report
Thanks Britton Edwards. We will share your thoughts with Maria.Report
Maria, Your incredible strength will prove critical in your fight. We’re thinking of you. And look to Claudia Patton for advice and inspiration.Report
Thanks Nancy Williams Demmers. We will share your note with Maria!!Report
Thanks Tony Wilbert. We will send this note to MariaReport
Prayers for a speedy recovery !!! Be strongReport
MJonesNewsMan Thank you Michael. We will share your note with mariasaporta. She is an amazing woman!Report
Treegrubber Thanks for your note Treegrubber- We will share with mariasaporta!Report
mariasaporta SaportaReport sending you positive thoughts!Report
chewatkins Thanks Che. We will send your note to mariasaporta!Report
Thanks for sharing and best wishes!Report
Sending you peace and prayers Maria. Thank you for sharing. U0001f495Report
Thanks for your note Susan Proper- We will send it along to Maria!Report
Thank-you so much for sharing this with us, your readers, Maria. Your journey and lessons are our journey and lessons. Without a doubt, your strength, courage, family and friends will see you through this. Sending you positive thoughts for a speedy recovery from aross the miles!Report
Thanks Paul Griffin. We will share your note with Maria!Report
Best wishes for successful treatment and excellent outcome. Yes, “menopause with a vengeance” is a significant price to pay and one day there will be better options. For now, welcome to the sisterhood of resilient women.Report
Thank you for sharing your story. Here’s to a speedy recovery.Report
mariasaporta Praying for you. BTW, my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer at 64 & lived until age 86! #standuptocancer You can do this!Report
Great to share, thanks. I’ll be thinking of you and pulling for you, Maria.Report
Thinking of you with a prayer. I am on the other side of the fight: colon cancer. I’m also back at work, committing the journalism we so love!Report
Thanks for sharing Nancy Campbell Albritton, good thoughts to you as well. We will share your note with MariaReport
Thank you for your note. We are sending all comments to Maria. Have a good night!Report
Thanks Sherry Silverman, We will share your note with Maria!Report
Thank you Angie Strickland Simpson. We will share your note with MariaReport
Thanks for your note Margaret Hylton Jones. We will share with Maria!Report
Thanks Lee Morris Birdsong. We also hope for a speedy recovery. We will send your note to MariaReport
calvindjohnson Thanks Calvin, We will make sure mariasaporta gets your note!Report
Oh, Maria; thank you for this. I will see you soon!Report
I am away from Atlanta right now going through this with my mom and learning so much from her experience. Thank you for posting yours.Report
mariasaporta, your attitude is truly inspiring. Thank you for sharing your journey.Report
Maria, thanks for sharing your most personal story with us. Your most positive attitude is essential to this journey. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.Report
I hope the hugs don’t hurt. Sending them now in mass quantities.Thinking aboutl sitting beside you in the front row on the 11th, you getting the job done https://www.flickr.com/gp/terrykearns/90j1wmReport
I’m one of the thousands who appreciate you and your work without having told you so. Thanks for this report and all you do! Wishing you swift, easy and complete healing of mind, body and spirit. Gus KaufmanReport
mariasaporta Prayers for a speedy recovery. Kudos for being brave and sharing your journey.Report
Maria, good thoughts and well wishes to you on a fast recovery. I admire your strength.Report
Maria Saporta: Best wishes for a speedy recovery. Big hugs to you!Report
Thinking of you, Maria.Report
Thanks Patt Wagner! We will let her know!Report
Thanks for your kind words Paul Skrbec, we will pass your well wishes along to MariaReport
Thank you for your prayers, we will share your note with MariaReport
Good thoughts to your mom! We will share your note with MariaReport
Thank you Jim Durrett. We will share this note with Maria!Report
Thank you for sharing your story, Maria. Have you in my prayers.Report
Thanks for sharing this, Maria. My mother died of cancer and one of my sisters went through what you’re going through. So glad that your prognosis is good. Pam and I send our love and best wishes.Report
Cancer is a journey filled with many gifts, as well as roller coaster emotions. I’m a 9-year survivor of ovarian cancer — and still fighting!Report
Thanks Carla Caldwell! We will send her your noteReport
Maria Saporta just read this and feeling thankful to you for sharing and to your excellent care team (medical and otherwise) for providing you with great support! Sending all my best – looking forward to seeing you soon!Report
Thank you for reading & your note Kym EstisReport
We went to Grady High together, thanks!Report
Maria, thank you for these very powerful insights. I wish you the very best with your healthReport
Thanks for your note Teya Ryan, we will share with Maria!Report
Best wishes for a full and fast recovery. My thoughts are with you.Report
Thanks for sharing Maria’s story and the information she is providing!Report
Thanks for reading Karen Hatchett!Report
Maria, you are brave to share this personal information…thank you! And know that the Atlanta community supports your recovery big-time! You are important to all of us! Here’s to a speedy recovery!Report
Thinking of you, Maria, and hoping you’ll have a full recovery. (Hot flashes aren’t so bad, by the way. I actually enjoyed them, but then again I’m a little weird.) Love you.Report
Dearest Maria – you never cease to amaze me & inspire us all! Much love and I’m calling you now…Aloha, AlisonReport
Thank you for sharing your story. Best to you in continuing to meet the challenge.Report
God’s Best to you always my friend and colleague. I am happy you are on the road to recovery and health,Report
Maria, thank you for sharing your story. I wish you healing and health in your future! GayleReport
Maria – Thanks so much for sharing this. Wishing you much strength and healing! All of us at Atlanta Habitat for Humanity are thinking of you and sending you all the best for good health! Melinda KelleherReport
Thank you for sharing this – we’re all rooting for you as you work to beat this thing!Report
Maria you are a Amazing Woman. Thanks for sharing your journey with breast cancer. My prayers are with you for a full recovery!
Your Friend,
Noel KhalilReport
Maria,
You are a very brave woman. A great example to all of us when confronting challenge. I pray for a prompt recovery for you. Solange WarnerReport
Maria,
Thank you for sharing your story of your breast cancer diagnosis & treatment. Our organization is a breast cancer memoir of stories from women just like you. Dr. Bill Barber is a trustee on our board of this organization founded here in Atlanta. I invite you to visit our website http://www.pinkribbonstory.org to learn more about our mission so that you may share this information with other breast cancer patients and their families, friends, and caregivers. I would be happy to answer any questions about our organization. Your story is one we would like to share. With kind regards and best wishes for your recovery to health, Cindy ChapmanReport
I just want to say thank you for sharing such a private and important part of you life. It has given me some invaluble information. I have lost family members and many of those questions such as the testing and insurance matters that could have made some kind of defferenceReport
Thank you for sharing your story so bravely and eloquently, Maria. We all stand with you.Report
Maria,
Thank you for sharing your journey with your readers. Your message is an inspiration for all of us and my prayers are with you during this challenging time.
BetsyReport
Thank you for sharing Maria, God Bless You!Report
Thank you for sharing. Don’t forget that diet modification, eating an alkaline diet, is the best thing you can do. Good luckReport
Maria- lesson no. 9, according to many friends, is that leaning on a support group is an excellent way to stay strong. There is a sisterhood, as you state, and I have noticed what an important part of recovery that is. Write on, my friend, write on……………..Report
Iyou are a neighbor, just 3 blocks away. Now you are also a “bosom” buddy. I had 2 separate mastectomies in 2014. Both stage one, no lymph involvement. No chemo, no rads. Extremely grateful. Hope all your results are good ones.Report
It’s not at all surprising, Maria, that you’ve woven fact and investigation with a powerful story to create awareness, fill an information gap and inspire an audience. Thank you for doing what you do so well — using words and a public platform to move a city. With respect and appreciation – and delight for your great prognosis.Report
Maria,
Thank you so much for sharing your story. I doubt anyone could read your article and brush it off. It also gave me an opportunity to reflect on the contributions you have made to many nonprofit organizations — including mines – Communities In Schools — by your coverage of our stories. You seem to manage to be everywhere that something important is happening in Atlanta. Thank you!Report
Not surprising at you are facing this journey in true Maria style and sharing your story in a frank and informative way that can educate and help others. Wishing you continued recovery and much good health and balance in the coming year.Report
Maria, as a breast cancer survivor of 27 years, I can tell you it changed my life for the better. Wishing you well – you go!Report
Maria,
Some of your old friends sent me this article. I trust that you will over come this. I commend your courage and desire to help others during this time. Time is precious, I just saw you about a week before while celebrating my birthday. You are in my prayers. Don’t be surprised if you hear from others from the past to support you. Sincerely, Rory J. HillReport
Thanks for sharing this Maria – Personal, informative & thoughtful. Best Wished, GordonReport
God speed, Maria, in your emergence from this experience!
Having my-own brush with testicular cancer 21 years ago, I hope you’ll come to find as I – and the many women in my family who’ve persevered beyond breast cancer – the wisdom of the sages is true: what doesn’t kill us, makes us stronger.
Moreover, having watched cancers take many men and women in my family, the oft-touted word, “survivor” doesn’t quite measure-up to the act of living-on, strengthened, if not actually emboldened by this experience.
As such, I prefer using a made-up label “cancer transcendant” rather than “cancer survivor”.
As one with a gift for thoughtful, written expression, it’s my hope you can come to know what I mean and perhaps coin a better term that lets others know the hope of living with and well-beyond the “C” word.Report
Good wishes for a full, fast and forever victory over CReport
Wow, I sure had to finish after that first sentence! So glad to hear you are doing well-does that mean I don’t need to make you a pound cake? I think you need to bring your kids back to see the cabin–Falefilimu II is now open. (but we are still using the postcards with Ike’s sketch!) Take care of yourself and let us know when you have time for a weekend. And thanks for all the wonderful reports that keep me better informed.Report
Hang in there Maria.Report
Brava!
My sister is a two time survivor and I am relieved to hear that your outlook is so positive. Stay vigilant. I am touched deeply that you felt called and that you took the time to write this column and serve the greater good by sharing your “lessons” and doing a wonderful job of raising awareness. We don’t have to look very hard to see that this work illustrates your commitment to serving your readership as a thoughtful and caring journalist who wants the very best for her city. It is all about awareness. It’s why the NFL goes pink every October and why early detection is so important. Well done, Maria. Let us all be grateful for each day.Report
Our family is keeping you in our thoughts Maria! We wish you the best! Stay brave. Sending you lots of love and warm hugs!!Report
We are thankful for you Maria and an encouraging prognosis.
Steve LeedsReport
Thank you for your note & supportReport
Thank you for reading & for your message. We will share with Maria!Report
Maria you are built for this battle. My wife just finished radiation. You can handle it too. Be strong. God Speed.Report
Maria- I am writing as a fellow breast cancer survivor. I bet you have had a lot of us to respond! I am excited to hear your positive attitude and know it will be one of your most valuable tools in treating the cancer. I was treated at MDAnderson in Houston for stage one, estrogen dependent breast cancer with no lymph node involvement. Treatment was in the form of a segmental mastectomy (lumpectomy), partial radiation (twice a day for 7 days) and 6 months of chemotherapy (prompted by the oncotype score). As a nurse I was not aware of the oncotype for determining whether stage one,no lymph node involvement might warrant chemotherapy. Not the news I wanted to hear but preferred to do all I could on the front end to prevent a serious reoccurrence which can be very difficult to treat/cure. I apologize for being so lengthy but I wanted to say that I have been where you are. Someone (who had cancer 2 times) told me “cancer is a gift in a black box”. You seem to have received a “gift”. I received several gifts from my experience. The most valuable one being “perspective”. Things that were “problems” before are now irritations/inconveniences. The challenge for me is to not forget about that gift of perspective. As time passes, it is easy to fall back into my old ways and think of everything as a problem. I try to be very intentional about maintaining the perspective.
All this said, I did learn another very important thing. The value of a second opinion from a center of excellence if possible. Even if “I liked my doctor” or if I simply like what he recommended as treatment. Please forgive this unsolicited advice but I was fortunate to have a friend give me this encouragement. I will be forever grateful! Every case is different with many variables. I wanted a fact based recommendation and not just an opinion. I wanted to data. I was able to get this and make my decision an informed one. Please know my encouragement is given in the spirit of “what would I want another survivor to share with me”.
I wish you the very best and a future free of cancer!Report
Maria- I am writing as a fellow breast cancer survivor. I bet you have had a lot of us to respond! I am excited to hear your positive attitude and know it will be one of your most valuable tools in treating the cancer. I was treated at MDAnderson in Houston for stage one, estrogen dependent breast cancer with no lymph node involvement. Treatment was in the form of a segmental mastectomy (lumpectomy), partial radiation (twice a day for 7 days) and 6 months of chemotherapy (prompted by the oncotype score). As a nurse I was not aware of the oncotype for determining whether stage one,no lymph node involvement might warrant chemotherapy. Not the news I wanted to hear but preferred to do all I could on the front end to prevent a serious reoccurrence which can be very difficult to treat/cure. I apologize for being so lengthy but I wanted to say that I have been where you are. Someone (who had cancer 2 times) told me “cancer is a gift in a black box”. You seem to have received a “gift”. I received several gifts from my experience. The most valuable one being “perspective”. Things that were “problems” before are now irritations/inconveniences. The challenge for me is to not forget about that gift of perspective. As time passes, it is easy to fall back into my old ways and think of everything as a problem. I try to be very intentional about maintaining the perspective.
All this said, I did learn another very important thing. The value of a second opinion from a center of excellence if possible. Even if “I liked my doctor” or if I simply like what he recommended as treatment. Please forgive this unsolicited advice but I was fortunate to have a friend give me this encouragement. I will be forever grateful! Every case is different with many variables. I wanted a fact based recommendation and not just an opinion. I wanted to data. I was able to get this and make my decision an informed one. Please know my encouragement is given in the spirit of “what would I want another survivor to share with me”.
I wish you the
very best and a future free of cancer!Report
Maria- I am writing as a fellow breast cancer survivor. I bet you have had a lot of us to respond! I am excited to hear your positive attitude and know it will be one of your most valuable tools in treating the cancer. I was treated at MDAnderson in Houston for stage one, estrogen dependent breast cancer with no lymph node involvement. Treatment was in the form of a segmental mastectomy (lumpectomy), partial radiation (twice a day for 7 days) and 6 months of chemotherapy (prompted by the oncotype score). As a nurse I was not aware of the oncotype for determining whether stage one,no lymph node involvement might warrant chemotherapy. Not the news I wanted to hear but preferred to do all I could on the front end to prevent a serious reoccurrence which can be very difficult to treat/cure. I apologize for being so lengthy but I wanted to say that I have been where you are. Someone (who had cancer 2 times) told me “cancer is a gift in a black box”. You seem to have received a “gift”. I received several gifts from my experience. The most valuable one being “perspective”. Things that were “problems” before are now irritations/inconveniences. The challenge for me is to not forget about that gift of perspective. As time passes, it is easy to fall back into my old ways and think of everything as a problem. I try to be very intentional about maintaining the perspective.
All this said, I did learn another very important thing. The value of a second opinion from a center of excellence if possible. Even if “I liked my doctor” or if I simply like what he recommended as treatment. Please forgive this unsolicited advice but I was fortunate to have a friend give me this encouragement. I will be forever grateful! Every case is different with many variables. I wanted a fact based recommendation and not just an opinion. I wanted to data. I was able to get this and make my decision an informed one. Please know my encouragement is given in the spirit of “what would I want another survivor to share with me”.
I wish you the
very best and a future free of cancer!Report
Maria, over Twentyyears ago I was diagnosed with melanoma on the back of my left calf, a small jet black spot. Excision and byopsy followed by a second surgery. I was quite fortunate, type1. I found cancer did not define me, but it did change me. A spiritual quest ensued which continues today.
Sending you warm thoughts and prayers… Have you thought about keeping a journal as your recovery unfolds? Was helpful for me. Blessings, DavidReport
Maria, thank you for sharing this poignant journey with your readers. We have known your courage for years, and appreciate it even more these days.Report
Maria, as a long-time reader of your writing, I am sorry to hear this news. BUt I appreciate your fantastic attitude and will say the same thing I shared with others when President Jimmy Carter was diagnosed with cancer: if anybody can beat it and manage it, I am sure you can! Sending warm wishes and healing thoughts.Report
Maria—
My mother beat this in her 70s and lived healthy to 91; a
sister also kicked it to the curb. I will think of you whenever I wear my pink
tie, and join your legion of friends and fans in sending you the booster shot
that helps modern medicine work it’s magic: lots of love (and prayers).
Just take it in and know we’re visualizing the bad C on his
back, as sportswriters report a Maria knockout punch in early rounds. The
question is, why does Vegas refuse to lay down odds, when they will bet on
anything? They know, like we do.
No one bets against Maria. Always, ArtReport