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Meet Beth Leatherman, Breast Cancer Fighter & Cancer Survivor's Park Alliance Board Member

October 26, 2022

“In 1996, at the age of 35, I was diagnosed with breast cancer through a routine mammogram. My surgeon was very positive about getting it all with a lumpectomy and gave me a good prognosis. I also didn’t need to do any chemotherapy because the cancer was not in my

“In 1996, at the age of 35, I was diagnosed with breast cancer through a routine mammogram. My surgeon was very positive about getting it all with a lumpectomy and gave me a good prognosis. I also didn’t need to do any chemotherapy because the cancer was not in my lymph nodes.

“17 years later, on Christmas Eve 2013, I was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer. Not exactly the news you want to hear at any time, but especially not on Christmas Eve.

For about a year prior Beth had been complaining to her family doctor that she was having pain in the upper part of her stomach, by her rib cage. Her doctor kept telling her it was just acid reflux, but Beth decided to take it upon herself to go see a gastroenterologist for another opinion. The gastroenterologist ran a few initial blood tests and a CT scan which revealed abnormalities in Beth’s liver along with enzyme levels that were through the roof. Then Beth had a biopsy and the biopsy came back positive. She was sent to an oncologist right away and by Monday, December 27th, 2013 Beth started aggressive chemotherapy which lasted six months and she continues to see her oncologist monthly and take oral chemo medication.”

“I think I was very positive the first time around. That’s not to say that it wasn’t scary. I was scared, but sometimes you just need a wakeup call about life. The second time around was more serious as it had metastasized to my liver.”

“You think cancer of the liver, that’s bad, you can’t live without your liver. Everybody in my life was scared and I know deep down they were all thinking, “she’s not going to make it,” without verbalizing it to me. But I think that brought me and my friends and family closer together and today we make more of an effort to get together.”

“I know everyone’s cancer is different and I do feel blessed that this has not gotten me down mentally or physically. The treatments are tough, but I would tell anyone who is going through this to try your best to stay positive.”

It has been 9 years and Beth continues to fight. Beth tributes a great deal of her strength and success to her 8 years of involvement with the Cancer Survivors Park Alliance of Greenville. The Park has something to offer everyone whether you are fighting cancer, supporting someone, memorializing a lost one or celebrating survivorship.

For Beth, it has been a place for learning, healing, hope and tremendous beauty. Sharing her story with others not only continues to benefit her, but also encourages those battling cancer, their families, friends and caregivers to keep fighting.

Thank you Beth, for sharing your story – The Greenville Drive celebrates your strength and supports you in your fight against breast cancer.

We are partnering with the Cancer Survivor’s Park Alliance to help them launch their NEW Cancer Survivor’s Park Alliance hat. The hat is available to order on https://cancersurvivorspark.org/gift- shop-old/ and https://drive.milbstore.com and will also be in stock at the Drive Team Store!

All proceeds go back to support the Park.