Darleen Philpotts of Sauquoit had a bi-lateral mastectomy after being told she had stage 2 breast cancer. Her advice to others is to let family and friends help with practical tasks, such as driving you to and from appointments, helping with rides for your children, and making meals.

When were you diagnosed, what age and what stage?

I was diagnosed with stage 2 cancer in November 2012 at the age of 45.

How was the cancer initially detected?

I felt a small pebble-like lump. I would not even call it a lump; it really felt like a pebble. I called my husband over and said, “Do you feel that? It’s something, right?” He said, “Yes, it’s something.”

What was your treatment process?

Four months prior, I had had a mammogram, and that was not ever seen. I called my OBGYN the next day and got in. From there, I immediately went to get an ultrasound, and it began. I had a lumpectomy instead of a biopsy because the tumor was literally just under my skin. After being told it was stage 2 cancer, I had a bi-lateral mastectomy (something my three sisters and I decided we would all do if we were ever diagnosed after losing my father, yes, my father, to breast cancer.) My lymph nodes tested positive for cancer. I then had eight rounds of chemo and 28 sessions of radiation.

What message would you like to provide others in the community?

I would tell others that the most difficult parts of cancer for me were hearing that you have it and then having to tell your family, trying not to think of the worst, and the time before each treatment because you do not know what each treatment will be like and how it will affect you. However, once you begin the treatments, you meet the most amazing people. Some of those amazing people are going through what you are; some are in the medical field — surgeons, nurses, doctors, and social workers — and some are people in your community who just want to help.

My community and family helped me with rides for my children, organized dinners for my family, gave me emotional support, and brought me to appointments. If I could give any advice it would be to let people help you because they really want to and, although cancer and your treatments are scary, you can get through it!

Are you a breast cancer survivor, or do you know of someone that is? As part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, this is the first in a series of Salutes to Survivors that the Sentinel will feature Tuesdays through Saturdays throughout October. To be featured, email Pam Sperbeck at PSperbeck@RNYmedia.com.