Courtesy Photo
By Chris Docter
Since 1985 October has been known as Breast Cancer Awareness month. In 2019 Tracie Hahn was diagnosed with breast cancer. Her diagnosis and treatment has reshaped the way she lives life and while it was a long, arduous healing process, the now cancer free Tracie says her priorities have changed in such a way that her life is fuller and richer than the one she had pre-cancer.
In 2019, it had been five years since Tracie had been to see a doctor. Work and life had filled her time in a way that she never managed to fit her preventative screenings in. Eventually, in order to keep her insurance, it became mandatory to do the tests, so she made the appointments. “I did it all,” says Tracie. “I did a colonoscopy, a well woman’s exam, mammogram, anything and everything.” Once the tests were complete Tracie went on about her business. It wasn’t until several months later that she found a letter requesting her to complete a second breast exam. It wasn’t uncommon for Tracie to have to complete a second exam so she went ahead and scheduled the appointment. It wasn’t until she was referred for an ultrasound for suspicious spots in both breasts that she began to worry. She remembers how alone she felt during the exams.
“Back then husbands couldn’t go with you so I was alone and my husband, Harvey, waited in the car. After the ultrasound they said they needed to do a biopsy.” Again, Tracie had to go through the procedure alone. On the ride home, two hours later, she talked with Harvey.
Even though it was going to be a few days before they got the biopsy results, Harvey looked at things pragmatically. He felt that there was a good chance Tracie had cancer due to the swift request for a biopsy, but that whatever the outcome, they would get through it together.
The following Monday, October 28, their fears were confirmed. “I got a call back when I was at work that said I had cancer,” says Tracie simply.
When Tracie got home from work that day she and Harvey discussed the situation. They agreed that she should be treated at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. This meant going through all of the diagnostic tests again. Mayo’s tests confirmed that Tracie had breast cancer. The small spots were indeed present though detection was difficult. Once the diagnosis was confirmed, the specialists were quick to make a plan.
“They were great,” says Tracie. “They let my whole family come in with me and explained everything and answered every question.” Since the cancer was in a very early stage, Tracie had a couple of options: She could just have the lumps removed or opt for a double mastectomy and then reconstructive surgery. Tracie considered input from her husband and three sons, and chose the latter option.
So, in January of 2020, Tracie had a double mastectomy which proved to be successful. Her entire family travelled with her for that first, successful surgery. She says that she was fortunate in that since the cancer was detected so early she didn’t need to go through any radiation or chemotherapy. However, the road to recovery has still been a long one. Between the mastectomy and breast reconstruction she has had six surgeries in three years. She notes that her husband and mother were with her for all of them.
Now, five years later, Tracie has just been declared cancer free. She says it is a relief to not have to take the daily medication any longer, but that she will be diligent about her medical screenings from now on. “If there was ever a poster child for early detection,” says Tracie, “I’m it.”
The importance of medical screenings isn’t the only thing that has shifted in Tracie’s perspective. Her outlook on what is important in life has also changed. “You just can’t take things for granted,” she explains. She cites work as being the center of her pre-cancer life. Now time with her loved ones takes precedence. “Everything was always about working. Now, if the kids or the grandkids want to see me, we go.” She says Harvey put it best when he said that if you have to chose between work or your health and family, then you should chose health and family every time.
Since Tracie retired from her job as office manager at Lacreek Electric she keeps her family even closer. She works as an office manager for her son’s business.
While Tracie’s breast cancer diagnosis could have broken her, she chose to use it as a way to reevaluate and refocus her life. A grueling series of surgeries could have left her bitter and reclusive. Instead, with her family’s support and love, she has chosen to live life to its fullest. And, to others facing cancer diagnosis and treatment, her adamant words ring loud and clear, “Never give up.”