Christine Berry

Q. Tell us a little about yourself and your lifestyle.

A. I am a 45 year old attorney. I would describe myself as gregarious and adventurous. I love to spend time with family and friends. I also love to travel and see new things. I have enjoyed the success in my job for the financial freedom and lifestyle it has afforded me, but do not let my work define me. I would describe myself as working to live instead of living to work. I am active and love the outdoors. My husband and I ride mountain bikes, road bikes and motorcycles.

I have had a lot of change in my life in addition to breast cancer. In the past four years, I have transitioned from a single professional urbanite, living in the heart of Chicago, to a wife and the mother of three incredible teenagers living in a small town in southern California. I have quit my job and started my own law practice and have slowed my life way down - at least professionally. I moved to California three years ago when I married my husband, and at the same time became the mother of three incredible kids. I have received so many blessings - when chemopause took away my ability to have children - I had already fallen in love with my soul mate, who was a single parent. He gave me the gift of being a parent in addition to being a couple. We got married between chemo and radiation and our kids stood up at our wedding. Sometimes life doesn't work out the way you planned, but if you let go and pick your head up, you see it works out even better than you'd planned.

Q. Describe how you found your cancer, were you on 'watch' or did it sneak up on you?

A. The cancer totally surprised me. The tumor was very large. I found it completely by accident, and had not been doing self exams (if I had - I would have found it sooner).

Q. Following diagnosis, what helped you cope the most, and gave you strength?

A. My husband, Carlyn, and my friends. Carlyn was there for every doctor's visit, every procedure and every chemo treatment. He was a single parent at the time, and commuted from LA to Chicago to do it. I am incredibly lucky, as he was the poster child for the ideal support.

My friends were also amazing. I am blessed to have these incredible women for my friends. My friends were right there with me every step of the way - made me laugh, let me cry, nursed me, did yoga with me, cleaned my kitchen, did my wash. When I went on a macro-biotic diet they pooled their money and hired a private chef to make meals for me. They also supported me by knowing when to stay away - offering their love and prayers - but not overwhelming me with company so that I could fight the battle and heal.

Q. How has breast cancer changed your outlook on life?

A. Breast cancer was not a life altering experience for me - I did not believe I was about to die and it did not radically change my outlook on life. I was, and probably still am, in denial. My outlook is pretty close to what it was before cancer - live each day like you would if someone told you only had six months to live. Don't be afraid to take chances. Don't leave something undone with a loved one. Tell them how you feel.

I read about other survivors whose reaction is to let go and not to worry about the house being a mess or the dishes piling up in the sink. I didn't feel that--it's not me. Maybe it will be some day. In the meantime - it still really bugs me when the house is a mess.

However, I am mellower. I have slowed my life down professionally. I don't burn the candle at both ends like I used to. I take better care of myself and am generally kinder to myself. I have seen God at work in my life. I am more trusting, knowing God is in control, and trying not to fight Her/Him so hard for the steering wheel.

Q. What advice would you give to someone who is newly diagnosed with breast cancer?

A. Do not hand your treatment over to your doctors. Take charge of your own care. Here are some of my ideas as to how you do this:

1. Educate yourself. Read Susan Love's The Breast Book or find another good book to educate yourself with.
2. Interview your doctors. Make sure you are treated by someone who is a specialist in breast cancer. Ask them how many breast cancer patients they treat & how many procedures they do each year. If it is less than 30, run away. If you can, seek treatment in a major city with a good treatment facility. Stay away from small town doctors.
3. Take someone with you to every doctors appointment to be your second set of ears and to take notes for you (preferably the same person).
4. Get at LEAST one second opinion, no matter what. Don't be afraid to get two.

Pray. Many of us pray for others but not for ourselves. Know that you are worth it and pray for yourself. Trust God, this will all be ok.

Q. How has The Breast Cancer Research Foundation been helpful to you?

A. I think these resources are critical to patients being able to educate themselves and not feeling so alone and helpless. It is empowering. This is one of a number of great resources. I think I used them all.