WOMEN WHO INSPIRE
“Within two days, I had a diagnosis, and
three or four week later, I had surgery at
the Siteman Cancer Center, and started
radiation after that,” she said.
Afterward, she felt good, but because
of her increased risk, she had alternating
mammograms and MRIs every six months.
When suspicious spots were found on her test
results every time, they had to be biopsied.
“And there was always that worry in the
back of my mind,” Cindy said.
She made the decision to have a double
mastectomy and reconstruction surgery –
also at Siteman Cancer Center.
“Reconstruction was started at the time of
the mastectomy surgery in June of 2014,
and the reconstruction was finished that
October,” Cindy said. “It was definitely the
right choice for me.”
As a case manager at the National Children’s
Cancer Society, Cindy knew a lot of the
concerns that come with a cancer diagnosis,
but now, she said she can empathize and
understand the patient’s and their parent’s
frustrations and anxiety even more.
As for working out, Cindy now does it seven
days a week.
A single mother of two children, ages 10 and
14, Cindy walks five-and-a-half miles at least
five days a week, and attends the exercise
class two times a week. And she and her
family have participated in the Susan G.
Komen Race for the Cure.
“Early detection is the key,” Cindy said. “If
you find a lump or something that you think
is probably nothing, let the doctor tell you
it’s nothing. You should always have any
abnormalities checked – and take charge of
your own health.
Cindy Dineen with her children, Cora and Owen.
75
“You have to be your own medical advocate.
It’s important,” she said. “And there are so
many resources out there. Use them!”
SAVVY I SOPHISTICATED I SASSY