began taking tamoxifen, a therapy drug that blocks cancer cells from
spreading. Then, in November of 2013, Sheila made the choice to
undergo a prophylactic mastectomy on her other breast.
“I had had so many biopsies, and in my heart, I knew that the
cancer would return. Talking to my doctor, we decided that it would
be a smart thing to have a mastectomy,” she said. “At this time, I am
still healing, but enjoying every breath I take.”
Referring to the biopsies and the subsequent waiting for results, she
said, “It stops your life for a while. I just wanted to be done with it.”
Sheila chose not to have reconstruction, instead working with K & J
Complete Woman in Bethel Park to purchase prostheses.
“They really saved me when I did not know what to do or what to
look for,” she said.
“At first, I was just worried about looking normal at the beach,” she
added. “Now, I’m just happy to be breathing every second of the day.”
Sheila and Rick have been active with the Race for the Cure since
her first surgery in 1996. Each year, the Race chooses a breast cancer
survivor to serve as the Honorary Chair; in 2012, Sheila learned that
she had been named to fill this role.
“It was the best year!” she said. “I was able to tell my story to so
many people.”
The Race itself, she says, “is the most touching thing I’ve ever done
– just being in the midst of all of those survivors and co-survivors.
Survivors who would not be able to be treated can get the help they
need through Komen.”
She also stressed the importance of early detection and routine
screening. Along with Komen Pittsburgh, Sheila encourages women
to “know their normal,” to follow through with mammograms, and to
conduct monthly self-examinations.
Throughout it all, Sheila credits the unwavering support of her
family and husband.
“I don’t know what I would have done without all of them,” she
said. “Especially my husband. He has been alongside of me the whole
time. He has never missed one appointment.”
Today, at 61, Sheila said she acts more “like 40.” She works as an
administrative assistant for a construction company, and, in addition
to her volunteer work with Komen Pittsburgh, she
enjoys traveling, jewelry making, gardening
and music. The Budners also are the proud
owners of MoBay, a beloved cat they
named after Jamaica’s Montego Bay.
As for women who are facing the
same battle, she said, “Try to keep
positive. Share your feelings. There
is help out there. I believe in my
heart that we will find the cures. With
everyone’s
help, it will
happen.”
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