4 • The Beacon October 20 , 2022
Mosier rides her way through cancer battle
By Josie Sellers
Not all types of breast cancer look and act the same . On April 12 , 2012 , Christy Mosier was diagnosed with stage three inflammatory breast cancer .
“ It ’ s rare and aggressive ,” Mosier said . “ I ’ d had regular mammograms with no problems , but there are no lumps associated with this type of cancer . I woke up one day and knew something was wrong and made an appointment with my family doctor .”
According to breastcancer . org , inflammatory breast cancer usually begins with reddening and swelling of the breast . Mosier said it ’ s also often misdiagnosed .
“ At the time the old literature was saying there was a two-year survival rate ,” Mosier said . “ That was very scary .”
She started a course of treatment that included chemo , a bilateral mastectomy and radiation .
“ At that time the doctor said they were treating to cure ,” Mosier said .
She went a few years with checkups , but in 2015 she started noticing signs that something was wrong .
“ I started dropping things , and when I was parking the car , I ’ d stop short of where I needed to be ,” Mosier said .
Jon , her husband , would tell her she was riding near the center line when she drove , and they
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It ’ s always good to remember that there are people worse off than you . Be grateful for what you do have .”
Christy Mosier
disagreed about her lines being straight when she painted .
“ In August 2015 I was diagnosed with a tumor ,” Mosier said . “ The cancer had metastasized . I felt like a ticking time bomb and couldn ’ t sleep . I basically had to turn it over to God . There is only so much you can do .”
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One of Christy Mosier ’ s favorite places to be is out riding with her husband Jon Mosier . They are pictured here with their horses , Sneakers and Dozer , and dog Darby .
Until then there had been no new evidence of disease , and her doctor planned regular checkups to make sure it hadn ’ t returned .
“ The cancer was in my brain now and was stage four ,” Mosier said . “ It was a golf-ball-sized tumor .”
The tumor was removed , but she still had to have a one-time treatment of radiation to make sure they got anything that was left behind . Physical therapy then followed .
“ I had to take disability retirement ,” Mosier said . “ After 27 years working for state and local government , I was four years shy of my regular retirement income .”
She now goes to Columbus every three weeks for an immunotherapy infusion to try to keep the cancer from returning . She also takes daily medication .
“ Although my surgery was at OSU / The James , I receive treatment at the Stephanie Spielman Comprehensive Breast Center in Columbus ,” Mosier said . “ It ’ s my 10-year ‘ Cancerversary .’”
She will have to continue treatment for the rest of her life .
“ It ’ s very exhausting mentally , physically and financially ,” Mosier said .
One way she ’ s dealt with the ups and downs is spending time with her horse , Sneakers .
“ I ’ ve been riding my way through cancer on my horse ,” Mosier said . “ I ’ ve had several horses over the years , but this one we bought in 2008 when he was 5 years old . I never dreamed an Arabian would be my dream horse . He had a lot of formal training but no trail miles on him . He was a good height and had good training , but the Arabian farm decided he was too short to be competitive .”
They purchased Sneakers four years before Mosier was diagnosed with cancer .
“ Jon and I have done a lot of trail riding over the years ,” she said . “ Shortly after we bought him , I found out the Arabian Horse Association had a program for frequent riders . They would award you or recognize you for the number of hours you ride your horse in a noncompetitive way . Trail riding was one way you could be recognized , but you had to keep track of the number of hours you rode .”
To date she has ridden Sneakers 1,068 hours , which is equivalent to approximately 4,271 miles .
“ I received my 500-hour and 1,000-hour recognition ,” Mosier said . “ I am proud that I put all his trail-riding experience and miles
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On April 12 , 2012 , Christy Mosier was diagnosed with stage three inflammatory breast cancer . Spending time with her horse , Sneakers , and dog Darby has helped her cope with her cancer battle .
on him , plus time in the saddle at parades and First Fridays through the sheriff ’ s office mounted unit .”
When she rides , it ’ s the one time she doesn ’ t think about cancer .
“ I love being in nature and feel close to God when we ride ,” Mosier said . “ Sneakers has a very distinct personality . Although he isn ’ t particularly friendly , he is smart , reliable and brave . Sneakers has ended up being a wonderful horse , and we have formed a great partnership . We are definitely connected .”
Her husband also has been a huge support along the way , and a few pieces of advice she ’ s picked up have been very helpful .
“ It ’ s always good to remember that there are people worse off than you ,” Mosier said . “ Be grateful for what you do have . Follow your doctor ’ s orders but be your own advocate . Find humor when you can . It can be found even in the worst of situations . Make sure you get your information from reliable resources like the American Cancer Society , public health organizations and hospitals . You want to be informed but don ’ t overwhelm yourself with all the information that is out there .”
She also hopes to remind others not to judge people , even if they don ’ t physically look ill .
“ I have neuropathy in my hands and feet , I have terrible constant fatigue and have to push myself to do things , and I have some cognitive issues ,” Mosier said .
She credits her survival to God , her doctors , medicine , family , friends and Sneakers .
“ I swore I would never let my mother bury me ,” Mosier said . “ I don ’ t have control over that , but I can be as strong as I possibly can be .”