Kim Krause is a member of Burn Boot Camp Rochester. Her story begins with a family history of breast cancer.

Kim decided to take preventative measures after her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. After weighing all of the options, she had the surgery.

In June of 2015, she was planning to have a double mastectomy. She had to postpone her surgery for two weeks due to coming down with strep throat.

Finally, she went into surgery in late June where they found a cancerous tumor. she had no lymph nodes removed despite finding the cancers.

Fortunately, the doctors were able to remove all of the cancer cells, which meant that Kim wouldn’t need radiation or chemotherapy.

After her surgery, Kim faced several challenges. While she was in severe pain and on various medications, Kim knew she couldn’t rely on anyone but herself to feel better.

Kim’s reconstruction surgery took place in October 2015. The surgery was successful, but right after she faced the same challenges.

She says that even on her worst days, she thought about all of the women who had to go through chemotherapy and radiation. The key is staying thankful and positive.

In August of 2016, Kim joined Burn Boot Camp. She was beginning to struggle with energy and strength. She and Leyton sat down to talk about her goals to keep her going.

Kim says that the community that Burn Boot Camp provides is motivating her to stay healthy and rebuild her strength.

Her advice to everyone who has been diagnosed is that you are not alone. She wants you to stay strong and know that she is there for you, too.

Julie Is A 3-Year Breast Cancer Survivor

Julie Underwood has been attending Burn Boot Camp Pineville since the beginning. Julie’s breast cancer story began when she was 40.

Julie became pregnant at the time when she was to first get a mammogram. At 41, and after her son was 6 months old, she went in for a mammogram thinking it was just protocol.

They called her back for more mammograms and a few biopsies before finding out that she had two types of breast cancer. Fortunately enough, she was able to catch the cancer early on, but it was widespread.

Julie chose to have a double mastectomy because of how widespread the cancer was. A month after her diagnosis, she had her first surgery and under-went several others in the course of 9 months.

After her surgeries, she was very weak to the point where she couldn’t hold her son. Finally, after a year off, she decided to take her health to the next step and join Burn Boot Camp.

She began with small steps and is grateful for the encouraging environment that motivated her to come daily to get stronger. Burn Boot Camp helped her regain her strength and take control of her health since her battle with breast cancer.

Her advice is to get the mammogram as soon as possible. Be proactive! We are pink.

Lorrie’s Has Beat Breast Cancer

As Lorrie began to experience menopause, she noticed changes in her breasts. She describes them as “lumpy” and “painful,” which are often times symptoms of breast cancer tissues. Even though her doctor was aware of what she was experiencing, Lorrie still worried because her grandmother had died of breast cancer.

In November of 2014, Lorrie went in for a normal mammogram, in which she was called back after that. She was asked to have a needle biopsy done, where she soon found out that she had cancer.

Within 2 days, Lorrie met with a surgeon where she learned she would have rounds of tests to go through. On January of 2015, she had her first surgery. She had a one-sided mastectomy.

After Lorrie’s surgery, she went through chemotherapy and was taking several drugs at the time. Throughout the year, she still dealt with frequent testing.

Through The Fight

Lorrie felt as if she didn’t have much of a choice when she decided to get a single mastectomy. The tumor was large enough to that a mastectomy would fully remove it.

Although the media can often times glorify double mastectomies, there are definitely tests that can help make the decision. Lorrie’s advice is to work with your doctor and family.

In her journey, she realized just how essential her family and friends are. They will be there for you through anything and are your ideal support group. Along with family, she understands the importance of good health.

After experiencing breast cancer, she feels that it’s important to talk about breast cancer. People are afraid to ask about illnesses, but it’s important to learn about diseases.

She spoke to many other women who had breast cancer and did plenty of research while she experienced breast cancer. She learned a lot about what others had gone through and what she had gone through as well.

Lorrie says her biggest fear was losing her hair. As a hair dresser, she was hysterical over the fact that she was going to lose her hair. She understood how gut-wrenching it could be to lose your hair as a women. Thankfully, she didn’t lose much hair, but still wore a wig.

Lorrie figured out that wig’s were expensive. Both her and Morgan advise to find a wig shop in your location that help women with cancer, like The Woman In Pink Boutique.

Her Advice

Lorrie doesn’t obsess over the fact that the cancer might come back, but understands the risk. One of her best friends fought the battle and never gave up, but eventually lost her life to this disease.

She advises that you live a healthy lifestyle of exercise and a healthy diet. Surround yourself with positive people and things.

Lorrie is still seeing her doctor every three months. She advises that everyone get a mammogram if you notice differences in your breasts. It can save your life!

In The Spotlight

For the entire month of October, Burn Boot Camp is shining the spotlight on the stories of those affected by breast cancer. Tammy Propst, a member of Burn Boot Camp Wake Forest, helps breast cancer patients every day through the organization 1 in 9.

The organization 1 in 9 began in 2010 with the purpose to support uninsured women with breast cancer. Many of the women are moms who have put others before themselves.

1 in 9 helps their patients find help so that treatment can continue problem-free. Tammy works one-on-one with many patients through referrals.

A Community

1 in 9 supports these women in more ways than just financially. According to Tammy, they also help these women with transportation and nutrition. A healthy diet is important when enduring the harsh treatments and effects of cancer.

There will always be groceries on the table and means of travel for these women through 1 in 9. Overall, these women appreciate the emotional and social support most.

Tammy accompanies many patients in appointments to provide much needed support. Attending these appointments have changed Tammy’s life. Tammy understands that she has a calling in life to do this and to help these women.

There are various ways that you can contribute to this organization to help raise awareness and help patients. Click here to find out more on how you can serve.