Young family battles disease with knowledge

    Her mother was diagnosed with the disease in her early 40s, and Kim Butler Folsom was nearly the same age when she received the news. Two years later, she is still medically “clear.”
The Folsoms, from left, Kianna, Kim, Mike and Makala.
    Folsom was diagnosed with breast cancer, but early detection aided her in her fight.
    “I have always been very attentive to this disease,” she said. “I highly recommend yearly mammograms starting at 40. It was during my second mammogram that cancer was suspected. Early detection is the key to any cancer diagnosis, so keep your yearly doctor’s appointments, even if you think you are OK.”   
    After two surgeries, six-and-a-half weeks of radiation, Folsom will continue being monitored every six months by her general practitioner, surgeon, radiation oncologist and medical oncologist. She will also take medication for five years.
    “In a very short time, our whole world was turned upside down,” she said. “The one thing that was not available, was access to someone my own age that had been through what myself and my family was experiencing to comfort and assist us during this very scary time.”
    The diagnosis affected Folsom’s oldest daughter in particular.
    “At first I didn’t know how to react when my parents told me my mom had breast cancer,” said Makala. “I really didn’t know what it meant. After my parents told me and it all sunk in, I was really upset.”
    Folsom’s family was assisted by a professional team of doctors, who made her comfortable and they were able to communicate openly about her feelings and prognosis.
    “I found excellent caregivers at both Houlton Regional Hospital and The Aroostook Medical Center,” Folsom said. “We are very fortunate to have access to this quality of care in our local area. I was able to get my children ready for school, go to Presque Isle, have a treatment and return home to work. If I had to go to Bangor on a daily basis, I would not have been able to continue with my daily schedule and be there for my family.”
    Doctors or their associates are helpful in answering any questions or concerns.
    “It was confusing at first,” Folsom said. “But, eventually reality hits and it all starts to make sense. I had calls to doctors and their assistants after hours looking for assistance and guidance. The calls were always welcomed, and the information provided appreciated.”
    Folsom is an advocate for awareness, starting at home.
    “My daughters, along with my nieces are all aware of the dangers of breast cancer,” she said. “They know early detection is the key and to take any precautions that you can.”
    Folsom, in her case, believes heredity played a crucial factor.
    “I have kept all my medical records and my family members will have access to them in the future, if necessary. I was not able to locate my mother’s records to see if we had been affected with the same type of breast cancer. With the diagnosis, treatment and success of surgery for both of us, I feel that it was the same.”
    Breast cancer today is more widely spoken about and more information available then when Folsom’s mother was diagnosed in the late 1970s.
    “Back then, you did not discuss it,” Folsom said. “That is the difference between then and now. I know that awareness has had a very positive effect on many people, both men and women.”
    Folsom and her family are open to  calls from anyone else facing the same predicament.
    “It is not the same talking to someone in their 60s or 70s when you are in your early 40s and have a young family,” she said. “My family would be willing to offer guidance and assistance in their time of need. So often family members are left out and they are severely impacted by a cancer diagnosis, as well.  We shared all aspects of breast cancer, surgery and treatment with our two daughters, age 6 and 12.”  
    “My advice for kids going through this would be to talk about it with whoever else might be going through it,” said Makala. “Don’t be afraid to show emotions and talk to your family. The more you talk about it the better you feel.”
    Cancer is a terrifying word and has affected many people. Folsom has a dream and maybe someday it will be a reality.
    “My dream would be to have a cure so that no one would have to be faced with the diagnosis of any type of cancer,” she said.  
    Those wanting to support survivors of breast cancer or who would like to pay tribute to those lost to the disease may do so by participating in the “Bridge To Hope” third annual Breast Cancer Awareness Walk on Saturday October 18.
    Registration is at 9 a.m., with the walk following at 10 a.m. at the Riverfront Park.