- Francine Ciulla (left), granddaughter, Allie (center), and daughter, Diana (right) walking in Susan G. Komen’s Race for the Cure
Mrs. Francine Ciulla, wife of TWU Health Studies adjunct professor, Don Ciulla, writes about her journey with breast cancer and the special bond she shares with her granddaughter, Allie, who is a leukemia survivor.
My life has been touched by cancer in many ways. In June of 1991, when I discovered the lump on my chest, I was in disbelief. I asked my husband, Don, to feel it, looking for a second opinion. He was insistent that I go to a physician and have it checked out right away.
Then next day, I called the place where I had received my mammogram, five months earlier, and the person on the phone told me it was a “fluid like cyst” and not to worry about it. Well, I did. I then called my doctor who told me to come and see him right away. He felt what I had been feeling. The next day, I was scheduled for another mammogram and a biopsy.
On June 21, 1991, I was officially diagnosed with breast cancer (insitu). My doctor never formally used the word “cancer.” He just came into the room, looked at me with concern in his eyes, and said, “Francine, it’s not good.” He didn’t have to say anything else. I just burst out in tears, and he left Don and I alone for awhile. It was a fast growing tumor, and within 5 months it went from one centimeter to two. I had a mastectomy and several reconstructive surgeries, but thanks to a wonderful physician, breast self exam, and my unwillingness to take ”no” for an answer, I am an 18-year survivor!
There was a period of time, however, when I was going through the treatment, that I hated everyone– even God. Before this had happened to me, someone had given me a card that read, “What happens to thee is God’s will.” I had kept it on my nightstand. When I was diagnosed, I suddenly hated that card, and I hated God for allowing this to happen to me. It took the love and courage of my granddaughter to change my thinking.
In 1994, a few years after my mastectomy, our first grandchild, Allie Elizabeth Ciulla was born. She was beautiful, and she was just what I needed to divert me from the cancer in my life. Cancer struck again, however. Allie was diagnosed with leukemia before she was one-year old. I was shocked and angered once more. I remember praying to God to give me back my cancer and to take it from my precious granddaughter so she could grow up to live a full life. Allie went through months of treatment, and Don and I stood by her side and watched this brave little girl get poked and prodded for hours day after day. What a trouper she was! Seeing her go through this and maintain a sweet, positive countenance, changed my life. I felt so bad about the way I had faced my own crisis. Allie helped me to face my own cancer fears; I was not afraid anymore, and I had learned to accept life and all of its unpredictability.
After many months, treatments and prayers, our precious Allie Elizabeth went into remission in December of 1994. Her doctor could not believe it. No one had expected her to live past Christmas, and she had proven them all wrong! Allie is now a 15-year cancer survivor, and she, my daughter, and I will be running in the White Rock Lake marathon in December to benefit the Leukemia Society. Allie will be doing the last leg of the run, and we will all be waiting at the finish line for her.
The thing I want to share with people is that they are stronger than they think they are, and cancer does not always win. Allie has taught me this. Each day is a gift. I take nothing for granted. I am no longer afraid. I keep going, and so does Allie. She walks for me in the Race for the Cure, and I participate in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life and support the Leukemia Society in honor of her.
As an 18-year cancer survivor, I have become quite the health advocate! I spend a lot of my time now raising money for organizations like American Cancer Society, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, or the Leukemia Society. I firmly believe a cure is within reach. You, too, can help make this happen by supporting organizations that sponsor cancer research. October is a great month for all of us to remember that cancer touches all of our lives, and it is within our power to make it a thing of the past.
