ARLENE AND DALE COMPTON
At age 40, Arlene Compton made a commitment to cancer prevention. For the next 26 years she faithfully had an annual screening mammogram. In February 2010, Arlene found a large, hard lump under her right breast that was diagnosed as cancer in the lymph nodes and tissue. Arlene was devastated and angry. “No one in my family had cancer,” says Arlene. “I never expected to hear those awful words.”

In April, Arlene had a bilateral breast MRI done at the John C. Lincoln Breast Health & Research Center. The breast surgeon told her that she would need chemo to shrink the cancer, a mastectomy and radiation. “I couldn’t believe his was happening,” admits Arlene. “It was the worst of times.”

By May, Arlene’s thick, shiny black hair began to fall out due to the chemo. As hard as she tried to remain upbeat, her emotions often overcame her. “Thank God for my husband, Dale,” adds Arlene, with a tender smile. “He really took our vows —’in sickness and in health’—seriously.” Even though Dale battles Parkinson’s disease, he is always by Arlene’s side.

In June, while at a doctor’s appointment at the JCL Breast Health & Research Center in Deer Valley, the Compton’s picked up TWC’s calendar. Arlene was pleased to see a TWC/JCL co-sponsored, bi-weekly “breast cancer learn and support group” held in Deer Valley, which was closer to their home. “It’s important for me to hear what other women are going through.”

Arlene is waiting for her blood levels to return to normal so she can have her mastectomy. Arlene candidly admits that she battles strong emotions nearly everyday. “It helps to talk about my feelings at the support group. Hearing how others handle their situation is very encouraging. I couldn’t do it without TWC, JCL, and Dale.”