The Narragansett Times - Breast cancer survivor carries on

NARRAGANSETT – In the face of adversity people are sometimes forced to make incredibly difficult, sometimes impossible decisions.

Marie Saccoccio is an accomplished woman, working as a sales representative and enjoying her family. There is a peace and happiness in her eyes as she speaks and her energy seems almost contagious.

The last several years of her life have been a nightmare, but you wouldn’t know it by talking to her.

“I feel I have a lot to be thankful for. I’m healthy and I enjoy my family and friends, and life,” she said.

“I feel I need to share this story and in the end, I’m hoping it will change someone’s life,” she said.

With Marisa, her daughter and biggest supporter by her side, the Narragansett resident impressed her seriousness.

“There are people that know me rather well, including members of my family, that have no idea what I’ve been through. But I’m so blessed. I had to take this situation and learn from it. I’m hoping this story will help other women.

“I’ve kept it pretty quiet but now I think everyone needs to know,” said Saccoccio.

The story actually begins 31 years ago when her mother was found to have breast cancer. Back then – only 1976 – the treatment was a mastectomy.

“When my mother awoke, her breast was removed. It was absolutely horrible. Thankfully she’s doing fine to this day.

“Since that time, technology has changed a whole lot,” she said.

The incident was extremely difficult for the entire family, some of its impacts lasting for years.

“Since that time, I always knew I would be diagnosed with breast cancer. The fear was always there, and it was real,” she said

“I went for a routine mammogram, where they found a significant change. That led to a biopsy at the Anne Pappas Center at Rhode Island Hospital.

“They found a small invasive cancer. That’s when things really became frightening,” she said.

The next few weeks were a strain to say the least. Thankfully her family and friends became a built-in support group.

In August of 2004, Saccoccio underwent a lumpectomy followed by six weeks of radiation.

“I was one of the fortunate ones. The cancer was relatively small and detected early. I never had to have chemotherapy,” she said.

“During my recovery I became aware of the many programs provided by the American Cancer Society, especially the Reach To Recovery,” said Saccoccio.

The program is one where breast cancer survivors reach out to women facing the disease, assisting them with information and providing support. No one is more qualified to help than those who have been there.

“It’s all about support. They were comforting, simply amazing, They helped with the healing process,” she said. “In fact, after about one year, I joined them.”

She became a cancer survivor in April 2006. She became a member of the program’s advisory board and also became the Coordinator, arranging sessions between survivors and patients.

“I was glad to help. I knew what women were going through,” she said. “It’s a very rewarding experience to help others.”

In August of 2006, just one year ago, another routine mammogram didn’t look quite right. The difference would have never been found using equipment from only five years ago.

Now, with digital imaging available in many hospitals, early detection has greatly improved. The imaging system is one of the significant advancements in addressing breast cancer in recent years.

“They discovered cancerous cells, this time on my other breast. They were stage 0, not invasive,” she said.

In a way, however, the classification didn’t matter. Marie underwent a second lumpectomy and radiation program last September, making her a two-time breast cancer survivor.

“It was emotionally difficult. Although it was good news that it was in a very early stage, my fears had been realized again. People thought I was incredibly brave but I was afraid it was always coming back,” she said.

Having gone through two ordeals in three years, her life had drastically changed. But the fear of future occurrences, a certainty in her mind made life almost unbearable. Only 58 years old, she faced a possible future of numerous occurrences with the chance that one day it might take her life.

“I knew it ran in my family – my mother had it – and I had already had it twice in a short period.

“I spent a lot of time soul searching, looking for answers. I talked to friends and with my family. We talked about it extensively and Marisa and my husband Lou. We discussed many points of view, but ultimately the choice was mine, and that’s important. My mother never had a choice,” she said.

“I know it’s a hot issue, but living with the fear, the extensive testing, the threat of fighting off cancer for the rest of my life was overwhelming. Always testing, always watching, the fear factor is big,” said Saccoccio.

Carefully deliberating all the factors, she made the choice to undergo a double mastectomy. It was a choice not every person would make, or even understand. Certainly, some would even strongly disagree.

The decision required great strength and courage. For Marie it was the right decision. Some people didn’t understand, but chances are they had never been through breast cancer – twice.

“The care, technology, medication, political situation and support groups for breast cancer have all improved significantly over the last few years. Plastic surgery has been perfected and Rhode Island has great facilities.

“It’s important to speak to as many women as possible who have had breast cancer. For me this was the right choice, and I know because I’m at peace with it,” she said.

“Now I know I have the rest of my life to look forward to. I still have more surgery ahead, though. It’s a one year process,” she said.

Her daughter Marisa has seen it all first hand, has been there to help throughout the past three years.

“It’s been hard. It’s still hard,” she said, knowing the delicate balance between life and cancer all too well.

“At times it’s been surreal. It’s a lot to go through. It’s taken a lot of strength, strength we thought we never had before.

“It’s taken its toll sometimes. It has been definitely taxing, but to see her happy and healthy is great,” she said, looking at her mother and smiling.

Although more surgery is scheduled, Saccoccio now goes through her days with a peace of mind she never had before. She remains a coordinator for the Reach To Recovery program, assisting those through an ordeal she knows all to well.

“The American Cancer Society is dear to me, especially the recovery program. I am compelled to tell this story because women need to know there are programs out there. There are women out there that know what it’s like, that want to help.

“The way breast cancer is treated has greatly improved over the last several years. Digital imaging is now available in most hospitals, and early detection is better than it’s ever been.

“This is all important to know and I feel very strongly about it. If my story helps even one person, it’s worth everything,” said Saccoccio.