Janet Crosby and Cindy Davis Share Their Story: Friends Fighting Cancer

Janet Crosby and Cindy Davis met in Veterinarian school where they were lab partners and have been friends since. In the 22 years they have known each other they have gone through a lot. At the age of 43, Cindy, or "Peach" as her friends call her, was diagnosed with breast cancer. Janet and Cindy decided they would create a team to participate in the Race for the Cure, which is now 38 members strong. They raise money through their site FemmeFus.com to fight Breast Cancer. This is their story.

Cindy: I was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma/breast cancer at age 43. I had a bilateral mastectomy followed by four months of chemotherapy. I had just started a three-year veterinary surgery residency one month prior to my diagnosis, so I needed and wanted to continue on with my residency during my treatment.

How did Lance Armstrong's LIVESTRONG message influence your journey?

Janet: The LIVESTRONG challenge moved us to tell everyone our story. That working together does affect change, and awareness benefits everyone. This experience isn't a one-time thing: we are committed to continuing our story.

Cindy: Lance Armstrong's message actually influenced my journey before I was diagnosed with cancer. I read his book "It's Not About the Bike ..." several years ago and when I was handed my diagnosis. I remembered in great detail the emotions and fears Lance so vividly described in his book. It helped me realize my reactions were to be expected and that I could fight like he did to survive. I wore the yellow bracelet well before my diagnosis, and the message took on new meaning when I joined the family of cancer survivors.

Tell me about how you managed to stay positive during your experiences. What were specific things that you did to stay positive throughout your journey?

Cindy: The one thing I did that I feel made the biggest difference in staying positive was I surrounded myself with the most positive and cheery friends (Janet) and family members I had. We found ways to laugh about everything! Even the excruciatingly painful anal fissure I developed was laughable in the right company! Forcing myself to eat right and exercise when I could helped too, but laughing when all I wanted to do was cry made all the difference in the world. My husband has a very dry, witty, sharp sense of humor and he would make remarks in the doctor's office, at the hospital, during diagnostic procedures that would make me burst out laughing. It really made a difference in staying positive.

Janet: Laughter is such good medicine. We have laughed about topics I never thought possible. Laughter heals. It boosts your immune system.



How has your experience influenced your future?

Janet: I am dedicated to continuing the running and exercise program that I started to get ready for the Race for the Cure. The race is over for this year, but there are other races to run. Because of LIVESTRONG.COM and sharing our story, I feel connected to others to keep my fitness goal going.

Cindy: I've reconnected with my friend Janet who is incredibly bright, energetic, and full of ideas on how we can truly make a difference in the battle against cancer. She clearly knows no bounds and has the enthusiasm and drive to take it on. With Janet's help, I plan to focus on educating anyone who will listen to me about breast cancer, together we hope to continue raising money for cancer research. My experience has made me realize how I can try to help others in an important way with whatever time I have on this earth. Oh! After reading Janet's response, I better commit to continuing my relatively new dedication to working out!

Janet: Ha! Cindy is the one who got me working out again. Yes, let’s keep those exercise endorphins flowing!

What would you want to say to someone who is going through challenges like those you faced?

Cindy: I know it seems really unfair and at times it is really scary and you feel very much alone, but you just cannot let yourself focus on the negative and stay sitting on your pity pot. You will find strength you were sure you never had. You can do what you need to do. Surround yourself with "real" friends and don't waste energy and time with those who aren't. My highest chance for recurrence is in the next three years -- so should I work night and day on a surgery residency knowing that I might never get to finish it or use my skills as a surgeon? Or should I give up and just live like I'm going to die soon anyway ... How about I try and do as much as I can to prevent others in the future from having to go through what I'm going through!!!

Janet: Cindy and I are both self-starters who have a difficult time asking others for help. We talked about this aspect throughout our time building the website and getting ready for the Race for a Cure. I think the biggest challenge for us -- and so many people -- is to reach out and ask for help. Do it! It is not a sign of weakness. Co-survivors are going through this too -- give them the honor of supporting in a very real way. Everyone benefits.



What are your goals for the future?

Janet: I plan to keep on running and working on the FemmeFus web site with year-round info, tips, ideas and free graphics to help spread awareness about breast cancer and Race for the Cure. I use LIVESTRONG.COM to learn tips about running and fitness overall. I also joined the LIVESTRONG.COM and Nike+ running challenge found on NikePlus. Lots of inspiration on these sites!

Cindy: I plan to continue LIVING! I hope to continue working out and running like never before. I hope to use LIVESTRONG.COM as a constant source of inspiration. I plan on continuing to help raise money for breast cancer research and to raise awareness about early detection by spouting off information to anyone who will listen to me! I plan on working hard with Janet to do what we can as a team to hasten finding a cure ... and I plan to laugh ...



Janet Crosby and Cindy Davis were Dare to Share Contest finalists. Watch their video.

You can contact Janet and Cindy by visiting their LIVESTRONG Member profile.

Make sure to visit their site, FemmeFus.com.