BUILDING - Yale-New Haven Hospital

11
BARBARA COONEY OLIVER
Why not me?
I was diagnosed with breast cancer on my 40 th birthday, December
30, 1986.
After feeling a lump in the shower – actually, it felt more like a
pea – I called my gynecologist who scheduled me for a mammogram
and told me to see a surgeon. When nothing showed up on
the mammogram, I skipped my appointment with the surgeon,
a close friend.
Many weeks later, at my 40 th birthday party, my friend the
surgeon said, “You cut out on your appointment; how come?” His
gift of concern led me through an emotional and physical breast
cancer journey: biopsy, mastectomy, reconstructive surgery and six
months of chemotherapy.
Following my treatment, I returned to the work force. I’m a
high-energy person and felt a need to be more productive. As the
executive director of the Connecticut Affiliate Y-Me National Breast
Cancer Organization for the last 13 years, my work is extremely
gratifying, especially with older women who had breast cancer
long before saying the words “cancer” and “breast cancer” was
permissible.
I’ve lived in New Haven for nearly 40 years. I love New Haven,
and I think it’s fabulous that my city will be home to a worldrenowned
cancer center. When I had breast cancer, I drove near
and far, to various doctors for tests and procedures. To think complete
cancer care will be available at the Yale-New Haven cancer
hospital is awesome!
Barbara Cooney Oliver is the mother of four grown children. She and
her husband, Bob, are enjoying life in their home on the Quinnipiac River
since moving to Fair Haven three years ago.