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Barbara Crandell Cochran ’72, of Westchester, New York, found several ways to cope with cancer — she was diagnosed four years ago with invasive ductal carcinoma and went through a course of radiation and chemo after lumpectomy surgery. In addition to having the support of her husband and children, she joined a breast cancer support group. “I didn’t have to be cheerful,” there, she says.

Barbara’s mother had breast cancer at age 60 and “aged tremendously, quickly,” she says. That focused Barbara’s attention on aging rather than dying. Besides, her mom, who’s had “many recurrences,” is now 86 and taking tamoxifen, a promising drug to prevent recurrence.

Barbara, who spent several years in Japan working for a British clothing firm, now consults with various companies. She also raises impressive amounts of money for the American Cancer Society through cancer walks, plays tennis, takes aerobic classes, and works out with weights.

But the support groups mean the most, she says. “I learn a lot from each woman; everyone deals with it differently.” One of the women “died with such dignity, caring about everyone else in the world up to the end. One, with an eight-month-old baby, is bubbly. Another fought every last minute.”

 

Experiences of Alumnae