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The Tatum family, l to r: Ken, Kim, Kay-Lyn, and Kameron.
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by Michelle Wolf
“In just the past 12 months, with the big improvements they’ve made in detecting and treating breast cancer, there is definitely reason for hope. Every day there are new breakthroughs,” said Kim Tatum, a breast cancer survivor.
Before her diagnosis on April 7, 2008, Kim had been doing once-a-month self exams.
“I was actually about six months past when I should have had my mammogram. At that time, Gay Sollosi had just been diagnosed with breast cancer, and she had so many problems. It really motivated me to get my mammogram scheduled,” Kim said.
On March 24, 2008, Kim had her mammogram, and two days later saw her doctor for a check-up.
“My doctor called me and told me that he had found something on my mammogram. He also advised me not to do too much investigating on the internet or with my friends until after he and I had met again and he could explain everything. People are different, and cancers are different. I was glad I took his advice,” Kim said.
Kim; her husband, Ken; Kim’s mother and father; and Ken’s mother made the trip to Dr. Charles Usher’s office in Savannah.
“He told me he had only found one other cancer that was smaller than the one I had. It makes a huge difference on your outlook. After going through about two weeks of testing, it was determined that the cancer was not in my lymph nodes or anywhere else,” Kim said.
Kim’s breast cancer was considered an invasive cancer, because it was just outside of the milk duct. That’s why her doctor recommended she get chemotherapy in addition to radiation.
“He said the worst thing would be my hair would fall out and that I would feel sick. I know everyone is different, but I was not ever sick. I lost my hair and gained weight because of the steroids. Cancer scares people bad enough, but just the mention of chemo scares some people to death. I had a real peace about the entire situation. I knew God had a plan, and I would be okay,” Kim explained.
Kim had surgery at Candler Hospital in Savannah. Her surgeon, Dr. Charles Usher, removed the tumor. Afterwards, Kim started chemo about one month after surgery for four months. Then she started radiation treatments every day for seven weeks. Kim received her chemotherapy in Savannah, and her radiation treatments in Statesboro.
“My doctor told me to try and rest, but I still had things I had to do, including laundry, cooking, and working. There were times when I didn’t feel too great, but I have a husband and children, and I didn’t want them worrying more about me than they already were,” Kim said.
Kim, her husband, Ken, and their children, 21-year-old Kay-Lyn, and 17-year-old Kameron, live in Reidsville. Kim’s cancer affected her entire family.
“After I was diagnosed, I told my Patient Navigator at the hospital that my life would never be normal again. She told me that it wouldn’t be the same as it was before, but that I would develop a new normal. She was right. Even without cancer, there are no guarantees that you will live another 40 or 50 years. It can happen at any time, and you have to accept the fact that you are not in control and should always be ready to meet your Savior,” Kim said.
In an ironic twist, Kim had been very active in The American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life for ten years before she was diagnosed with breast cancer. It was during her treatment that Kim decided she wanted to start Tattnall County C.A.R.E.S.
“Evans County had already started a C.A.R.E.S. organization, so that made it easier for us to start one here. In October 2008 we held our first meeting. In less than six months, we raised $15,000. So far, we’ve raised approximately $40,000, and have given away roughly $20,000 to people in Tattnall County. We usually give $500 per cancer sufferer a year. As we raise more money and grow, we want to help more. We’ve paid light bills, water bills, and have bought groceries for those going through cancer. When you have nothing, even $500 can make a big difference,” Kim said.
Kim related how one recipient was so appreciative, she just cried and cried.
“It was an elderly couple, and the husband had bladder cancer. They had to go to Atlanta for him to receive a treatment. They had no money to pay for a hotel room for his wife. When I gave her the money, she just couldn’t believe someone would help them,” Kim said.
With Tattnall County C.A.R.E.S., all a person needs is a letter from their doctor confirming the cancer diagnosis in order to receive assistance.
“We’re trying to recruit more people to volunteer and donate so we can help more people. Everyone is so busy these days, it’s hard to be everywhere. We participate in health fairs, parades, the Wiregrass Festival, and the Glennville Sweet Onion Festival. We also sell t-shirts to raise a little money. Donations are tax deductible. We need everyone’s support,” Kim explained.
Kim is now cancer-free. Her hair has grown back, and she looks and feels great.
“I just went for my mammogram on Tuesday, October 13. I see my surgeon on October 20, and my oncologist on October 22. I see my surgeon twice a year, have a mammogram twice a year, and see my oncologist every three months for check-ups. I also do regular self-exams,” Kim said.
For more information on how you can volunteer or make a donation to Tattnall County C.A.R.E.S., visit their website at
www.tattnallcocares.shutterfly.com.
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