By Samantha Pidde Herald Staff Writer The Clinton Herald Thu Oct 13, 2011, 10:12 AM CDT
CLINTON — After more than six years, Amanda Siglar, 31, of Clinton, is still battling against breast cancer.
While she is taking her current round of chemotherapy, Amanda is tired, cold and achy. She said the years of battling cancer have taken their toll, but she is not ready to give up.
In 2004, Amanda was not feeling well. She was working at a factory and was losing a lot of weight. She visited four different doctors who told her there was nothing wrong with her. She was too young for breast cancer. She got one more opinion and was diagnosed with Stage III breast cancer in 2005.
Amanda continued to see a doctor for three years, until 2008 when she noticed something wrong. Her doctor had told her she was in remission. However, she had a lump in her neck that went up to her jaw. She told her doctor but was told not to worry.
After three months, her doctor scheduled a biopsy.
It revealed she had Stage IV breast cancer that had spread into her bones and down her body.
Since then, Amanda has seen doctors in Iowa City. She has tried a variety of treatments including experimental chemotherapy, pills, estrogen blockers and shots. She said when something stops working, she starts something new. Unfortunately, they do not seem to work for very long. She is currently taking chemotherapy treatments each Wednesday.
With October being Breast Cancer Awareness month, Amanda said people need to be aware that they need to listen to what their body is telling them. If a person notices even a small bump or bug bite that does not go away, they should tell their doctor. She encourages people to be persistant with their doctors and get a second opinion if needed.
Amanda has a lot of support during this struggle. She said her biggest inspiration and main support are her children. She has a daughter, Kaylee, 11 and a son, Tavian, 7. Amanda’s children keep her going and keep her strong. She said everyday she looks at them and knows she has to keep going. Amanda’s condition does affect her children. She said they both go to counseling for it.
Amanda’s family and friends offer a lot of help and support. Her parents live next door. Amanda’s mother, Karone Hansen, and aunt, Sharone Marhiene, have been a great support. Her aunt will come out and stay with her when she gets really sick.
Amanda’s sister, Shannon Mussmann, also offers a lot of support. Mussmann brings her pure juices every day and researches what she should drink. Amanda said the pure juices give her a lot of energy. Amanda’s friend Tanya Smith also comes once a week and scrubs her bathroom for her. Smith said Amanda is still a kind-hearted and selfless person who has never lost her upbeat personality.
“I don’t think a person truly grows up and figures out life until they get hit with something that’s life threatening,” said Amanda. She said whether it is something that affects the person or someone close to them, a traumatic event like this changes a person.
Amanda said being diagnosed with cancer changed her life. Her diagnosis was a real “eye opener” and made her realize she might not have much time left. She tries to make every day count. She sees people worried about material things and other concerns. She has learned that those things do not matter; all that matters is love and how a person is remembered.
Amanda said she is not doing well and just wants her life back. Sometimes she feels like she is losing the battle. She keeps fighting and is not ready to give up. However, she is getting prepared for the day she may not be able to fight any more.
Copyright 2011 The Clinton Herald, Clinton, Iowa. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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