Royal Oak Woman Beats Cancer, Becomes Superhero

She beat breast cancer, she's addicted to Candy Crush, she works as a nurse and her kids think she's a superhero.

Many interesting people blog on Patch and we want to introduce you to some of them. Each week we will highlight a new Patch blogger.

Today,  Lisa-Aline Hanes answers our questions.

Where did you grow up?     I grew up in Livonia and lived there until I went away to college at Michigan State University.  After graduating (BA in Psychology) I moved to Royal Oak and attended University of Detroit-Mercy to gain my BS in Nursing.  I have lived in Royal Oak since 1994 and this is where I met my husband of 15 years.

What are your hobbies?    Soccer- both indoor and outdoor, kickball, Yoga, blogging.  I love connecting through Facebook and am embarrassed to say am addicted to the game Candy Crush

Favorite book?    Hmmmmm ... well I love the classics like Pride and Prejudice, Little Women and Great Expectations.  Like many other ladies Fifty Shades of Grey was a page turner :) and enjoyed reading all of the Harry Potter books many years ago (a fantastic imaginative read)

Favorite movie?    Steel Magnolias, Love Actually and The Color Purple.  Anything Star Wars and Star Trek too!!!

How were you able to beat cancer and become a superhero?    I was diagnosed with DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ) in May of 2009 through preventative medicine...a mammogram.  I had amazing doctors and surgeons and we quickly decided to do a double mastectomy with reconstruction.  I was blessed that the cancer had not invaded my lymph nodes, so chemo and radiation were not needed.   I had the amazing support of my loving husband Bill along with family and friends to help me get through 3 surgeries, pain and emotional hardship.  They were all my superheros!!    I joke that I am a superhero because my children were told by their father that their mother saves lives (I am a nurse) and thus is a superhero.  But honestly, being a superhero has to do with getting through all the hardships that have come my way:  losing my brother at an early age, my father when I was in my 20's and Breast Cancer in my 30's.  I have gotten through all of these by knowing that "life goes on."  This is something my dad always told me when I was young.  You can't let life's bumps in the road bring you down.  You have to deal with things head on, get out your emotions/anger and then move past it.... taking a morsel of learning along the way.     Having gone through cancer, I make sure to pass on my story to others who need support or encouragement to get a mammogram and take care of themselves.  I have not let cancer get the best of me... I took it on and beat it...thus I am a superhero!!

What's the biggest challenge of parenthood?    Sticking to your guns!!  You have to provide your children with love and discipline... as they are one in the same.  My husband and I talked about how we wanted to raise our children before we even had them.  We knew raising kids was going to be tough as the best things in life always are :).  We are united in the "parent front" and the kids know it. Even when things get tough, and giving in seems so much easier, we don't give in.... you know kids can smell fear???  LOL

What's the best parenting advice you can give?    Love them and make sure they know they are loved.  Spoiling a child with hugs, kisses and encouragement is the best thing you can do as it leads to confident, secure and successful children.  In loving your kids you may not always be their favorite person, BUT that's ok!  You aren't supposed to be their friend or buddy... you are the parent,  There is nothing wrong with asking for advice and getting the support of others.  It does take a village after all.

You can follow her  SuperHero: Wife, Mother and Breast Cancer SURVIVOR blog on Patch. 


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