A survivor's journey

WHITE PINE - For Jane Dickow, it was a positive attitude and a surprising "God Wink" that got her through her experience with breast cancer.

When Dickow had her regular mammogram 10 years ago, the nurse told her to wait to put her clothes on because they needed "another review." She said her first thought was, "Here we go." Dickow's mom had breast cancer in the 1950s and a radical mastectomy while still in her 40s.

It was a shock, but, "I knew I would be OK and I just wanted to get on with the rest of my life," she said.

Dickow decided early on to have a bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction, which is done immediately after surgery.

"The only tough time was waiting the month for the surgery, but my husband, Otto, was so supportive that made it easier," she added.

Surgery was done on a Monday, but Dickow was back in the emergency room at Marquette by Thursday. The pain in her left breast was so bad she could not sit up or stand. The doctors said she was one of a rare few who had problems with the tissue expander in the reconstruction. "It was resting on a nerve and the pain was extreme."

Once the expander was removed, her recovery was normal.

While in the hospital recovering, Dickow got what she called her "God Wink." A woman from the Marquette United Methodist Church came into her room and asked if she could pray with her. She said yes.

Dickow noticed the woman had the same last name as the pastor of the church she grew up in, Wesley United Methodist Church in Ishpeming. She learned the former pastor was the woman's father, who had also performed Dickow's marriage to Otto. "I felt comforted by that connection and I knew God put her where she was needed," she said.

Talking with friends who have had breast cancer surgery, especially fellow golfer Dot Phillips, who was profiled in last year's breast cancer series in the Daily Globe, really helped with recovery. Her pastor, Rosemary DeHut, brought her spiritual strength, as well.

Dickow's passion is golf and although she thought surgery might affect her game, she was back on the course two months after her June 2 surgery. Her skills also returned and this year she led her women's team to a league championship.

Her experience was so positive that she joined the Ontonagon County Cancer Association Board, which raises funds to assist cancer patients with expenses. She has also been a sounding board for several friends who have breast cancer, with decisions to make.

Dickow has one piece of advice for the women who are diagnosed with breast cancer and the many decisions they face: "Stay positive and get on with your life!"