Colleagues join Cruz to celebrate her completing chemotherapy

Teller Don Mahnke, former area manager Carolyn Lancour, Southridge area manager Ray Guardiola, teller Debbie Hahm, Forest Home universal banker Kim Dane, and Southridge teller supervisor Kelly Doucette celebrated with Marie (at center with short hair — but not for long!) at Vintage 38.

A year after starting the treatment, Marie Cruz is elated to announce she has completed chemotherapy for breast cancer.

“I feel like I won the fight,” the Greendale assistant branch manager says. “I am super excited now that my hair is growing back. I get a lot of compliments about it being short, but I want my long hair back.”

She celebrated the milestone with colleagues and friends at Vintage 38 in Greendale.

As is often the case with cancer, it’s hard to say for sure if the disease is eradicated. Marie is taking it day by day.

“My outlook right now is trying to get back to ‘normal,’ whatever that might be. I want to wake up not in pain, not tired, and to feel good. I will start with that as being back to ‘normal.’ It’s still one day at a time and a lot of praying,” she says. “My doctors are concerned that the cancer can return, so they have put in place a few preventative measures. I will be getting a monthly shot, and then every six months I need to have a medicine called Zometa, so that if the cancer comes back, it won’t attack my bones and spread.”

She notes that her co-workers continue to help her, and that she welcomes thoughts, prayers, and good vibes. “Everyone has been amazing. I am blessed to have a lot of support.”

9 comments on “Colleagues join Cruz to celebrate her completing chemotherapy

  1. Dorothy

    I am so very happy for you Marie! You are a very strong and amazing woman my friend!!

  2. Nancy Hanson

    You did it Marie! You were determined to beat this and you are winning the battle.
    I’m so proud of you!
    Congratulations!

  3. Joan C. Watson

    Congratulations Marie! I wish you all the best and I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers! And you just hang in there strong!!

  4. Heather Somers

    Congratulations on getting through chemotherapy! My husband went through this almost 10 years ago now and I know how hard it must have been for you.

  5. Jody Moore

    I cannot even begin to imagine all you have had to go through, but what I do see is an incredibly strong woman! Continued prayers for your daily and long term successful recovery!! Cheers to you, Marie!

  6. Natalie Canadeo

    Congratulations Marie. You are a warrior. Don’t forget that. Wishing you many happy, healthy days ahead just in time for summer.

  7. Cristen Baumann

    I am so very happy for you Marie to get that year in your past. You are definitely winning the battle!

    Wishing you continued good health for years to come :)

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