Self-checking and positive attitude

Jana Mathia, Gazette Reporter | Jan 07, 20210

Courtesy Photo count

Carrie Lyle riding tall in her saddle. A rodeo girl since age 9, Lyle is an active member and supporter of the Colfax Junior Rodeo and Palouse Empire Rodeo Association.

COLFAX - It was 3 a.m. on a Sunday morning in late June. Carrie Lyle was awake to make coffee for her husband, Larry. She crossed her arms and felt a small, pea-sized lump in her breast.

She had a clean mammogram in January, but cancer can grow quickly.

Fortunately, this barrel-rounding cowgirl was faster than the cancer. She has taken this bull by the horns and tossed it to the ground, all while wearing a smile.

"It's been such an inspiration for others going through something similar," said Kay Riebold, Palouse Empire Rodeo Foundation treasurer.

Lyle called her doctor the Tuesday after finding the lump. The following week the mass was biopsied. She received the news July 17; breast cancer.

That was a Friday.

Over the weekend, then 46-year-old Lyle re-grouped and decided, "I'm going to kick this." From then on, she stayed positive and drew support from those around her.

"I've had a great support group," Lyle said.

Lyle reached out on social media for "prayer warriors" and was surprised by how many other women had gone through breast cancer. They supported her, shared experiences and suggestions, including the recommendation to do genetic testing.

Surgery for a double mastectomy was Aug. 17. Since Lyle found the cancer so early, she did not have to do radiation or chemo treatments. She has furthered her healing by using a bio-electromagnetic energy regulation device and one other secret weapon.

"Power of prayer, that's all I can chalk it up to," she said.

Cancer had to vie for Lyle's time over the past five months as she has not put her life on hold. A rodeo girl since age 9, Lyle is an active member and supporter of the Colfax Junior Rodeo and Palouse Empire Rodeo Association. She organizes, advertises and runs barrel-racing events throughout the winter to raise funds for the local rodeo contests.

She has three daughters, Katie, Jeszica and Libby, the eldest of whom was married at the end of September, and she works as a para-educator at Jennings Elementary School.

Lyle had reconstructive surgery Dec. 17. While recovering from that will keep her from riding for six weeks, she is still active in everything else.

With the surgeries past, Lyle is in recovery from the cancer and will be on cancer medication for the next five years. Before this, she had zero breast cancer in her family. Now her daughters will have to watch out for it, she said.

"I was very fortunate and lucky," Lyle said.

In addition to family, rodeo family, co-workers and friends, Lyle received support from the Breast, Cervical and Colon Health Program in Spokane. An account in her name has been set up at Washington Federal Bank to help pay for expenses not covered by cancer.

Riding tall in the saddle has been her way throughout the experience and is her advice for those going through similar circumstances.

"Just keep a positive attitude, no matter what. I think that makes a difference," Lyle said.

Even the ongoing pandemic and restrictions have done little to detour her good spirits. Lyle said she had to have COVID-19 tests done before each surgery and her husband could not be with her during surgery, but feels others have been more affected in their medical treatment than herself.

Lyle reiterated the importance of self-check breast exams. Her regular mammogram six months prior had been clean. When she found hers, it could only be felt when standing or sitting upright. The doctor was not able to feel it when Lyle laid down for an exam.