Thanks for the Mammories! 44 Years of Survival, Sisterhood, and Hattitude

Submitted by Susan Watkins, Arlington, Texas

At just 36 years old, Susan Watkins discovered a tiny lump during a routine breast self-exam, a moment that would change her life forever.

She had done everything right, including having a baseline mammogram at age 35. Yet when she returned for imaging, the mammogram showed nothing suspicious. Her doctor suggested waiting six months to see if anything changed.

But Susan trusted her instincts. After two weeks of worrying, she returned to her doctor and insisted something wasn’t right. He agreed to perform a lumpectomy for her peace of mind.

She went into surgery expecting a minor procedure. She woke up having undergone a mastectomy.

It was Halloween, and even then, Susan’s sense of humor prevailed. When she learned what had happened, her response was simply, “Well… Trick or Treat!”

That day marked the beginning of a remarkable 44-year journey as a breast cancer survivor. Over the decades, Susan has witnessed tremendous advances in breast cancer detection and treatment. But her message to her Red Hat sisters remains the same: Know your body, trust your instincts, and speak up when something doesn’t feel right.

“My mammogram didn’t catch my cancer. My instincts did. My hands did. My persistence did,” she says.

For Susan, survival has meant so much more than additional years. It’s given her a lifetime of precious memories, adventures, and friendships, especially with her two daughters.

When she was diagnosed, both girls were teenagers, and her greatest fear was not being there to watch them grow up. Today, the three share a special bond through the Red Hat Society.

For a decade, her daughters were her beloved “pinkies,” proudly wearing their pastel hats. Over the past six years, they’ve graduated to red hats of their own. Together, they’ve embraced everything from elaborate gowns and tiaras to themed costumes and conventions across the country.

“This shared joy didn’t just bring us closer… it made us best friends,” Susan shares. “Every moment with them reminds me that surviving isn’t just about living. It’s about living boldly.”

And what better way to celebrate 44 years of survival than with a little Red Hat humor?

Susan and her daughters attended the recent “Thanks for the Memories” convention in Kansas, where they participated in the Comedic Fashion Show. Susan modeled a double-breasted vest with her own cheeky twist: two bras adorned with four tassels!

While the convention celebrated “Thanks for the Memories,” Susan couldn’t resist giving the theme a more personal interpretation:

“Thanks for the Mammories!”

Forty-four years after her diagnosis, Susan continues to celebrate life with laughter, courage, and plenty of Hattitude. Her story is a reminder to pay attention to changes in our bodies, advocate for our health, and cherish every opportunity to make memories with those we love.