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Jennifer’s Story (Breast Cancer)

Jennifer's Story Breast CancerI am currently fighting my battle against stage 2 breast cancer at age 38. I found a mass on 2/13/16 and had an appointment with my primary physician for a referral on 2/18/16. I had my ultrasound and mammogram on 2/23/16, biopsy 2/24/16, and was diagnosed with cancer on 2/26/16. It has been a whirlwind. I get routine mammograms because breast cancer runs in my family. I lost my mom when she was only 31 to breast cancer.

This mass was not visible on my mammogram in July 2015, so you cannot depend solely on mammograms to find this cancer. Ladies, you must check and feel. I never knew what I was feeling for, but when I felt this mass, I knew it was not supposed to be there. This has all happened very quickly. 2/26/16 is the day that my life changed forever with the official diagnosis. I call it my “bump in road.”

I am a wife, a mother, and a grandmother to a beautiful, 8-month-old baby girl. I work full-time and go to school full-time, and this is not what I had planned for my 2016. I am supposed to graduate from college this year, and with God and my family’s help, I will. I will be taking chemo over the coming months (2nd round this Thursday!!), then having surgery, then radiation.

The span of time from my diagnosis to my first chemo treatment was less than two weeks, so my docs have moved fast and remain hopeful they can cure this. I have decided not to go the wig route but simply use hats and scarves to accent where my hair once was. I have decided to embrace this time and think of it as a vacation from using shampoo and having to shave my legs. 🙂 I cut 12 inches of my own hair off, so I could donate it before I started my first treatment.

Cancer did not/will not take my hair. I cut it.
Cancer did not/will not decide what surgery I have. I will.
Cancer did not/will not break me or my spirit.

This bump in the road will not change my path for my life, just merely change the time frame a little. God has a plan. He is using me for something, and this trial will become part of my testimony. He brought me to this, and He will bring me through it.

Just wanted to SHARE!

Jennifer
Texas
Submitted 03/21/2016

The informational content of this article is intended to convey a personal experience and, because every person’s experience is unique, should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional healthcare advice.

This story is intended to convey a personal experience and, because every person’s experience is unique, should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional healthcare advice.

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5 comments

  1. Brigitte Estelle

    Dear Jennifer,

    Thank you for sharing, what a lovely person you are, love your smile , love your spirit!♥♥

    ★★ KEEP FIGHTING LIKE A GIRL ★★

    With love from Canada,
    Brigitte Estelle, xxx

  2. jeannette ortiz

    Thanks for sharing! I just found out I have breast cancer this month and I’m laying in the hospital waiting for spinal surgery cause it spread to my lymph nodes, liver and spine. God willing surgery will be a success.
    Good luck with your treatment!

  3. Audra

    Jennifer you are an inspiration to all who know you. You are in my prayers.

  4. Aimee Suyko

    Thank you for sharing your story Jennifer! You are an inspiration to so many! God always has a plan even if it’s hard to see at the most difficult and trying times. Keep up your positive spirit and keep fighting like a girl!!

    xo,
    Aimee

  5. Lisa Arthur

    I just joined this club and yours was the first story I read. You have no idea how much you’ve helped me,right off the bat! Love your attitude and wish u well! Thank you for sharing!

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