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Jill’s Story (Breast Cancer)

Jill's Breast Cancer StoryI was diagnosed with stage IIB breast cancer in November 2009, it was discovered during my routine annual mammogram. The tumor that showed up on the mammogram was a secondary tumor in one of my sentinel lymph nodes, which is where cancer begins to spread. The primary tumor was buried in tissue and did not show up on the mammogram. We caught it in the nick of time. I elected to have a bilateral mastectomy with flap reconstruction (new breasts were formed using my own tissue). I had four rounds of chemo and am on year three of a five year Tamoxifen regimen.

I had various complications which required additional surgical procedures, and a really bizarre complication with the expander implant that the doctor placed to keep my skin stretched until reconstruction. The expander slipped out of place and lodged in my armpit! My armpit boob. Crazy!

It’s all better than cancer though! I blogged on ‘CaringBridge’ throughout my illness and kept everyone, including myself, laughing at all costs. I adapted my blog into a book about my adventures ‘When Good Boobs Turn Bad: A Mammoir.’ The book will be out late September 2013. How’s that for fighting like a girl?

Jill
Washington, D.C.
Submitted 07/31/2013

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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2 comments

  1. Bonnye Geller

    Jill, w are so very proud of you for going after your dream. We are happy that your book is being published and can’t wait to get a copy. This is just one other fight that you have one! Bravo for the GIRLS and especially you!!!

  2. Harriet Schneider

    Loved your Fight Like A Girl story! We are so proud of you! Not only did you fight, you did it with grace and a boat load of humor! No one could have done it better! Can’t wait to read the book! You are an inspiration to anyone who is going through this battle.

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