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Jo Ann’s Story (Breast Cancer)

jo-anns-story-breast-cancerHi, my name is Jo Ann. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in October 2015, barely a month after I turned 66. With God by my side, I decided to go with a double mastectomy. The surgery was done December 2, 2015.

January 27, 2016, I started the chemo. I had to do 6 treatments, one every 3 weeks. Some days were tough toward the last few treatments. I finished and got to ring that bell on May 11, 2016.

Three weeks later, I started daily radiation for 28 treatments. Since we live 100 miles from the clinic, I stayed with my awesome sister and her husband during the week and went home on the weekend to be with my wonderful husband. During this time, I got most of my energy back. I completed radiation July 15, 2016. My sister and brother-in-law took me out that night to celebrate!

I’m still having to do Herceptin every 3 weeks until the end of December. I’m almost there!! In January, I will finish with the reconstruction surgery and have the port removed.

God knows I’m so thankful that he is in my life. Things have changed over this past year, but we are getting back on track. I’ve done the deep housecleaning I said I was going to do when I felt better. Now I need to get back to my quilting!

I’m so grateful for the love and support that I’ve received from my husband, my family and friends.

Jo Ann
Texas
Submitted 09/28/2016

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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2 comments

  1. Brigitte Estelle

    Dearest Jo Ann,

    First , a Thank you to your sister and her husband for loving you so much that they invited you into their lives and home , to help you go through this new journey in your life! A THANK you to your hubby for loving you so closely and faraway to get through your hard times .

    A special thank you, to you…. Jo Ann ♡♥♡♥♡… for writing to this great club of fighters and encouraging us to let love in no matter the distance or the journey we have infront of us!!
    Please keep writing, we all need a HERO like you!

    With love from Canada,
    Brigitte Estelle

    • Shari French

      Thank you Jo Ann, for sharing your story. My name is Shari French 54 yrs old Palliative Care Nurse and I live in Australia. Small place called Moore Park Beach 20 klms North of Bundaberg Qld, are you guys familiar with our Rum And Ginger beer drinks from Bundaberg ?? Any ways, I to am battling Breast Cancer diagnosed 13\4\2015 went through all my chemo FEC-D finished Oct last year, opted out of having radium the complications out weighed the benefits for me. Any ways no health insurance, am in the process of my Breast reconstruction. Just nursed my S-I-L Mary at home to the end RIP 11/08/2016, it was an honor and a privilege to do this for my Soul Sister of 40 years. Well all the best to you and yours and the rest of your journey with this terrible disease. xo

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