I was diagnosed with breast cancer in January ’08, and the news left me unable to concentrate on anything for more than a few seconds. When the surgeon presented my options, I knew I had to become proactive -- educate myself quickly and thoroughly to make the right choices. But how could I do that if I couldn’t think at all?
When I called my boss to discuss my diagnosis and state of mind, she was very supportive and arranged for me to contact her cousin Jennifer, who had breast cancer the year before.
When I called Jennifer, I found her to be a very open person with a matter-of-fact succinct way of speaking. She said I had to treat my breast cancer like a business -- I could have a pity party for a couple of days, but then I needed to focus and do my research so I could choose the appropriate treatment options. She provided websites, books, and questions to ask my doctor. I had a two-day major meltdown, then got down to business.
We had long conversations for several weeks. With each call she kept me focused on the next step and the best places to get answers. I kept calm, did my research, and was always ready to make the next decision and move on. In January and April I had mastectomies and started reconstruction.
I thank Jennifer for guiding me through the maze of material one must go through to make the life-changing decisions associated with having breast cancer. Because of her, not a minute of my time was wasted and I never regretted my choices.
I was able to turn my full attention to where it really needed to be – to my fiancé, who had been seriously ill for the last few years and was declining rapidly.
The recuperation periods gave me precious quality time with him at home before he passed away in July, a day after we got married.
In August I had more reconstruction surgery, and December was the final one. Those recuperation periods were desperately needed to be home alone and grieve for the man I’d lived with and loved for almost 20 years.
Heart #981 honors Jennifer, who came into my life when I needed an objective friend/coach to keep me on track with my own health, so I could care for the love of my life through our final days together. I thank her for her precious gift– the gift of time. Hopefully, if I’m ever in Colorado or she’s in Florida, we can meet and I can give her a hug.
When I called my boss to discuss my diagnosis and state of mind, she was very supportive and arranged for me to contact her cousin Jennifer, who had breast cancer the year before.
When I called Jennifer, I found her to be a very open person with a matter-of-fact succinct way of speaking. She said I had to treat my breast cancer like a business -- I could have a pity party for a couple of days, but then I needed to focus and do my research so I could choose the appropriate treatment options. She provided websites, books, and questions to ask my doctor. I had a two-day major meltdown, then got down to business.
We had long conversations for several weeks. With each call she kept me focused on the next step and the best places to get answers. I kept calm, did my research, and was always ready to make the next decision and move on. In January and April I had mastectomies and started reconstruction.
I thank Jennifer for guiding me through the maze of material one must go through to make the life-changing decisions associated with having breast cancer. Because of her, not a minute of my time was wasted and I never regretted my choices.
I was able to turn my full attention to where it really needed to be – to my fiancé, who had been seriously ill for the last few years and was declining rapidly.
The recuperation periods gave me precious quality time with him at home before he passed away in July, a day after we got married.
In August I had more reconstruction surgery, and December was the final one. Those recuperation periods were desperately needed to be home alone and grieve for the man I’d lived with and loved for almost 20 years.
Heart #981 honors Jennifer, who came into my life when I needed an objective friend/coach to keep me on track with my own health, so I could care for the love of my life through our final days together. I thank her for her precious gift– the gift of time. Hopefully, if I’m ever in Colorado or she’s in Florida, we can meet and I can give her a hug.
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