This year, I joined the ONE Komen community and registered for the Susan G. Komen RACE FOR THE CURE. I am dedicated to Komen's ONE mission of ending breast cancer forever, and I need your help. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation today in support of my fundraising efforts.
We are Team Jessica!
A message from Jessica:
May is an important month for me!
This May, will be my second year participating in the Susan G.Komen RACE FOR THE CURE and
This May will be TWO years breast cancer FREE!
On November 11,2021 my life changed as I knew it!
My cancer originated on the left side of my breast that a mammogram, PET scan and ultrasound did NOT detect! All tests came back with NO findings. The doctors thought I was crazy thinking that something was wrong. I was unsatisfied with the results and continued to advocate for a biopsy.
As a result of the biopsy, I was diagnosed with ILC. Invasive Lobular Carcinoma, stage 2, breast cancer.
Lobular cancer is found in the lobules of the mammary glands. It only accounts for
5-10% of breast cancer patients. It grows slow and spreads like tree branches and can be very difficult to diagnose. If not treated it can spread to the bloodstream or lymph nodes.
January 2022 was the month of change and surgeries.
THREE major surgeries. All within a 10-day time span. My body was so beaten up!
I NO longer had my breasts. Let me say that again….I NO longer had my breasts!
The next few months were filled with fear and uncertainty. The monthly chemo visits were so draining not only physically but mentally and emotionally. I do not wish that on anyone! I got so anxious before my treatments. The poison that runs through the veins and into your body is like no other! The side effects were just awful BUT, I had to keep on fighting for ME! I had to stay strong! I wasn’t going to let the cancer win!
I continued to teach, train and exercise on my own while going through treatments. Stopping was NOT an option! It eased the fatigue, anxiety and depression associated with the treatments.
I was so fortunate to have so many friends and family who cared for me during the whole process! Without the support, my journey would have been so different! The cards, flowers, presents, meals and just the “check-ins” were so appreciative and made my long days seem a bit shorter.
Ladies…ADVOCATE for yourselves! If you feel something is different with your body, speak up and get it checked! Ask questions, demand testing and ask for support! Don’t let someone else be in control of your body and future!
If I didn’t push for that original biopsy, my future would have been completely different!
Continue to FIGHT! #fuckcancer
Race for the Cure Alumni
Team Captain
