My Cancer Story

by | Oct 2, 2020 | Uncategorized

Five summers ago, in August of 2015, I was diagnosed with Stage 2 Breast Cancer. I was 42 years old with 2 daughters, ages 8 and 12. Our house was sold and packed for a move to Raleigh, NC when the doctor used That Word – CANCER.  I call that moment “The Big Bang”.

There began my journey, that I am still on to this day. I had 8 rounds of chemotherapy. I lost my hair. Then, a bilateral mastectomy. 30 rounds of daily radiation. Reconstruction. Years of recovery and on-going physical and psychological therapy to overcome the stress on my body and my mind. But I am one of the lucky ones. I survived.
While I was sick, one of the things that helped me the most was Facebook. People whom I had crossed paths with throughout my life reached out to me with motivational memes and quotes, messages of support, and prayers. Those messages tethered me to my past, to the Jenn who had energy, had fun, and felt good. I was then able to take the strength they offered and use it to keep going so that I could again be that Jenn. As a marketer, I wanted to tell that part of my story. There is so much good in connecting, and when someone is sick, tired, and down, connections are so important.

 

I have chosen to share my story because we all know someone who has been impacted by Breast Cancer.  October is a special month for me to remember, be thankful, and support those who are now in the fight. I love seeing pink everywhere. I love the term “pink warrior”. I pay homage to those who fought valiantly and lost to this invisible enemy. Most of all, I am forever grateful for my brilliant, compassionate team of caregivers at Dana-Farber. It is in this spirit that I have set up my annual Giving Page.

If you are so inclined, please donate here.  Dana-Farber is funneling all funds raised through this page to Breast Cancer research. 

 

The video below was produced by my husband Glenn Anderson and donated to Dana-Farber by Viamark Video.  They used this video in fundraising efforts.  Click Here to watch.