Multiple Dates
MBC Support Group with Nancy Gaulin
Thu, May 15
Virtual
RSVP
Multiple Dates
Early Stage Meetup -Thursday Nights Thrivers
Thu, May 15
Virtual
RSVP
Multiple Dates
Meditation Reflection
Mon, May 19
Online Event
RSVP
Multiple Dates
Restorative Yoga with Kate: Throat Chakra
Mon, May 19
Online Event
RSVP
Radical Remission: A 5-Week Virtual Workshop to Transform Your Health and Well-Being
Tue, May 20
Online Event
RSVP
Multiple Dates
The Caregiver Huddle
Tue, May 20
Zoom
RSVP
Cáncer en los Hispanos/Latinos
Wed, May 21
Virtual
RSVP
Multiple Dates
Thursday Nights Thrivers Meetup
Thu, May 22
Virtual
RSVP
Reflective Writing for Metastatic Breast Cancer
Fri, May 23
Online Event
RSVP
Multiple Dates
SBC Well-Being Book Club
Mon, May 26
Online Event
RSVP

Upcoming
events

Hard Days, Better Days, and My Fight

Surviving Breast Cancer
Aug 7, 2022
2 min read

By Jennifer Reynolds

Hi, I'm Jennifer. I am a mother of three and have been married for twenty years. We have a great life. I worked as a postpartum/ newborn nursery nurse and lactation consultant for a large hospital for almost twenty years.

For the last few years, I have been self-employed with my own business; I do home visits for new moms and babies as a doula and lactation consultant. My job is very rewarding and I love it.

Lately, I have not been working much. This year was supposed to be a good one after last year not being the best. But unfortunately, it wasn't.

After a routine mammogram, I was called back for more tests. They did ultrasounds, biopsies, scans, and more. I was then diagnosed with breast cancer, left side IDC stage 2b. I had it in my lymph nodes. This was the most shocking news, and I never... ever anticipated THIS. I was very overwhelmed and so was my family. They knew I had to fight.

I was started on chemo after my tests, blood work, and more. My chemo was six rounds, every three weeks. I had a port which did end up being a good thing. I did cold capping which is very expensive, but my family wanted to pay for it to keep as much hair as I could. I am glad I did.

They also found out that I am PALB2 positive which complicates my case. I have no idea how or why I have this. My mom and daughter have since been tested, and they are negative.

So recently, on June 30th, I had a DMX with reconstruction and lymph dissection. Six were found, and they took eight. This has been very difficult. I am emotionally up and down. I have a long road ahead. I have been healing well and have had three fills. I have my radiation MD consult this week. That will be for six weeks. I also have to be on two different meds to help prevent reoccurrence.

I have an amazing family and support. I have a very busy and full life... but what happened to my old life? Everything has changed. I will keep working on getting stronger to fight this and do my best. Some days are really hard, and some are better. I pray and look forward to better, more stress-free days.