Jackie Beaudoin

It may be odd for someone to author their own Caring Bridge Site.  Yet, it is important for me to share my story myself and provide updates along this journey.  On December 17th, I was diagnosed with invasive lobular breast cancer.  Lobular breast cancer accounts for only 10 to 15% of all breast cancers.  It is a sneaky little beast.  That's because it typically does not form a lump. It likes to spread in single-file lines through the fatty 
tissue of the breast.  It is often missed on a mammogram or ultrasound.  When a person is diagnosed with lobular carcinoma,  98% of the time it is already invasive.  After a self breast exam in early December, my gut told me something was wrong.  I followed my gut.  I was fortunate enough to get a mammogram, ultrasound, biopsy, MRI, CT scan and bone scan within a week at Northwestern/CDH.    Results show that the cancer is in at least one lymph node and there is evidence of vascular invasion in the breast as well.  The good news is there is no sign of metastasis.  Keith and I met with an excellent oncologist today from Northwestern and have decided to follow his treatment plan.  We are taking the most  aggressive approach to ensure we kill off any lingering cells looking for a home.  Chemo will begin the second week in January, every 2 weeks for at least 4 months.   Approximately 6 to 8 weeks later, radiation and surgery will follow. 

 You may be asking, what is up with the broccoli?  When Keith and I shared the news with the kids, they said "I hate the C word".   So, we voted and chose my least favorite food and renamed the cancer.  So, mom does not have breast cancer but she has "broccoli in the boob".  

Thank you for the outpouring of love and prayers.  Thank you for the encouraging emails, texts, letters and gifts.  Feeling very blessed and full of hope. With your love, support and prayers, I will kick this broccoli flat on its ass.  

"Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding".
Proverbs 3:5


Happy New Year!  May 2019 bring you much peace, happiness, good health and lots of laughter.
Much love,
Jackie