Jackie Berrien

In 2008, my family and I were faced with a challenge that we fought to overcome. By 2009, I was back on my feet again, I had beat breast cancer, and was feeling well again.  In the interim, we've had great family times.  But unfortunately, this year, 2017, we are being put to the test again.  

We came back to New Jersey in May and I started my yearly wellness checkups.  The results of some of the testing were positive and needed to be addressed immediately.   I wasn't feeling well the beginning of June and saw the doctor.  He didn't like the way my stomach felt and sent me to the Emergency Room.  

Long story short, after extensive work ups, the conclusion is that I have stage 4 breast cancer that has metastasized into my abdominal area.  To date, the cancer has not spread to any organs and all is contained.  It is the same breast cancer I had in 2008, just in a different location.

While developing a treatment plan for the cancer, June and July turned into the proverbial "perfect shit storm" of several issues coming to a head all at once.  I began retaining a lot of fluid in my legs and random bruises were popping up.  Scans showed many blood clots had formed in both legs.  Somehow, my kidneys became blocked, they swelled, and then shut down.  Stents were placed to open and help drain the kidneys.  My bladder began spasming, perhaps from the catheter put in to help with fluid removal. I also developed  thrush.  It was a unique combination of viruses that created ulcerations in my mouth which required a different course of antibiotics than is usually administered.  Whew!

With these issues (hopefully!) now under control, I am on the mend and looking forward to moving to a rehab center to get my strength back after nearly a month in bed.