Jolie Patterson

I went to the Breast Diagnostic center on March 9th expecting a routine mammogram. It turned out to be not so routine. The mammogram revealed I had two fair sized tumors on my left breast. I had an ultrasound that showed I also had a sizeable tumor in my arm pit. When the doctor said I should be prepared for a cancer diagnosis I was already mentally preparing myself. I had a biopsy that morning and found out on March 10th it was indeed cancer. I saw a breast surgeon the following week who biopsied the tumor in my lymph and I found out the next day it was also cancer. I’m still going to appointments at this point, so I don’t have all the details, but my surgery will be scheduled sometime after April 12th at my request due to family needs. Surgery will be followed by chemotherapy and then radiation. This all sounds pretty bad, but I have a lot of things going for me. Faith, Hope and Love!!

 

1.   I have a strong faith and relationship with Jesus. So many wonderful Bible verses and Christian songs go through my head on a daily, sometimes hourly basis. This is a wonderful source of comfort, encouragement and strength!

2.  I have hope – this isn’t the end for me. This isn’t a death sentence, it’s a crummy year sentence.  I have the most common breast cancer you can get, so there’s a lot known about this type. I have the best combination of factors I could get – my tumors are estrogen and progesterone positive and Her2 negative. I’m a ++-. I also have an amazing team of doctors that are seasoned, credentialed and respected for their expertise.

3.  Love!! I have amazing family and friends who love me and have been very supportive, reassuring, caring and compassionate. 

 

Since you are now part of this community, you must fall into category 3 and for that we are grateful! Thank you so much for caring enough to share this journey with me and my family. Your prayers are greatly appreciated. Love to you all.