We have detected that JavaScript is currently disabled. CaringBridge is best viewed with JavaScript enabled.

Jerri’s Story

Site created on May 24, 2019

Welcome to our CaringBridge website. We are using it to keep family and friends updated in one place. We appreciate your support and words of hope and encouragement. Thank you for visiting. My story starts back in February with a routine mammogram at Mosaic Life Care. I got the call a few days after my mammogram that I needed to come back out for a 2nd mammogram, I was a little irritated at first as I had been going to North KC for my mammograms over the last 4-5 years and had 3D mammogram the year before and had told Mosaic to get my records to compare, so I didn't think they had had enough time to even do that. So, I told them to go check my records out from North KC. Well, a few more days passed and I got my 2nd phone call saying they still needed to see me for another mammogram and possible a sonogram while I was there. I am not sure why, but I was still irritated with them, but I went ahead and made the appointment and made plans to take time off to go. My 2nd mammogram came back negative and my sonogram showed I needed to have 2 biopsies done on my left breast. Everything was scheduled very fast for me. During the biopsy, I was awake, it was very odd feeling but I was all numb. They talked me through everything at the hospital. The following week, I found at one spot was negative and the other cancer. I was set up to meet with a general surgeon to discuss my options and find out what my cancer was. I was diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, hormonal driven and HER2+. I then went to visit with the plastic surgeon to listen to my options with him. After listening to both doctors, I was convinced, I wanted to at least remove the breast with the cancer in it. So, I think discussed what would that mean for m and my other breast in the means of later of matching, getting cancer etc. It soon just became a no brainer to me that I needed to remove both breasts. So, my path was set in motion for the 2 surgeons to find a date for the surgery to take place. It all took place on April 4, 2019, my double mastectomy and the start of my reconstruction as the expanders were put in place. I'm not going to lie - this was one of the most painful surgeries I have EVER had and have EVER had to recover from. I think mostly because I had to depend on other to help me so much and not being able to use my arms to push myself up. But, I made it through this part! I did 3 week out need a 2nd surgery on my right breast because it wasn't healing as well and needed some touch ups to get the skin to healing. On to recovery from there to get chemo.

Newest Update

Journal entry by Jerri Mapel — May 28, 2020

Today was my next to last treatment day! It's been awhile since I posted, much has happened. We have had to deal with Covid and quarantine for several weeks now. But, in that time frame, I have finished several treatments and hit my 1 year mark! So, in 3 weeks, I will have my last treatment! From there, I will continue pill therapy for 5 to 10 years. I will continue to see my Oncologist for follow up visits and they will start to spread apart as time goes on. I will need one last Echo done in July to check on my heart, but so far they have been fine. I will also follow up with my General Surgeon and possibly get my port removed later in the summer. Next on my list, is a follow up revision surgery with my plastic surgeon, if all goes well that will happen next week. My hair has been coming back in gray/dark and I can't wait for it to get longer! I'm so thankful the caps are history! Below is a picture of me with my boys on Mother's Day. Aaron was getting ready to leave for Highway Patrol Academy, so he was dressed up to head back. We enjoy his visits on the weekend and look forward to him graduating on June 26th. He will be stationed in Nodaway/Worth area, so is looking for a place to live up in Maryville. We are thankful he will be close to us. Thank you for your support over the last year. It has meant more than you know to me. I am looking forward to some celebrating when this is all over.

Read More of the journal titled "May 28, 2020"

Mother's Day (Aaron left, Lucas right)

Patients and caregivers love hearing from you; add a comment to show your support.

Help Jerri Stay Connected to Family and Friends

A $25 donation to CaringBridge powers a site like Jerri's for two weeks. Will you make a gift to help ensure that this site stays online for them and for you?

Comments Hide comments

Read More Journal Entries

Show Your Support

See the Ways to Help page to get even more involved.

Personal Fundraiser

Support Links

Helpful Requests

Go to Ways to Help