Jodi Boisjolie

My story only started a short time ago but it feels as if it seems like centuries ago. I was also diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer on Dec. 4th, 2015. It was highly recommend that I take one of two options of removal of the "mass." I decided a double mastectomy with reconstructive surgery was the way to go. The surgery date was given a short 11 days later. My only request was to not be in the hospital over Christmas. I needed to keep life "normal" and consistent for my family. Oh, I almost forgot...I am at the ripe age of 39 with a WONDERFUL spouse and 4 kids. Who would have thought this was my destiny? Weeks went by and I was suggested to meet with an oncologist to review my findings. He stated my next BIGGEST FEAR! YOU NEED CHEMO! I sat in the waiting room in our local cancer center and watched many individuals walk by who were ill, losing hair and who were staring right back at me. I thought many times why am I here? Then the answer hit me, you are strong and you have been healthy up to this point in life. Quit your crying and pull up your big girl pants and do this! I went to the scheduler and she asked, Jodi when would you like to start? I didn't know how to answer. She then said, tonight there is a cancer support group. Maybe this will help you decide. So, I took her advice and went. I had made up my mind but it won't hurt to seek out info. I always said, knowledge is power and I have a whole lot of power in me! I left after the group was finished that night and knew I had to do it! I just received my date to start chemo, January 28th, 2016. So in the meantime, I will celebrate my 40th birthday on this Thursday, guess what present I just ordered for myself. Not a new car, not clothing, nor jewelry. A wig! Heck, I need to bring 40 in with style and look good! Today, a coworker brought in your article and gave it to me. I found it inspiring and will run out tomorrow and buy your book to read in chemo. Thank you for your outlook and strength for other to deal with this hard situation.