I have some news to share. In July, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I am only 33 years old.
I have always been very OCD about doing my self exams. My mom had breast cancer when she was 47, and she had another pre-cancerous lump last year. So breast health has always been very important to me. I found the lump in June and immediately made an appointment to see the doctor. She referred me for an ultrasound where all they could tell me was that it definitely wasn't a cyst. Then I went to a surgeon for a biopsy. A week later, on July 12, I found out I had breast cancer - HER2+, stage 2. I was sent for other tests, to a plastic surgeon, and finally decided to go ahead and do a double mastectomy. The surgeon was amazing and did a DIEP flap procedure, transplanting my abdominal fat for reconstruction.
Now I'm recovered from surgery and just started chemo last week. It's going to be hard. It's going to take time. But I will make it through. I will be stronger than ever. And I am going to scrapbook the whole process. After all, scrapbooking is my therapy.
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This is the first layout - the cover page - for my cancer album. I had the pictures taken by Samantha Farkash Photograpy before I had my surgery and she did an amazing job. For the layout, I used a sketch from the My Mind's Eye blog:
Thank you for reading my story, and don't forget to do your breast exams!
Jen, what a touching post. I love that page and that image with the word strong. You are so strong. I wish the best for you and am amazed about your positive attitude. I look forward to seeing all the pages you create and share. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteLeslie
p.s. I am so glad to have such an amazing and strong person on my DT!!
Amazing post and amazing layout..stay strong and positive! Thank you for sharing you story! Sending love n prayers!
ReplyDeletescrapbooking is THERAPY-it's how I came into this crafty obsession...you are brave to document it from the beginning and here's hoping that today is a good day in the treatment journey....great layout!
ReplyDeleteHi Jenny. I just started following your blog because I was so touched by your journey story of strength and standing tall. The album you are creating will be so awesome because of your fantastic beginning LO.Scrapbooking is creative therapy I this because it is my therapy. While I sit each day in a wheelchair I love scrapbooking, creating cards, altered art work and etc..I so love your LO. Awesome. TFS! Praying for you.
ReplyDeleteHuggies!!
Rachelle
xxx
Your layout is right! You are amazing and strong!
ReplyDeleteKeeping in my prayers for a quick and healthly recovery.
Hi Jenny! I was reading up on your cancer journey and just had a quick question about your blog. I was hoping you could email me back when you get the chance, thanks!
ReplyDeleteEmily