Jeannette's Story
Apr
26
Written by:
4/26/2010 11:00 AM
Six months ago, Jeanette Robinson didn't know the Cancer Center existed
today, she says it feels like a second home!
It was during a routine exam that something was detected on Jeannette's right breast and during follow-up that the beginning stages of breast cancer was detected in the left. "Fortunately," says Jeanette, "it was the 'good cancer' non-aggressive!" And while she says she cried for a week, today everything seems to be going well.
"I'm so glad I wound up at Griffin Hospital. This place is a God- send and I'm so glad they built it. Going to New Haven would have been an hour each way and since I didn't qualify for their new procedure, I was able to come here. Every day for 10 weeks. It feels like a second home. Everyone is welcoming, they answer all your questions, and they give you all the information you need. I have no complaints."
Jeanette is a bubbly red head with two sons, one with special needs. She's been unemployed for the past two years after working nearly 20 years in the school system and 11 ½ years at a day care center. Until recently, she had no insurance. But she doesn't let it get her down.
"After learning you have cancer," said Jeanette, "and trying to survive, you get very spiritual
and it's funny, but when you have something serious, you call for help from above. God comes when I need him," Jeanette says.
Since completing chemotherapy, Jeanette has joined Woman to Woman, a cancer support group and is enrolled in a Reiki course. She plans to help out at the Center in any way she can. "I'm serious about this," says Jeanette, "serious about doing it and doing it right. My family always told me I had Grandma's hands. She had the healing touch. And they told me I had it too. Once, when my niece who sings was so nervous and afraid she got a stomach ache, I had her close her eyes and I put my hands on her shoulders and meditated. Then I had her take two deep breaths before she opened her eyes. And when she did, her stomach ache and nervousness were completely gone. It gave her courage and she went on that stage and sang her heart out."
"If I can do that for people, if I can give them courage
or help them heal, I want to use that gift my grandmother's healing hands - for the betterment of other cancer patients."
Jeanette Robinson
Naugatuck, CT