The Campaign for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital

Janyce's Story

dgandy@griffinhealth.org — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 21:51:00 GMT

Janyce was diagnosed with breast cancer a year and a half ago. Since then, she has undergone chemotherapy, radiation, a mastectomy, reconstruction surgery and an entire year of IV infusion treatments. And while Janyce still faces five years of hormonal therapy, she's cancer free and says love has seen her through it.

When Janyce felt the lump, she got a bad feeling. It had been two years since her last mammogram; she wasn't due for another year! But still, there it was.

Janyce always considered herself a poster child for problematic mammograms. If something could go wrong, it usually did. Years earlier, Janyce sought to be tested for the breast cancer gene mutation (BRCA) associated with an increased risk of breast cancer and potentially ovarian cancer, but her insurance didn't cover the test, and it was costly - $5,000. With a family history of breast cancer (her mother died of breast cancer at the age of 59; her aunt, at age 44), it was recommended she have a mammogram every three years - and she did. But Janyce says it wasn't enough. When she felt the 'lump,' she hoped for the best, but feared the worse.

Janyce's physician confirmed her suspicions and referred her to a surgeon in New Haven where she lives. Prompted by her co-workers who highly recommended Griffin surgeon, Dr. Ihor Ponomarenko, (Janyce is an LCSW in the Department of Psychiatry at Griffin), Janyce visited area facilities before making her decision. Janyce says once she walked into the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital, it was an easy one. "I knew I would have a different experience here," says Janyce, "not because I work at Griffin, but because it's not the same at other facilities.

"Everyone should have a doctor like Dr. Ponomarenko and Doctors (Greg) Angstreich and (Joyce) Chung", says Janyce. "The nurses and the entire staff at the Center were professional and caring, and felt like family. It's a strange and scary time; you share the most intimate aspects of your life. But they made it bearable. The only thing missing was a pedicure (or manicure) during treatment; everything else was there - wonderful staff; warm, comfortable environment; support of family and friends."

Janyce credits the love of her family and friends (she's married with two children, a 12 year old daughter and 9 year old son) and her job with giving her the strength to get through this past year and a half. "It's overwhelming in the beginning, but somehow you do it; you find the energy," says Janyce.

Janyce says she and her family are lucky to have "so many people who love us." They were there to help coordinate meals, clean house, help with the children, etc. "The time during my IV infusions was my 'time of reflection'" says Janyce, "allowing me space to process what was happening." And coming to work (relatively speaking, she missed very little time) "being there for others helped me know I was more than a patient. It gives you perspective and reminds you of what you're grateful for," concluded Janyce "The payoff is seeing my children grow up."

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Tags: Cancer,Breast Cancer,breast wellness,survivors stories,Griffin Hospital,felt the lump,family and friends,Campaign for Breast Wellness

Category: Survivors' Stories

Monica's Story

dgandy@griffinhealth.org — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 05:39:00 GMT

"Most of all, I didn't want my children to think I was going to die!"

I had always done periodic breast self-exams and it was during one of those times that I thought I felt 'something'. Several days later, there it was again - same spot and it didn't move. I made an appointment and my worse suspicions were confirmed. It was my first mammogram - and I was diagnosed with breast cancer.

I was referred to Dr. Kathleen Minnick, a breast surgeon, who I truly believe was here for me - to help me through this time in my life (Dr. Minnick has since left the area). She was awesome and I am grateful that we had a specialist in the field. Even though Dr. Minnick had cautioned me that in rare instances a second surgery is needed, I was totally unprepared for that call. It was worse than learning I had breast cancer, but with the help of the Griffin staff, and my family, I got through it.

I truly believe when you show fear others around share your emotions. I've always been a positive, outgoing person who needs people around me. And I didn't want to be depressed. Most of all, I didn't want my children to think I was going to die! So I invited my entire family to accompany me during my chemo visits - husband, 12-year old daughter, 15-year old son, mother, sister, and a few friends. And they all came. Sometimes there were as many as seven people there with me at the same time. Having loved ones around helped me so much, I agreed to let my daughter's Girl Scout troop (7 including her) visit during one of my treatments as their community service project to earn a badge. The girls baked and distributed brownies and cookies to the chemo patients and staff and toured the Cancer Center. Now my daughter was telling me about the treatment I was undergoing.

This whole experience has changed me for the better. I've bonded with my children who have matured during this process; I've renewed an old friendship and we're now closer than ever. I've gained a new perspective on life. And pink is now my color!

I don't know where this path is taking me. I just know I have to continue to help. Recently, I teamed up with another mom (of a friend of my daughter's) who went through lung cancer. We're participating in Relay for Life in June and are currently planning a fundraiser.

They say you get out of life what you give. I plan to do a lot more giving!

Monica

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Category: Survivors' Stories

Jeannette's Story

dgandy@griffinhealth.org — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 16:00:00 GMT

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

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