Janet's Cancer & Cardiac Story
I am a two-time cancer survivor and a heart attack survivor. I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s disease when I was 23 years old. I was in a late stage of the disease; I had multiple tumors. I thought I would not make it. I received a year of chemotherapy, a year of radiation and seven surgeries. I felt devastated and alone. It took two years of God’s graces, medical therapies and personal perseverance to cure me of metastatic cancer. I felt it was a miracle, a gift from God. I believe that my life and all of our lives are gifts.
In spite of my past cure for Hodgkin’s disease, I was shocked to discover that I was not immune to getting another terminal diagnosis which was breast cancer in 2003. Even the word “breast cancer” let alone any “cancer” terminology frightened me and left me feeling immobilized in a state of complete disbelief.
My recent breast cancer diagnosis is the result of my past intensive radiation treatments that I received for my first cancer, Hodgkin’s disease. This type of radiation is no longer used. It’s astonishing to think that the treatment for one type of cancer could cause another type of cancer. I never thought I could get “cancer” again. I thought, for sure, I would die this time around with my breast cancer diagnosis.
“How could anyone survive two types of metastatic cancers?” As a result of in depth personal reflection, I finally chose to have a bilateral mastectomy in order to save my life. Unfortunately, for me, there were no other options.
You would think that the two cancer diagnoses were enough. On February 5, 2015 I underwent a successful laparoscopic surgery and it was during recovery that I had a massive heart attack. A blood clot formed during surgery and occluded 100% of the right, posterior coronary artery. I experienced CPR with the Medi bag/compressions, electric paddles for heart rhythm establishment, angioplasty, and a temporary pacemaker. I was on a ventilator as I needed outside help to breathe. The Cardiologists and ICU staff were shocked to witness a 100% recovery as it is rare for anyone to survive that type of Heart Attack.
I believe it’s another miracle from God. He brought me back from the edges of death to life again. I realize how fragile life is and the importance of God’s love manifested in caring, supportive, kind people. Angels are among us; I saw them in my family, friends, clergy, doctors, nurses and in loving pets.
Whether I have a “cancer” or “cardiac” diagnosis, I now realize that I am fully capable of living my life with an open heart. All of us are capable of loving others and ourselves completely until the end of our days. This personal truth comforts me and gently guides me on my life journey. I now have the courage to endure life’s mountains as well as the dark depths of its valleys.
My jewelry of hope and other handmade gifts are a reflection of my heart. 100% of my profits are donated to help other women with breast cancer. My jewelry designs depict the cancer and cardiac journey which represent courage, strength, hope, faith, love, gratitude and acceptance. When you buy a handmade gift from me, you donate at the same time. Together, all of us can make a difference for someone in need.
“We Can Do Small Things With Great Love” Mother Theresa