Jenni's Breast Cancer Journey: Faith, Family and Optimism
| Date Posted: 10/21/2021
Jenni Abbott’s Facebook profile says, “Wife, Mom, Christ-Follower. Lover of Books, Music, Food and Fun.” In early February 2021, the Southern Pines resident added “Breast Cancer Warrior” to her list of roles and accomplishments -- and took her friends on family on a virtual breast cancer journey with her.
Jenni graciously agreed for FirstHealth of the Carolinas, where she is a patient, to chronicle her journey through a re-creation of her social media posts during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. She offered raw insights about her experience but always infused optimism and faith.
In December 2020, Jenni went to Pinehurst Radiology for her annual mammogram. No big deal, she thought. However, the mammogram quickly advanced into an ultrasound, which quickly advanced into a discussion with a surgeon about a breast biopsy. Jenni was stunned. “Breast cancer was the farthest thing from my mind,” she said. “I was healthy and active 40-year-old.”
On January 8, 2021, Jenni and Sidney met with her oncologist and learned her diagnosis, stage 2 invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC). The most common type of breast cancer, IDC starts in the milk ducts and invades the surrounding tissue. In some cases, cancer may spread, or metastasize, to other parts of the body through the lymphatic system and bloodstream.
IDC can have four types of treatments – chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation and anti-hormone therapy. Jenni’s case called for all four. “I've never done anything small in my life,” Jenni said. “As always, go big or go home.”
Read Jenni's blogs for more details about her journey:
- New Role, New World
- Prepping for Chemo - Body and Soul
- Toxins, Tears and Triumphs
- Deep in the Valley but Always Looking Up
- Chemo Roller Coasters and Chemo Tips
- Actual Last Day of Chemo, First Walk in a While
- Radiation and Rockin' Out
- Hey World, I'm Back! But Let Me Take a Nap First
- We Did It!
FirstHealth Cancer Services is a leading-edge provider of North Carolina cancer care and provides high-quality, compassionate cancer care that’s close to home. Learn more.
