FirstHealth of the Carolinas Inc.
10/21/2021 | News release | Distributed by Public on 10/21/2021 08:37
Jenni's Breast Cancer Journey: Prepping for Chemo - Body and Soul
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 recreation of her social media posts. She offered raw insights about her experience but always infused optimism and faith. This is the second of eight blogs about Jenni and her breast cancer experience. Read part one.
Feb. 18
Me & my mama! We took her out to dinner tonight to our favorite Ashten's. As this breast cancer journey continues and we move on towards chemo & other treatments, we are more-than-words thankful for all the people that have helped us, prayed for us, made us a meal, stopped by to say hello, sent a sweet card, gift or greeting. Life is made to share, and we are so grateful to share our life with YOU!
Feb. 25
Here is a little update…
I had my portacath placed on Tuesday. I definitely had underestimated that procedure - not sure why I didn't expect it to be a legit surgery. But, goodness, it was! I came home with my left side still sore from the lumpectomy and now my right side is unable to be touched as well because of the port.
I couldn't hug my kids! I couldn't use my right arm! It just was a disaster! So, I became an emotional basket case and cried over everything. Which, if you know me, is the opposite of me!!!
Thankfully, I woke up on Wednesday determined to not stay in bed or wallow in self-pity. I ran errands with my mom and went to my surgeon follow-up appointment… She released me from her care until June, and she told me that I no longer have to wear a sports bra 24/7 (Praise the Lord!)
I spent the majority of the day at my mom's Airbnb and the change of scenery was very good for my soul, as well as the sunshine! ☀️ Thank you NC for this lovely weather!
I start chemo on Tuesday. I will have six rounds of chemo, every three weeks. However, one of the medical treatments will continue to be administered via infusion (IV, like chemo) until March 2022. So, forever. I will lose my hair as a side effect. I'm planning on letting my stylist cut my hair cutie-short soon. Stay tuned!
March 1
My heart is so full knowing that I have so many good friends, especially including this one, who are praying and loving on me during this time!
We decided to go ahead and cut my hair short today so I could get used to having less hair. I think it looks great!! Thank you, Jamie Renà Mann, Hair Affair Studio.
FirstHealth Cancer Services offers Look Good, Feel Better, a free program that teaches female cancer patients beauty tips to look good and feel better about how their appearance during chemotherapy and radiation. Learn more about Look Good, Feel Better.