How did you find out you had cancer?
Something was not right – went to doctor – testing found cervical cancer in 2004. Then PET / CT scan caught the breast cancer 2005. I truly believe, the cervical cancer saved my life – Had I not had the PET scans from the cervical cancer, I would be dead from the breast cancer because it was so deep and the lump would have had to grow a lot to be felt , at which time would be too late! God takes what is meant for evil and uses it for good!
Who did you tell about your diagnosis first and how did you tell them?
Cervical cancer: I told my co workers then friends/family. Breast cancer: my boyfriend was in my office when the doctor called to tell me.
How did you cope with the diagnosis?
God helped me tremendously and I am an optimistic person. Attitude is so important – find and read encouraging quotes, scriptures and associate with uplifting and positive people! I stood on this verse: “For I know the PLANS I have for you declares the Lord, PLANS to prosper you, not to harm you, PLANS to give you hope and a future! “ Jeremiah 29:11
How did you deal with the effects of chemotherapy in your day to day life?
One day at a time. I didn’t lose my hair the first year… did the second. It was a challenge to face the chemo as it is nasty! But life does go on. I continued working the second time, but the first time they didn’t let me go back to work for 4 months. I shopped a lot!
How did family and friends show you support and encouragement?
They were all so precious… I received so many calls and cards… it was awesome! I could feel the prayers.
How long have you been cancer free?
5 years cervical cancer / 4 years breast cancer
How has the experience changed you?
I believe it makes you more aware how very blessed we are and how very precious this life is and your loved ones. Don’t sweat the small stuff! I got hold of some very specific scriptures from the Bible and held on!! One of my daily prayers is “Thank you God for LIFE and HEALTH and BREATH!!” Psalms tells me I get 70-80 years! Genesis promises 120 years. I’ll take 100 please!
How does the threat of recurrence affect your life?
I try to stay aware of my body… but I believe I am healthy for a reason! God is not finished with me yet!
What advice would you give someone battling cancer right now?
Stay strong. Don’t listen to man’s report, listen to God’s! Cancer is not a death sentence. LIVE your life NOW! The day’s we are given are gifts from above. RESEARCH! Understand what is happening to you and ask questions of your doctors, don’t just let them make all the decisions. Be involved and aggressive! It’s YOUR BODY!
How did you get through the tough days?
Music, prayer, getting outdoors with nature and with the support of many wonderful incredible people who love me!
Did you do something to pamper yourself during treatment? What and why?
I went and had a pedicure and manicure! I had a massage too!
What is the most memorable piece of advice you got when you were diagnosed?
To keep fighting!
Who is in your support system?
Friends, Family, Church friends, Co-Workers
What is the most extraordinary thing someone did for you?
Wow, that is so hard to say. I had people I rarely heard from or saw that were not close friends who sent money in the mail, co-workers offered to give up some of their leave-time to give to me for my time off. My sister had me come stay at her house when I came home from the hospital for the first surgery. She had a beautiful room all ready and bought me new PJ’s. She had a tray with blank cards, magazines, pens, calendar, journal – so very thoughtful! She asked what I wanted to eat while there and prepared wonderful meals which were served on trays. I felt like I was staying at a bed and breakfast!
Tell us a little bit about your life today.
My life today is full and happy. I do live each day as if it were a gift. I’m active – I work 2 jobs, but I make sure to schedule play time and time with family members. I am very active with Relay for Life and Race for the Cure. I always try to give encouragement to others going through trials in their lives. When friends find out someone is going through a similar circumstance, they refer the person to me for information, encouragement, scriptures etc. God takes our misery and turns it into our ministry! 2 Corinthians 1:4 NLT He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. (Later on you can also HELP OTHERS!!)
(PS…. I am about to become a GRANDMOTHER for the first time!! My daughter (who will be 30 November 28th is expecting a little girl in about 5 weeks!!! I MUST stay healthy to SPOIL HER PROPERLY!!!! LOL)
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Living life out loud!!!
What is your greatest passion, favorite hobby?
I love the outdoors, waterfalls, creeks, woods, hiking (also reading, some creative writing, and movies).
If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would it be?
Europe (especially Italy) and Israel.
If you could possess any superpower, what would it be?
To REALLY be a Genie (my name is Jeanie)
How would you describe yourself in three words?
Vivacious, Haphazard, Passionate
Who inspires you and why?
There are so many awesome people who take hard difficult circumstances and turn them into hope and comfort for others! … There was an elderly lady at CARTI who was getting radiation so she could live longer! She was over 100!!!! I loved it!! She didn’t look a day over 80 either! I thought… I want to be like her!!!
Another elderly woman who went to my Mother’s church broke her arm jumping rope with her great-grandchild. She cracked the cast off with a hammer and removed it after only two weeks! I want to grow up to be just like these women!!
Are there any other messages you would like to share?
So very many… but not enough time or room! I have put together several pages of scriptures, quotes, stories of encouragement and hope that I share with people who are going through difficult times. I told God a long time ago that I praised and thanked Him for saving and healing my body and that I would tell that anyone who gave me the opportunity! I’ve included a few of these below:
Sorrow looks back, Worry looks around, but faith looks up!
Live simply, love generously, care deeply, speak kindly and trust in our Creator who loves us.
Do not worry about anything;
instead, pray about everything.
Philippians 4:6
“Earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal.”
The refiner is never very far from the mouth of the furnace when HIS gold is in the fire.
C.H. Spurgeon
“…I will refine them like silver and test them like gold. They will call on my name and I will answer them; I will say, ‘They are my people’ and they will say, ‘The Lord is our God.’”
Jeanie,
Your attitude and faith is amazing. You are quite an inspiration.
Sis,
You know I love you very much. I am very proud of you and how you persevered through your ordeal.
I know God shows his handiwork through his healing grace. Today, yesterday, and forever.
Love,
BB
Jeanie,
You are a truly amazing and special person. Always keep the faith.
Luv ya!
Jeanie is a former student and I am not surprised at her wonderful attitude! As another breast cancer survior, I appreciate her willingness to share and spread the positive outlook as well as the support of the scriptures in her daily life. She is an inspiration!
Jeanie,
You are an amazing person and have a wonderful attitiude!
I love you.
Opal
Jeanie, glad to hear you are doing so well.
Love, Jim
Jeanie is a remarkable woman. I witnessed first hand her positive attitude when going through all the chemo treatments and her courage when facing her own mortality. Jeanie has such un-shakable faith in God and that He would heal her. She has such a love for life and I really believe, she is favored by God. She lives her life in His service.
Not only has God blessed Jeanie with complete healing, He has also blessed those of us on the sidelines who know and love Jeanie. We were there to support her while she was going through her cancer tribulations but, it was Jeanie who comforted us. Jeanie has given the rest of us peace and hope because of the way she handled this situation. I’m still amazed because she never gave into defeat or allowed those around her to be defeated.
I pray that I never get cancer but if I do, I hope that I will remember Jeanie’s example and pray that I would be able to deal with it with the same dignity and positive attitude that she did. I hope she does live to be 100. This world is a better place with people like Jeanie in it.
In closing, live on and live long Jeanie. Thank you for being you. I’ve never met anyone else like you. Take care and enjoy your new grandbaby when (he or she) arrives.
Terry Dailey
Jeanie,
I have watched you through all this and your faith has been so strong. You truly are an inspiration. I admire you very much because you never let this get you down and I know we’ll be friends for a long time. You are a survivor.
Jeannie, I’m so glad you have this opportunity share.
glen
Jeanie,
I can honestly say…you are one of a kind! But, I wish there were MANY more like you
I have never known a more happy, upbeat, passionate person than you are. You truly WALK your TALK…that is SO encouraging in these crazy days we live in. I can think of no other person I would rather have on my side than you…in good times or bad.
I pray for you often…and thank God continuously that your time on this earth wasn’t done. You have honored your committment to give Him the glory for your healing and all His blessings…and I KNOW He will continue to honor you for your faithfulness.
Honored to call you my friend,
Kara
I am one of Jeanie’s co-workers and can attest to her positive attitude. She has grasped a great truth! That God can always be counted on to do His Word. I’m very proud of you, Jeanie. May the glorious grace of His Presence be always with you, and may you continue to walk in the Light of His love.
Hi Jeanie………..we are survivors……Jannis
JEANIE,
THOUGH I DID KNOW YOU WHEN YOU WERE DEALING WITH YOUR CANCER, I HAVE NO DOUBT THAT YOU DEALT WITH IT HEAD ON! YOU ARE ONE OF THE STRONGEST PEOPLE I KNOW AND I LOVE YOU DEARLY. I WATCHED MY GRANDMOTHER TAKE HER LAST BREATH AS SHE BATTLED WITH CANCER FOR MANY YEARS. I WATCHED MY MOM AND CRIED FOR MY MOM AS SHE, TOO HAD HER BATTLE WITH CANCER. IT WAS”YOU”, JEANIE THAT HELPED ME THROUGH THAT TIME. YOU GAVE ME ADVICE AND KEPT US IN YOUR PRAYERS AND FOR THAT I THANK YOU. YOU WERE SUCH A COMFORT TO ME DURING THAT TIME BECAUSE YOU HAD BEEN THROUGH IT YOURSELF. LIKE YOU, MY MOM SHOWED THE CANCER WHO WAS BOSS AND SHE WON!! JEANIE, I FEEL HONORED THAT GOD HAS ALLOWED ME TO KNOW YOU. YOU ARE SUCH AN INSPIRATION TO SO MANY PEOPLE. YOU ARE A FIGHTER AND YOU REFUSED TO LET YOUR CANCER TAKE YOU DOWN! YOU GO, GIRL! CONGRADULATIONS ON ALL OF YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND THANK YOU FOR BEING THE PERSON AND FRIEND THAT YOU ARE…………LOVE, HEATHER
You are truly an inspiration, Jeanie! Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
Jeanie,
YOUR ATTITUDE IS AMAZING!!!
We have only spoke on the phone and are now FB friends but I feel like I have known you for years. As you know my mom is a breast cancer survivor and my dad is currently fighting hard to beat his cancer. I find strength and encouragement daily from your FB updates., I hope that if I am ever faced with this challenge I have 1/2 the strength and faith that you have.
You are truely one of a kind. Thank you so much for sharing your story.
Misty N.
Hey Jeanie…read your SPOTLIGHT!!! You are one of my heroes!!! I love ya J.W.!!!!! Becky Boo
Jeanie darling my family is blessed to know you and to call you family! I am constantly encouraged by you. We are so proud of you! We love you!
Jeanie,
I have known you for about 39 years or so. You have always had an incredible amount of energy and a positive outlook than is unbelievable. However, since surviving cancer your energy level is higher and I don’t know that I have ever met a person with such a positive outlook and desire to live life so fully.
Your “life force” comes from the source of life and I love how you enjoying sharing your faith. I am proud to be your firend.
Tom
vivacious, haphazard, passionate………now I know we’re related……..
I’m proud for you…..perhaps I’ll have a similar story in a year or so……..I return for chemo this week…Prsy for me as I do you.
Jeanie has always been a tough cookie, hard worker, and has a presence of sheer joy about her. There was never any doubt in my mind that she would not come out of this obstacle with flying colors. God needs people like her in this world to bring the rest of us to His peace and His love. I’m so proud to know her for all these years growing up and I mean it when I say, she IS a rare gem that is one in a million!
Jeanie
I am so happy to hear that you are doing well. God has so blessed you. Scriptures tell us that from bad things comes good to those who know the Lord. God bless you
Rodney
Jeanie,
Thanks for having the courage to share not just your story but your faith. It takes extreme courage to face a diagnosis of cancer not once but twice and walk away with such a positive attitude. Your story is not only a blessing to those who read this, but a blessing to our Lord to because you continue to hold strong in your faith. Continue to be “Strong and Courageous!” You are truly an inspiration for many!
Your friend always,
Sue
Jeanie,
You are such a strong person. I am so glad you shared your story and to hear you are doing so good. God does have a plan for you. You have always been an inspiration to so many people. You enjoy that little grand daughter and spoil her good.
Love ya,
Debbie
Jeanie,
You are a true tesitimony and inspiration. I thank God for you and am so thankful he has allowed me the privilege to know you and call you my friend!
Please continue to have that beautiful smile and positive attitude that benfits others!
Love ya,
Janet Harris
Jeanie,
What an inspiration you are! I am so glad I ahve gotten to know you and thank you for all your help. You are always in my prayers. May God bless you now and always. May your heart flutter gracefully closer to the heart of Christ. Ask and it will be given to you. Search and you will find. Knock and the door will be opened for you. Matthew 7:7
Love, Peggy
Dearest Jeanie,
My goodness gracious…. I am simply overywhelmed at all the reply’s above and would like to say DOUBLE DITTO to all of them. They are a testiment of your life. Your abounding fatith, goodness and energy is some of the things I love most about you. I have never met anyone that handled cancer (2 TIMES) the way you did. You comforted us more than we were ever allowed to comfort you, You never lost your spirit, your hope, or your love to make our lives easier even though you were the one sick. You are a miracle of life Jeanie. You touch us daily with God’s blessings and I am so thankful to be called your friend…
Love you,
Amy
You Rock!! What an awesome attitude. I’m excited about working with you this year..I look forward to developing a great friendship.
Jeanie,
I knew when I heard the first diagnosis that you were going to come out of this the winner that you are! I am so glad that you are allowing His Light to shine in you! You give hope to me and so many others. You know that we have woods and plenty of trails to walk and we’re working on a Japanese woodland garden, so you can come enjoy nature anytime you want. The garden part may take a little vision at this time, but I know you have that by your testimony! Thank you Jeanie, for being you.
In His Love,
Tina