https://www.fiercelyjesse.com/blog daily 0.75 2023-09-13 https://www.fiercelyjesse.com/blog/57daskxhoqfha076819ce3sum52ky8 monthly 0.5 2023-09-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/610e108f0abbec0324a67ecf/1694615967661-O7TCAK10S0FHNLQ0678Y/IMG_4394.JPG Fiercely Jesse, Blog - Quick Life/Cancer Update https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/610e108f0abbec0324a67ecf/1694616106435-9SDO4KMCMYSLC9UX84KY/IMG_7394.JPG Fiercely Jesse, Blog - Quick Life/Cancer Update https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/610e108f0abbec0324a67ecf/1694616184563-ISYP4FH3O4648W8HLHX0/IMG_6060.JPG Fiercely Jesse, Blog - Quick Life/Cancer Update https://www.fiercelyjesse.com/blog/update-plus-whats-next-with-treatment monthly 0.5 2021-09-10 https://www.fiercelyjesse.com/blog/fertility-challenges-during-cancer-treatment monthly 0.5 2021-09-10 https://www.fiercelyjesse.com/blog/done-with-chemo monthly 0.5 2021-08-26 https://www.fiercelyjesse.com/blog/one-more-chemo monthly 0.5 2021-08-26 https://www.fiercelyjesse.com/blog/chemo-ups-and-downs monthly 0.5 2021-08-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/610e108f0abbec0324a67ecf/1629847376695-FPHJK151CSA5REIZOB9J/Screen+Shot+2021-08-24+at+6.22.43+PM.png Fiercely Jesse, Blog - The Up's and Down's of Post Chemo - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.fiercelyjesse.com/blog/half-way-through-chemo monthly 0.5 2021-08-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/610e108f0abbec0324a67ecf/1629847212215-GKSWUUH1ZH00WXR9O8XV/Screen+Shot+2021-08-24+at+6.19.03+PM.png Fiercely Jesse, Blog - Over Half Way Through Chemo!! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.fiercelyjesse.com/blog/easter-weekend-update monthly 0.5 2021-08-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/610e108f0abbec0324a67ecf/1629649456646-WPDV54BS97YHH8DTP3NW/606c58f53c4e7b9b24588eff.jpg Fiercely Jesse, Blog - Easter Weekend Update + Chemo Round #2 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/610e108f0abbec0324a67ecf/1629649472406-598TMTLDT4AUJ4R4UYPT/606c58f53c4e7b9b24588f03.jpg Fiercely Jesse, Blog - Easter Weekend Update + Chemo Round #2 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/610e108f0abbec0324a67ecf/1629649491477-YU14VQRLJXKJVLKDUWQ4/606c58f63c4e7b9b24588f1e.jpg Fiercely Jesse, Blog - Easter Weekend Update + Chemo Round #2 https://www.fiercelyjesse.com/blog/two-week-post-chemo monthly 0.5 2021-08-24 https://www.fiercelyjesse.com/blog/chemo-round-one-update monthly 0.5 2021-08-24 https://www.fiercelyjesse.com/blog/port-insertion-surgery monthly 0.5 2021-08-24 https://www.fiercelyjesse.com/blog/losing-my-hair monthly 0.5 2021-08-24 https://www.fiercelyjesse.com/blog/breast-cancer-diagnosis monthly 0.5 2021-08-07 https://www.fiercelyjesse.com/home daily 1.0 2021-09-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/610e108f0abbec0324a67ecf/1629797518912-C3NIHH0MN2ZJRPJISI7V/ProfPic.jpeg Home - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec321c2af33de48734cc929/1618497259178-6XJGK9GR6YAVBQL5L519/20140301_Trade-151_012-2.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec321c2af33de48734cc929/1607694583486-2PQT0LQ193RL7MCB6DX4/20140228_Trade+151_0046.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec321c2af33de48734cc929/1607694644871-IC85FNH781UNZSZEGHDR/Aro+Ha_0428.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec321c2af33de48734cc929/1607638148090-Y6OFDI575CM3NQV732RJ/Large+JPG-Aro+Ha_0387.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec321c2af33de48734cc929/1607628784608-5D22G9GPLHDSAB2IXC2G/Large+JPG-Aro+Ha_0638.jpg Home https://www.fiercelyjesse.com/about-me daily 0.75 2023-09-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/610e108f0abbec0324a67ecf/1629797620125-VK4UXMZU2G2DNDP364CV/Jesse.jpg https://www.fiercelyjesse.com/chemo-side-effects daily 0.75 2022-03-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/610e108f0abbec0324a67ecf/1628472461760-RQGNB3KJNXD2MSRN10BJ/unsplash-image-qZoMsoX527I.jpg My Chemo Experience and Side Effects - Nausea, Vomiting, & Acid Reflux - When did it start: Most of these side effects started pretty soon after my first chemo treatment. I had heartburn the day after my first chemo and then nausea/vomiting started on day 4 and continued through day 6-9. It was a little different after each chemo, but for the most part I dealt with daily waves of nausea. - What did I do once it started: I tried to get ahead of the nausea and vomiting by taking the prescriptions my doctors ordered, but I also found it helpful to keep cracker or a small snack next to my bed in case I was nauseous in the middle of the night. For the acid reflux, I advised - How did I feel (mentally/emotionally): I had a horrible fear of vomiting prior to starting chemo. Being so nauseous all the time and vomiting more than I ever had in my life helped me get over that fear pretty quickly. Vomiting definitely isn’t as traumatic as it used to be. I also kept reminding myself that these feelings would pass and I would feel better in the upcoming days. - How did I handle it: Staying on top of taking my nausea medication played a big part in keeping my nausea under control. I also tried to keep eating small amounts of bland food just to keep something in my stomach. As for the acid reflux, Pepcid AC was my best friend and was part of my daily medication regimen. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/610e108f0abbec0324a67ecf/1628331365786-5SR9MLQFBVMJ1Y0TXC8T/IMG_7954.jpg My Chemo Experience and Side Effects - Skin Related Issues - When did it start: I was lucky and I didn’t have any skin issues besides dry skin until my very last chemo treatment. After chemo #6, I developed sores on my neck, scalp and face (pictured). - What did I do once it started: For a while I tried to hide this side effect because I felt embarrassed by it. I finally showed my mom what was going on and we started using Aquaphor Healing Ointment on the affected areas. - How did I feel (mentally/emotionally): This was one of the harder side effects for me to mentally accept. I had already lost my hair so having these horrible open sores on my head and neck was just another blow to my self confidence. However, my family and friends all rallied around me and made me feel like this was just another small hurdle that I was going to have to jump through. - How did I handle it: I called my doctor once I noticed the rash getting worse and they referred me to the dermatologist. After meeting with the dermatologist, they prescribed me with a topical ointment that helped tremendously. Below is a list of the products that I used or found helpful: - Aquaphor Healing Ointment - You can get this at Ulta, Target and Amazon, https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/610e108f0abbec0324a67ecf/1628327528981-JSA7FJ1OWPO0451NMQ8J/Hair+Loss.jpeg My Chemo Experience and Side Effects - Hair Loss When did it start: I started losing my hair on the 13th day after my first chemo infusion. What did I do once it started: Shaved my head the very next day from when I noticed it falling out. I should also mention that I had reallllly long hair, so I cut off 8 inches before my hair even started to fall out. I then ended up having to completely shave my head with a razor about 4-5 weeks later. How did I feel (mentally/emotionally): I initially started to panic internally and I of course shed a few tears thinking about cutting off my long, beautiful hair… but I woke up at 3am the morning before cutting my hair and had a moment where I was completely at peace with losing my hair. To me, it is almost like a symbol of how much of a badass I am to be fighting this fight. How did I handle it: Hat wigs were an absolute wigs, hat wigs, hats I linked the wigs that I personally tried out below. I bought mine at a local wig shop, but I linked to an online shop that has them. These wigs are synthetic hair. Henry Margu Hat Wig - Short Henry Margu Hat Wig - Long - I personally like the longer one better, but that is just my preference! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/610e108f0abbec0324a67ecf/1628329685170-CTT6PQL7Q61Q2YD206NF/unsplash-image-_PDyb_7WYrs.jpg My Chemo Experience and Side Effects - Loss of Appetite & Taste Changes When did it start: My loss of appetite started pretty quickly after my first round of chemo. The lack of appetite pretty much went hand and hand with the nausea. I also experienced some change.in my taste pretty immediately after round one as well. At the time I am writing this, I am 5 weeks post chemotherapy and the taste of food is just now finally starting to be back to normal. What did I do once it started: I told my dad, who doubled as my own personal chef throughout chemo. He helped me stay on top of eating even when I didn’t want to. Without him I probably would have skipped meals which would have made me feel weaker. How did I feel (mentally/emotionally): One of the only times I have cried during my cancer journey was when I wasn’t able to eat because nothing sounded or tasted edible. I remember crying out of frustration because I knew I had to eat something but I physically couldn’t eat. This was surprisingly one of the harder obstacles I have faced since my cancer diagnosis. How did I handle it: I forced myself to eat even when I didn’t want to. On really bad days I would manage to eat some toast, applesauce, baked potatoes, noodles & butter. Mainly foods that would be easy on my stomach. Also smoothies…. when I didn’t feel like I could eat anything, I would try to drink a smoothie. I also heard that eating with bamboo cutlery helped with any kind of metallic taste. I will link some products and smoothie recipes below. Below is a list of the products that I used or found helpful: - Strawberry Banana Smoothie Recipe - 6 Healthy Superfood Smoothies - Bamboo Utensils https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/610e108f0abbec0324a67ecf/1628330229570-0VY5EBT4S33NPISMA39Z/unsplash-image-ZqYPM8i60F8.jpg My Chemo Experience and Side Effects - Diarrhea & Constipation My boyfriend and I referred to diarrhea and the ‘diet zebras.’ It was a much more humorous way for us to talk about and deal with a not some humorous situation…. that’s the explanation for why there is a zebra as the picture. - When did it start: I never really suffered from constipation except for one or two short periods of time throughout my treatments. I did have diarrhea after every one of my chemo treatments. The diarrhea would normally start on day 3-4 after each chemo session and would last off and on until about the 8th or 9th day. - What did I do once it started: I tried to stay ahead of diarrhea and constipation, but if I wasn’t lucky enough to get in front of it then I would make sure I was drinking lots of fluids. - How did I feel (mentally/emotionally): As you can imagine, it sucked and I hated every moment of it. But I just dealt with it because what other choice did I have? - How did I handle it: I told my doctor and we got me on a different regimen of medications to hopefully relieve these issues. Below is a list of the products that I used or found helpful: - Conttonelle Flushable Wipes - these were a life saver for me. Things get a little tender when you’ve had a constant case of the diet zebras, so these will really come in handy! - Anti-Diarrheal prescription from your doctor - I would 100% ask your doctor for this if diarrhea is a concern of yours. Or its even nice to have these medications on hand if ever needed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/610e108f0abbec0324a67ecf/1628438944569-Z5YVTFMFF5IGPD86GJ4T/unsplash-image-fvInY-Gh7sc.jpg My Chemo Experience and Side Effects - Eyes & Nose Issues Eyes and nose side effects included: - Bloody noses - Dry nose/nostrils - Dry eyes - When did it start: I started having bloody noses after my 2nd infusion and I started having dry eye issues after my 4th infusion. - What did I do once it started: For the bloody noses, I just tried to get the bleeding to stop as soon as possible. For the dry eyes, I went ahead and took my contacts out immediately to see if that would help. - How did I feel (mentally/emotionally): I was a little on-edge because I never knew when a bloody nose was going to strike, so that gave me some anxiety. - How did I handle it: I talked with my doctors and she prescribed me with some eye drops to help with the dry eyes. Below is a list of the products I used or found helpful: - Ayr Saline Nasal Gel - this helped tremendously for my dry nose. Just be careful when applying. - Refresh Tears - these helped tremendously with my dry eyes. My doctor also did end up writing me a prescription for some eyedrops as well. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/610e108f0abbec0324a67ecf/1628331027366-RMQ9OHGDE8OQJTLPLTUV/unsplash-image-N1bYCseTzgI.jpg My Chemo Experience and Side Effects - Dehydration & Fatigue I learned VERY quickly how important hydration and rest are during the course of my chemo treatments. Dehydration, caused my continuous diarrhea, landed me in the emergency room after my 3rd chemo infusion. - When did it start: Immediately. You should be preparing for chemo treatments by staying overly hydrated before your actual treatment. - What did I do once it started: Once dehydration has started setting in, it’s almost too late to get in front of it. At least that was my experience. I tried to stay hydrated and well rested before and after all of my chemo treatments. I would usually rest for a week before trying to make any big plans or exert too much energy, but again, everyone is different. - How did I feel (mentally/emotionally): This may sound silly, but the hydration part of recovery was one of the harder parts for me. I am not normally a huge water drinker so that came back to bite me in the butt when it came time to try to get lots of water in me. - How did I handle it: For Dehydration: For days where it was harder for me to drink water, I ate or drank popsicles, ice chips, Pedialyte, smoothies (again), apple juice, Sunny D juice. I also scheduled to go get fluids at the infusion center 1-2 times a week. I started doing this after my 2nd round of chemo. I would usually have chemo on Fridays and then I would go in on Monday/Tuesday for fluids. There was one incident where I was unable to get into the infusion center for fluids so I called a local IV therapy service, Recovery Hydration Therapy, and they came and gave me fluids. For Fatigue: REST. I rested when my body told me to rest. I was fortunate enough to have that ability since I am working flexible hours during my treatment. Below is a list of the products I used or found helpful: - H20 Capsule - Amazon - Liquid IV - I believe Walgreens/CVS also sell them https://www.fiercelyjesse.com/gallery daily 0.75 2021-08-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/610e108f0abbec0324a67ecf/9f6568e7-1308-41e4-b45b-34c0687fd988/163076929_10226123125246476_5629478439753345990_n.jpeg Gallery Straight after my port insertion surgery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/610e108f0abbec0324a67ecf/58fdb7d0-6a1b-436d-bf59-ac4f5e5d9d45/9207695A-CC73-46C1-A06E-6143C663ED8B_1_105_c.jpeg Gallery PET scan day https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/610e108f0abbec0324a67ecf/260340eb-01e9-458a-a888-9c86f8d2af28/D9C434C5-806D-4B6A-BBB8-A313077618AB_1_105_c.jpeg Gallery First day of chemo! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/610e108f0abbec0324a67ecf/937ce64e-4b65-4c3f-99ff-51dc51dd78f0/59F94E9B-32B9-449B-8D0D-8FF228E59454_1_105_c.jpeg Gallery Mirror selfie/first day of chemo https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/610e108f0abbec0324a67ecf/37772b9f-80cf-4985-8286-4188ab7a752e/111B932B-3AD5-4870-9B5F-03DB7762CE51_1_105_c.jpeg Gallery Keeping that neuropathy away https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/610e108f0abbec0324a67ecf/9ba9601d-2daf-4509-9606-3b3ba3b20574/1C6A00C1-0EA7-461E-9F4A-68A627A19378_1_105_c.jpeg Gallery Keeping that neuropathy away https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/610e108f0abbec0324a67ecf/0d5a66dc-596f-4ccd-916f-211090118cea/839AAE93-9452-423C-98EC-749AF1ECDC21_1_105_c.jpeg Gallery Self-explanatory https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/610e108f0abbec0324a67ecf/2f66a1fc-0484-4fd0-9e34-0e57ef488f44/AF86FEF5-DF86-4B35-91EA-15D10855FED8_1_105_c.jpeg Gallery Not feeling so hot... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/610e108f0abbec0324a67ecf/55992650-5476-438a-adae-2a05afc3a7dd/2D1027D5-C0C4-40B4-A2A1-C17D46736FA3_1_105_c.jpeg Gallery REALLY not feeling so hot... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/610e108f0abbec0324a67ecf/abcaf3d2-910a-47d3-b480-8c6b1e1336e8/BD30C960-F7C5-467B-A411-B3A581598958_1_105_c.jpeg Gallery Rough patch, getting fluids https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/610e108f0abbec0324a67ecf/075b39f1-7a1a-43c7-930b-8a6521be73f0/163792967_10226147633259161_5266372789906672728_n.jpeg Gallery Cutting off the first 8 inches of hair https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/610e108f0abbec0324a67ecf/f4e41592-75c7-414f-bb1f-9c7e8b006a07/FB6F87EC-4EAE-42E1-8C82-8AF24B72D13E_1_105_c.jpeg Gallery Before buzzing my hair https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/610e108f0abbec0324a67ecf/0cd390a5-d033-4c6e-8c8e-60a773352f5f/26187D74-25DE-40E3-A35C-76683D5FC46B_1_105_c.jpeg Gallery This was a legit smile. There is something empowering about shaving all your hair off! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/610e108f0abbec0324a67ecf/9bf0f452-db52-4d01-8c4d-62e16cbbf993/6828A00E-FF31-405C-870E-0464A11E5D3B_1_105_c.jpeg Gallery During the buzz! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/610e108f0abbec0324a67ecf/192068aa-0c2f-4395-b850-75652fff7a5f/0510A20D-9D59-47DD-824A-6541525E0499_1_105_c.jpeg Gallery The aftermath https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/610e108f0abbec0324a67ecf/59ea39a9-4dc4-4b38-864f-2e65ee9e50aa/304590DB-B75F-44BB-8C1E-BC4567DB6958_1_105_c.jpeg Gallery Fresh after the buzz https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/610e108f0abbec0324a67ecf/f3b25110-4a7f-4db8-805b-c0e4fc7526bf/2.jpeg Gallery Straight after shaving my hair off https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/610e108f0abbec0324a67ecf/605300c5-7323-4458-8371-ca1296f40cdf/161380109_10226107876585269_8331348563229561793_n.jpeg Gallery This is the first hat wig I purchased https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/610e108f0abbec0324a67ecf/258d0bb2-cdcd-4539-9b29-9709357157bf/161329806_10226107875865251_936292455298149639_n.jpeg Gallery Trying on wigs before chemo took my hair https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/610e108f0abbec0324a67ecf/728113ee-4419-45d3-ba3b-594ebe852f33/161539075_10226107875945253_6079916043117394676_n.jpeg Gallery Trying on wigs before chemo took my hair! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/610e108f0abbec0324a67ecf/e270c18b-113b-4995-9c23-57b3dd18bfad/7.jpeg Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/610e108f0abbec0324a67ecf/b7175b03-ce07-4fd7-ab76-aacded2a7338/8.jpeg Gallery New wig, who dis? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/610e108f0abbec0324a67ecf/7c6cedd0-96bb-44bc-b616-ac330504ccb7/9.jpeg Gallery Spending quality time with my love https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/610e108f0abbec0324a67ecf/55782ad6-c65d-4ffa-8b91-5cee7000f00d/10.jpeg Gallery Always positive throughout infusion day! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/610e108f0abbec0324a67ecf/ce748dcd-7827-4b08-b979-bbeb82d8b62c/0EE14A33-E4F8-470F-80E8-13A0B2C99BD5_1_105_c.jpeg Gallery Mastectomy surgery day! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/610e108f0abbec0324a67ecf/3a426886-9db1-49c4-8f40-2ccb8057bf38/8A419372-BB17-40E4-B2DC-D135C1C3BBC4_1_105_c.jpeg Gallery Ready for my mastectomy! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/610e108f0abbec0324a67ecf/b09cc5ce-2112-403c-b170-ff69412db1af/EC187837-7A46-4033-9A2E-AA99CBDB0000_1_105_c.jpeg Gallery Ready for my mastectomy! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/610e108f0abbec0324a67ecf/594e42ae-c6f7-45ac-ab3a-3380f8ddf93c/2891F2D5-E017-40DB-89D1-11C04A5BCD79_1_105_c.jpeg Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/610e108f0abbec0324a67ecf/a9558665-f1eb-47f6-8446-669fc1a98140/B92F7B38-3EBD-4160-832F-7A702277068D_1_105_c.jpeg Gallery Infusion life https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/610e108f0abbec0324a67ecf/7466043e-0ed9-4c5f-b2fe-1c7a4f3aa42a/6.jpeg Gallery Post chemo infusion lunch https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/610e108f0abbec0324a67ecf/d5c68d09-0d8f-4f80-840d-d8b4f2d1be02/1.jpeg Gallery When I first discovered the amazing hat wigs https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/610e108f0abbec0324a67ecf/d59cc3eb-c13a-49b5-9046-07c4c120523a/3.jpeg Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/610e108f0abbec0324a67ecf/bf4ccb0b-b343-4377-8ba8-2b669fa0a963/4.jpeg Gallery Enjoying a little date night https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/610e108f0abbec0324a67ecf/b8e583c2-9c2b-4bf0-a8ea-c58123601d26/5.jpeg Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/610e108f0abbec0324a67ecf/ffd83c73-41c5-4e97-8c48-665714394e1a/12.jpeg Gallery Last day of chemo! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/610e108f0abbec0324a67ecf/7b1dccde-8b65-47cf-8f66-507979674bb3/38D694BB-2EF5-47EE-82A3-D862AE540924_1_105_c.jpeg Gallery Travels to California before radiation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/610e108f0abbec0324a67ecf/aa9502c5-fd2e-477e-986f-1a5a46e8df9d/2C738B09-A5F8-4FDF-A99C-D3C792DB11E8_1_105_c.jpeg Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/610e108f0abbec0324a67ecf/823f0972-df37-440c-8414-3df9b6444712/DA71DF57-B642-48AE-B7C8-4B2920980E8C_1_105_c.jpeg Gallery Travels to California before radiation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/610e108f0abbec0324a67ecf/6300c18f-005e-4d34-b47a-42c980420395/6BF4CA92-41E5-4890-B839-BCCB430BC559_1_105_c.jpeg Gallery Travels to California before radiation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/610e108f0abbec0324a67ecf/7cf27463-0917-4cde-833b-454be30e0848/889690C5-6ADA-436C-9BDF-E8C1531A6164_1_105_c.jpeg Gallery Travels to California before radiation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/610e108f0abbec0324a67ecf/354a4d24-ce9b-4a5f-81eb-5660a416d50c/8A776C6F-A89C-4022-A138-A74639B170BC_1_105_c.jpeg Gallery Ready for radiation! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/610e108f0abbec0324a67ecf/e87f3b38-600f-4f10-aa98-adc904ee9ee4/C8F7845C-F821-4E5F-8601-98F0BF71C986_1_105_c.jpeg Gallery First signs of radiation side effects https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/610e108f0abbec0324a67ecf/1692c9bf-5ad7-4bbc-94f0-3db7885bad36/IMG_8125.JPG Gallery https://www.fiercelyjesse.com/things-i-wish-i-knew daily 0.75 2022-03-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/610e108f0abbec0324a67ecf/1646219599708-SGPO6XBK28Y8PY4QVXLN/unsplash-image-HZbqhd5aK3I.jpg Things I Wish I Knew - Don’t Forget About Your Mental Health It can be easy to slack on good mental health habits when you are only focused on your physical health, but keeping a strong mindset only helps to fuel you and give you strength in your battle against cancer. Cancer doesn’t only take a toll on you physically, but mentally as well. I wish I had started going to therapy sooner to help be better cope with the many different emotional and mental obstacles I was going to face as a result of my diagnosis. I eventually started going to therapy to talk through some of the worries and anxieties I was having, but I really wish I would have started going right when I was diagnosed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/610e108f0abbec0324a67ecf/1629645251714-BSLDUB3HX9PMXSQNZ3DA/unsplash-image-nJv6xnlpNaA.jpg Things I Wish I Knew - The Rise in the Number of Younger Women With Breast Cancer I wish I knew the number of breast cancer cases was rising in younger women (under 40). Honestly, I can’t find a ton of literature on this topic, but I have had a large number of doctors and nurses mention to me numerous times that they are seeing an increase in the number of younger women coming in being diagnosed with breast cancer. I am 26 and I know that I am not the only one in their 20’s that my team is treating right now. If I had known this prior, maybe I would have taken monthly breast exams more seriously. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/610e108f0abbec0324a67ecf/1629759627425-QKFGB7RQL4S3307WH3FV/unsplash-image-onLVa0nATFA.jpg Things I Wish I Knew - Advocate for Yourself This is at the top of my list because I find it to be the most important thing I have learned. If you ever feel like your questions are not being answered or just something isn’t right, don’t feel bad questioning or second guessing things. Or, in my case, if the facility tries to cancel your appointment due to insurance reasons, show up anyway because YOU decide your treatment… not insurance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/610e108f0abbec0324a67ecf/1629644959004-1UBEOEBR727O1MPG3CK9/PostOp.JPG Things I Wish I Knew - Surgery Isn’t THAT Bad I had a bilateral mastectomy with a lymph node dissection. They took both breasts and a total of 20 lymph nodes from my left underarm. We started my breast reconstruction at the same time, so they put in tissue expanders after they removed my breasts. At the time I am writing this, I am 10 days post-op and I feel AMAZING. I wish I had not been full of so much anxiety leading up to the surgery. In my opinion the worst part of surgery is dealing with these silly drains. The picture I included here is me 1 day post-op! *I do understand that everyone has different experiences and outcomes, so please keep in mine that this is my unique scenario and your experience may be similar or different! We all walk our own unique path <3 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/610e108f0abbec0324a67ecf/1629644134412-J755DROUCYDC4EI14R9O/unsplash-image-4le7k9XVYjE.jpg Things I Wish I Knew - Join a Support Group I wish I had joined a support group sooner. There really is nothing like talking with people going through the same things as you. I have linked some support groups in the resources section of the site! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/610e108f0abbec0324a67ecf/1629759689803-N0UJE9NOWRY1WQK1M8U1/unsplash-image-jkwWCG6wYcI.jpg Things I Wish I Knew - Save Your Money Save your money until you know what you will need. I went balls to the wall when I was first diagnosed and I bought EVERYTHING I thought I would need throughout this journey. Turns out I didn’t even use half of what I bought and I ended up donating some of it. Just do yourself a favor and save your money until you know exactly what you need. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/610e108f0abbec0324a67ecf/1629645609969-FHI8OIC4KR0XYHJ9TWU2/unsplash-image-8xAA0f9yQnE.jpg Things I Wish I Knew - There are NO Stupid Questions It seems kind of silly to say this, but there are literally no stupid questions to ask your doctors or anyone on your treatment team. This is your body that you are putting into their hands, so you have every right to ask as many questions as you’d like. And if you have a great treatment team like I do, then they will actually love the fact that you are so engaged in your treatment plan. https://www.fiercelyjesse.com/my-diagnosis-story daily 0.75 2021-08-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/610e108f0abbec0324a67ecf/1629648071651-HIWXYXO5RIWOKU4OMW3A/MyDiagnosisJourney.jpeg My Diagnosis Story - My Breast Cancer Diagnosis Story To me, this ‘story’ makes more sense in a timeline type format. My diagnosis story starts back in August 2020, but my cancer journey story is still ongoing. • August 13, 2020: I went in for an annual physical with my general physician. During the physical, my GP found a lump in the 2:00 region of my left breast and she referred me to get a breast ultrasound. • August 17, 2020: An initial breast ultrasound was done and additional lumps were found in left breast that were all believed to be fibroadenomas. At this point none of the doctors/radiologists were concerned with any of the areas since I am so young (26 years old) and have no family history of breast cancer, but they recommended that we do a 6 month follow-up for additional imaging to make sure nothing has changed. • November 11, 2020: I had a few instances of sharp pain in the largest lump in my left breast. I also felt as though it was becoming larger, more prominent and I was more aware of it. I called my general physicians office to express my concerns and spoke with one of the other physicians at the facility. They advised me that they reviewed my imaging and that nothing looked concerning and unless I was in unbearable pain or if any other changes started to occur, then I should just wait until my 6-month follow-up in February 2021. No other symptoms came up, so I just waited a few more months for my follow-up. • February 24, 2021: I went back in for my follow-up imaging and they found that the large lump in my left breast had doubled in size. Additionally, they noted this time that I had enlarged lymph nodes near my armpit area. At this point it was determined that a biopsy was going to be needed, but I was still be reassured that everything was likely benign due to my age and family history. • March 4, 2021: I went in for my biopsy procedure at an actual breast center. Prior to the biopsy, they did one final round of imaging to confirm nothing had changed that would effect their original biopsy plan. After they were finished with the ultrasound imaging, the doctor came in and sat down to talk to me before we moved forward with the biopsy. He was there to prepare me for what was ahead. He told me that in his medical expert opinion, he was confident that the biopsies were going to come back as malignant… and he was right. • March 5, 2021: The day after my biopsy is when I got the call. The doctor I had met with the day before called me that Friday afternoon to confirm what he already knew… at 26 years old and with no family history of it, I did in fact have breast cancer. Specifically, I was diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, stage 3 since it has already spread to my lymph nodes. From March 5, 2021, my life has been a whirlwind of doctors appointments and treatments, but I am happy to say that almost 6 months into this journey I am feeling stronger than ever! . https://www.fiercelyjesse.com/message-me daily 0.75 2021-08-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/610e108f0abbec0324a67ecf/1629771755517-KNYC2RBG8XVRYD09GVNZ/IMG_0119.jpeg Contact Us https://www.fiercelyjesse.com/resources daily 0.75 2021-08-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/610e108f0abbec0324a67ecf/1629759627425-QKFGB7RQL4S3307WH3FV/unsplash-image-onLVa0nATFA.jpg Resources - Facebook Support Groups I don’t know why it took me so long after my diagnosis to turn to Facebook for support, but I am SO glad that I did. I was able to join a few different breast cancer support groups, but here are the ones that have been the most helpful to me during my journey. - Breast Cancer Under 40 - Breast Cancer Straight Talk https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/610e108f0abbec0324a67ecf/1629765082069-I54CI4XFLUI3XPHIC8LX/unsplash-image-tbwOzgQYeSw.jpg Resources - Start A GoFundMe Unfortunately for me, and many others, cancer treatment is not the most affordable thing in the world… at least not in the United States. Depending on your specific situation you may or may not need financial assistance. If you do, do not feel bad or weird about starting a GoFundMe or something similar to help raise funds to pay for your medical care. I know asking your friends and family to donate their money to you can be a hard and awkward thing to do, but you’d be surprised at how many people are eager and happy to help you out. You can start a GoFundMe fundraiser yourself or have a family/friend start it for you. GoFundMe walks you through all the steps needed to get a fundraiser setup in a matter of minutes! https://www.fiercelyjesse.com/donate daily 0.75 2022-03-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/610e108f0abbec0324a67ecf/1629993384255-B5KAWCK1ZB14F9OITD75/Jesse%27s+Fight+Against+Breast+Cancer.png Donate https://www.fiercelyjesse.com/about-fiercely-jesse daily 0.75 2021-08-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/610e108f0abbec0324a67ecf/5d64553f-1fc7-4b92-b4b3-4c7418031e08/Fiercely+Jesse+Logo+1+%281%29.png About Fiercely, Jesse This photo was taken on my 26th birthday. I was diagnosed with breast cancer exactly 6 months after.