With a doctor’s diagnosis of breast cancer, survivors say immediate thoughts of shock, unbelief, fear and dread are some of the things that immediately come to mind.
For Jerrelyn Jackson, a breast cancer survivor of five years, her foremost thought was denial. “I wanted to call my doctor and ask him if he were sure. I was sure there was a mistake. I was not supposed to have cancer. I was too young, only 45, and there was no history of cancer in my family.”
Having had annual mammograms since age 40 as recommended by the American Cancer Society, that fact further assured her that she had done everything right and the diagnosis could not be true.
Overcoming the initial shock, she launched into battle and began her journey against the enemy she had tried so hard to pretend was not there.
Her journey began with a mammogram in April, 2012, with a diagnosis of very aggressive cancer. In May, she had a double mastectomy. Treatments followed but that did not deter her from returning in July to her desk in the central office of the Kosciusko City Schools where she serves as curriculum coordinator.
She reaffirms the belief that early detection is key to survival and recommends that all women make having a yearly mammogram a priority as that had been her practice since the age of 40.
Along with chemotherapy treatments she handled her office duties along with her role as mother to Jerrell, Jerren and Jerra. She gives credit to her parents, Bessell and Jerry Redmond, and the staff in her office for support and always being there to encourage and motivate her.
“My mother was my caregiver through all the sickness from treatments and my dad helped too with errands and in other ways,” she said.
The hair loss was a dreaded part of the treatment, but an experience which turned out to be hilarious for her children. First time seeing her bald head brought much laughter and when she questioned them they told her, “you look just like Uncle Jun Jun.” The outcome of baldness proved to not be what she had expected from her children, a relief that they thought she looked like her brother.
Mrs. Jackson said seeing survivors and hearing their stories is uplifting. She looks forward to October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month which affords the opportunity to recognize survivors and provide education of the disease.
Mrs. Jackson has been in the school system for 23 years where she has taught seventh grade science, eighth grade history and coached junior high basketball.
Through her cancer journey she said, “Stay positive. I am blessed, and so thankful for prayers and support of family, co-workers and friends,”
