Welcome to #SurvivorSunday, where each month we share the story of someone who has faced cancer and found strength, lessons, and hope to inspire us all. Today, we are honored to feature Jeanette Maes, a Triple Negative Breast Cancer survivor.
Q: Can you tell us a little about yourself?
My name is Jeanette and I live in Michigan. I have been married to my husband for almost 21 years, have a daughter, and a grandson who turned 5 this month. I enjoy being retired and stress-free (for the most part), traveling, and just the ability to do what I want when I want.
Q: What type of cancer did you face, and when were you first diagnosed? What was your treatment?
In November of 2021, my then puppy, who was begging for attention, pawed at me and his paw hit my left breast. I was like “OUCH” and thought that felt really weird. The next day in the shower, I felt a lump where he hit me. In December 2021, when I went for my annual exam I told the doctor. He also felt the lump but assured me that it was probably a cyst. I was sent for a mammogram, and in that same month, I was given the news that it was in fact Triple Negative Breast Cancer.
Since 2021, I’ve had 18 months of three types of chemo, Keytruda treatments (Keytruda is a PD-1 inhibitor that enhances the immune system’s ability to fight cancer), surgery to remove my breasts (that tried to kill me), three blood transfusions, blood thinners to get rid of a blood clot in my leg due to chemo, and finally, reconstructive surgery.
Q: What was the hardest part of your cancer journey?
To be honest, it was all hard. The thought of having a disease that could end my life was terrifying. The thought that I may never live out my life with my husband, that I may not see my grandson grow up. Just the day-to-day struggle. The uncertainty of it all. There was so much pain after the surgeries. And I’m still struggling with the aftereffects of the chemo treatments. I’m left with both feet being numb and tingly fingers, something I’ll live with for the rest of my life. But what is worst is the thought that this could happen all over again, that cancer could return.
Q: Who or what helped you get through the toughest moments?
First and foremost, God. Then secondly, my husband, who was there for every appointment (as much as he could, since I was diagnosed during COVID there were many times that he couldn’t go into a facility with me). He was my biggest cheerleader, nurse, caretaker, chef, and holder of my bald head when I was puking, but honestly… he was my everything.
I could not have made it without my support community. My loving family, friends, work colleagues, surgeons, doctors, nurses, Facebook friends, and support groups. I really think God got sick of hearing my name from everyone that asked him to bless me.
And I know that it may sound odd, but I found humor in the situation. Laughter really got me through some really dark times. It took a village (sometimes a vineyard), but I’m blessed to have the best of both.
Q: Was there a moment in your journey when you felt hope return?
For me, after I went through all the emotions, I just knew that deep down inside, I was not going to lose to this disease. Cancer has taken many of my family members and it was NOT going to take me. Maybe it’s a stubborn Capricorn/Irish thing in me, but I was determined to have faith and trust that God would hear my prayers and guide me through this journey. I never gave up or gave in.
Q: What is the biggest lesson you have learned through this experience?
I think for me the biggest lesson was that I could count on me. I’ve always been a strong person, but never this strong. During COVID, I had to learn that no one could hold my hand through all the tests, the procedures, the consults, the treatments. And I learned it was fine. I had me. Do your research. Trust God.
Q: What does being a “survivor” mean to you personally?
Being a “survivor” isn’t a “one and done.” It is a lifelong journey. Yes, you conquered the “beast.” You made it through the treatments and surgeries… you survived. But the real challenge of cancer is to live as best as you can for as long as you can. The strength you must have to face the unknown every single day, the courage you must gather each time you enter a doctor’s office, wait for test results, or receive treatment, and the vulnerability you must endure throughout the cancer journey regardless of the outcome, defines the experience. You become a lifelong warrior.
Q: What advice would you give to someone who has just been diagnosed?
Whew. First of all, BREATHE. When I first heard those most horrifying words, “I’m sorry, you have breast cancer,” I swear it felt like I didn’t breathe for over an hour. And then, give yourself time and let yourself go through all the emotions. Cry. Disbelief. Get angry. Look for someone to blame. Give yourself time to absorb the news. Then, take a deep breath and do research. Talk to friends or family members who went through cancer, talk to doctors and nurses. Be informed. Knowledge is very powerful. Listen to what the doctors tell you.
Q: Is there a quote, mantra, or piece of wisdom that guided you during treatment or recovery?
I can’t say that there’s one specific quote or mantra. I can’t say that there are words that got me to the other side, but these did resonate with me:
“You are stronger than the beast.”
“Give it to God.”
“PhuckCancer.”
“Warrior.”
“You are stronger than you know you are.”
Q: Is there anything else you would like to share with the #PhuckCancer community?
Just remember to stay a community. You are not in this fight alone. There is strength in numbers. Reach out. There is always hope. Keep the faith. Stay strong. “PhuckCancer.”
Join the Movement
Stories like Jeanette’s remind us that while cancer changes everything, hope and strength are always possible. If you are a survivor and would like to share your journey, we would love to hear from you. Reach out to us and be part of a future #SurvivorSunday.
#PhuckCancer #SurvivorSunday #HopeLivesHere