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Jody Porter
I have been a perioperative surgical nurse for my entire career of 30+ years. That means I worked in an operating room, so was very aware of the kinds of procedures that patients with breast cancer undergo. I never dreamed that I would be one of them. Last summer we were leaving for Italy on a vacation with our daughter and I discovered some staining on my blouse. Of course I told no one, left for vacation, and feared that I would never have another time away again with my family. By the time we came home 2 weeks later I had read everything I could on the Internet, called for an appointment with my primary care provider, and expected I would die within the next few months. And I am a nurse!
The first miracle I experienced was a call from Barb Raksin. She is such a tremendous support for me, and others with breast cancer. It takes a lot to rattle me, but Barb knew just how to make things fall into perspective. After several doctor visits and tests everyone said it was nothing to worry about, symptoms subsided, and I calmed down a bit. When things started up again I was distraught. Of course I wanted immediate attention and I got it from everyone here at GBMC. They have been so wonderful, Dr. Laura Donegan, Dr. Lauren Schnaper, Dr. Shelly Hairston-Jones, Dr.Robert Brookland, Dr. Gary Cohen. I had DCIS, so the disease was contained, but required three procedures to obtain clear margins. The last one was December 31, 2008. I began radiation in February and completed that in April with no significant side effects and working all along. I did drop out of my DNP Program at Johns Hopkins, as I was just not emotionally there. I am trying to get that back on track.
I am so thankful to my husband, my family, and my colleagues who helped me through one of the most difficult times of my life. Now, more than ever, I realize how valuable each day is and how important it is to support others when life isn’t what they expected.
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