Courage is fear that has said its prayers.
Well, it’s happened again. I’m the girl that gets things twice. I got one type of leukemia … and then I had to get another. I had breast cancer once … and now I have it again.
It was discovered in August. I’ve had multiple MRIs, ultrasounds, mammograms, and SO MANY biopsies. They’ve decided I need to have a mastectomy with lymph node removal.
They will then take a very close look at what they remove to decide if I will need further treatment.
I didn’t know this but you can only have radiation on your breast once, so that won’t be happening again. I really hope to avoid any type of chemo (duh).
I will have reconstruction at the same time – 2 surgeons, one patient.
I’ve added plastic surgeon to my list of spectacular doctors. Dr. McCardle could possibly move to the top of my list as the nicest, (cutest 😉 ), with the best Irish accent!
Luckily, both my surgeons were ok to wait for my surgery until after I am back from my 6 week trip to Costa Rica. Phew. Unfortunately, they booked the date of my surgery the Monday after I return, and that did not leave enough time for the preop testing that I will need to have completed. So … we will have to come home five days earlier than we were planning on coming home. It’s OK though – we’ve had a wonderful time here in paradise. It’s easy to forget your problems when you are surrounded by beauty and warm weather!
I am ready for this and I know it is the right decision. Try not to worry about me … just send good, healing thoughts my way.
Surgery date March 2. Credit Valley Hospital. (one overnight stay)
PS In October I had to start taking a new drug for my myelofibrosis … more on that later. It was quite a fall/winter for JoJo!
I am not afraid of storms for I am learning to sail my ship. Louisa May Alcott
Sending healing vibes Jo! Where are you in CR. The storm continues but you are ready for the fight!
Thank you Deb. We are in Junquillal – down the coast from Tamarindo. Living the dream! Are you still here?
JoJo thank you for sharing and posting. I struggle to find the right words… just remember you have people who love you. You are allowed to be tired, you are allowed to fall apart for a moment and you are absolutely allowed to need people. You didn’t choose this and I would not wish this on anyone, but the way you carry it, still moving, getting out of bed every day, traveling and living life, speaks volumes about the kind of woman you are. I admire your strength, your wisdom, and grace. Know that I/we are always here for you! Love you!! Brandie xoxo
Thank you Brandie. I love your sweet words.
Twosie Josie!
So unique, truly one in a billion.
I love and admire how you have seized the importance of life throughout this scary tragic journey you have been on. You epitomize the term “turn that frown upside down” always seeing the light.
Continued prayers and good vibes, always. Enjoy your CR vacation distraction, rest, and prep – you got this love. 💪❤️🩹👊
Hugs,
Heidi
Thank you Heidi. You’re the best.
Thanks for sharing your journey
I really wish you didn’t have to go through this. The next steps won’t be easy, but you’re so strong! I was a little surprised to hear you’re going for a triple D 😀. Praying this is the end of it and that no more treatment is needed. Sending tons of love, and please let us know if there’s anything at all you need.
You are absolutely by far the strongest, fiercest woman I know !! I am truly sorry that you are having to go through this yet again, but your positive fighting attitude will definitely serve you well!! I am glad you had this chance to enjoy beautiful Costa Rica with Kev!! You both deserve some R and R and sunshine !!! Thoughts and prayers always with you !! Love Kathy ❤️
I appreciate you Kathy. I’m sure Kevin will keep you updated !
Hugs Joanne! I am thinking of you!! You’ve got this one too!!
I am sending all the positive thoughts, feelings and hugs your way. Your strength is inspiring! You have a wonderful network of people who will always be in your corner & do whatever they can to help…dont forget to lean!!
Love & healing
Barb
Hi Jo, thank you for sharing all of this so openly. I’m really sorry you’re going through this again. It’s a lot for anyone, and the way you keep moving forward with such honesty and strength says so much about who you are. I really appreciate the way you share your journey. It helps the people around you understand and support you, and it shows your courage in such a real way.
I’m glad you’ve had this time in Costa Rica. It sounds like it gave you some much‑needed space and calm before what’s ahead. You deserve that.
I’ll be thinking of you on March 2 and sending so many good thoughts your way. You don’t have to carry all of this on your own. You have people who care deeply about you, and I’m definitely one of them.
I’m here for you, Jo. xoxo
Joanne, your outlook amazes me. Truly inspiring to live life with such a positive mindset. Thank you for your openness and for including me in your updates.
Enjoy your vacation, I am sending you strength and love 💕
Good healing thoughts are being sent in abundance. Your strength and grace in how you keep handling all that keeps being thrown your way is incredible. Keep that glass half full girl! I’m sorry paradise is being cut short. Come back home, deal with the latest and then… plan that next trip! You are in my thoughts and prayers! <3
Thanks Donna. You have been a great support to me. I think of you often. 😘
I am so proud to be your sister. And I will be beside you every step of the way. Whatever you need: ponytail preparation, distraction, bad TV, silence, company – I’m in. I love you fiercely Jo Jo. You’ve got this!
Xo
Angela
You are so strong and the way you carry on living your life to the fullest is such an inspiration. Always by your side ♥️
Just reading this and sending courage and strength your way for March 2. You’re in my thoughts and prayers always. I was talking to Wendy today and telling her that I was at a horse ranch in AZ and she replied saying you were also riding horses on beaches (loved hearing this). Nothing could be more freeing.
Horses are so beautiful and strong like you. Hope you can channel that energy in the coming months, my friend
When feeling a little under the weather hop back on that horse and ride at full throttle on that beach again. Love you. Always here if you need anything at all. You will succeed in jumping this next hurdle.
My first time on a horse in more than 30 years – I was scared at first but then it was FANTASTIC!
The number of times “I’m on a horse!” (like the Old Spice commercial) ran through my head …. so funny.
I feel your support, Liz.
Thank you. 😘
Dear Joanne,
Will be sending you so much love, prayers, and positive energy on March 3rd and beyond. You have been facing so much and yet can write a line and a well placed emoji that has me smiling at your cute new Irish doctor. Wishing you all the best with the surgery. ❤️
Thank you for your comment, Lisa. I like how you picked up what I was putting down! 😂
I will get through this and I’ll see you on the other side. 🙏🏻
JoJo,
I had been waiting to read your update and somehow missed it. The girls let me know today that you had shared it, I’m so sorry I didn’t see it sooner.
I truly hate that you’re walking this road again. No one should have to do cancer, let alone multiple times. The way you continue to face it says so much about your courage and spirit.
I’m happy you have such a strong team around you, and if one of them happens to come with a lovely Irish accent, all the better. 😉
You don’t walk this alone. There’s a whole circle of people quietly standing with you.
Sending you so much love and strength for surgery day, patience for recovery, and very boring pathology results. 🤍
Joanne, I am sitting here with tears in my eyes, but I know, after meeting you, that you will sail through all of this. There is a reason that we met in Costa Rica….I feel blessed to call you my friend. I love your attitude, so keep thinking positive thoughts. I will see you in Costa Rica next January❤️
I am beyond blessed to have such a strong mom to look up to every day♥️ I love you Mama- be home soon.
I’m so sorry you’re dealing with this again Joanne. As always, you are facing this latest hurdle with such strength and positivity – so inspiring to us all! So happy you got to enjoy a wonderful, LONG, relaxing trip to Costa Rica! May the lovely memories of that beautiful place buoy your spirits in the days ahead. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. ❤️
I’m so sorry Joanne… Thank you so much for sharing and posting… You are the strongest, most positive and most beautiful woman I know. You do not deserve any of this, but somehow you seem to be able to use your courage, voice and strength to fight every battle with grace. I hope your recovery from your surgery yesterday is going as planned and I’m sending you love and healing energy as you navigate the next few weeks
Thoughts and prayers 🙏
With love, Elaine❤️
Thank