One of the Fortunate Ones
Jo Anne Horn battled breast cancer and won. Her mother, aunt, and cousin weren’t so fortunate as they lost their battles to this devastating disease at a young age. Other forms of cancer took the lives of six more family members on her mother’s side. A year ago, a biopsy revealed Jo Anne’s own breast cancer. The only surprise was that it took 70 years to arrive, relatively late considering her family history.
Since my mother’s death, the risk of breast cancer has always lingered in the back of my mind. I had annual mammograms and conducted daily self-examinations. One of my self examinations may have saved my life, since I discovered a lump in my breast.
One Saturday I met with my doctor to review the biopsy results. I appreciated his candid nature, but I panicked when he suggested I see a breast cancer specialist.
How could I tell my family that I too had cancer? One month previous, my son’s wife finished her last chemotherapy treatment for breast cancer. My family already endured the heartache and struggles of a bilateral mastectomy, months of chemotherapy, and rounds of radiation.
As I broke down in the parking lot while calling my daughter, I realized I wanted to do everything in my power to ease another cancer battle in their lives. Already seeing the fear in their eyes, I pulled it together for my family’s sake.
The greatest calming influences for me were Drs. Ronald Johnson and Barry Lembersky and their competent professional staff. They were always honest and open with me. Throughout the surgery and the six long months of chemotherapy, they made me feel as if I was their primary concern. During chemotherapy, Dr. Lembersky apologized for making me so sick.
Generally, I was someone who rarely complained about aches and pains, but words could not describe the pain I endured throughout my treatment. I was okay with losing my hair, but once I began losing fingernails and toenails, I started questioning what was happening to my body.
I remained in bed for six long months. Without recognizing the symptoms, I developed depression. I have always been a person who loved working throughout my home, but my immobility was devastating.
Despite the hard times, Magee helped in every way possible. Beyond cancer treatments, they directed me to an on-staff psychologist, Susan, who helped me overcome my depression. There was never a time I could not turn to my doctors for advice, even if it was the middle of the night. At times, I was so sick; I could barely remember my name. Knowing I could talk to a doctor within five minutes was very comforting.
Along with my doctors, I will never forget Melina and Rose Ann, my oncology nurses that I became very close with throughout my stay. They were professional, caring, and had a sense of humor that I cherished greatly.
At the age of 71, I am cancer free. I made the decision to have a bilateral mastectomy and have my ovaries removed. I am aware of the destructive cancerous gene I carry and its likelihood to reappear in my breasts or ovaries. At my age, I want to erase any anxieties I have about cancer.
I will always be thankful for the care I received at Magee. Here, patients feel their concerns are essential and their recovery is imminent. I am extremely grateful that we have Magee and their skilled staff to provide care and comfort for men and women in the Pittsburgh area and beyond.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR GIVING: Breast Cancer Research
OUR COMMITMENT: Women's Cancers
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