My Jasper Story: Cindy

Cindy, an administrative assistant for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing Council and avid hiker shares her experience with breast cancer and how she found support with Jasper. 

My first experience with cancer was in 2010 when I was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC), the most common type of breast cancer. Soon after my diagnosis I had a lumpectomy, radiation treatments, and began taking medication, which I would continue taking for five years. 

Over ten years later, I was diagnosed with invasive lobular carcinoma, for which I had a bilateral mastectomy. Since I couldn’t do radiation again and there was no reason to undergo chemotherapy, I’m currently taking Letrozole, a medication I will likely continue taking for the rest of my life.

How I Found Jasper

While looking around for resources that could help me after my diagnosis, I discovered Jasper on my social media feed. When I looked into it, I thought it was an interesting idea, so I decided to try it out. 

Today, I’m glad that I joined Jasper. Though I don’t use the medication tracking feature since I’m only taking one medication, I’ve found the articles to be really helpful. It’s been nice to know that I have a go-to place when I need reliable and easy-to-understand information about cancer, finding support, and my health. 

My Progress

Among the many challenges that cancer can present, one of the biggest challenges I’ve experienced is psychological. Confronting the diagnosis was difficult, especially since I lead a very healthy lifestyle and had no genetic indication that I was at risk for breast cancer. Sharing the diagnosis with my family was also difficult.

Thankfully, I was able to recover physically from each bout of treatment pretty quickly. But the side effects of the medication can be terrible.

Looking Ahead

This year I’m looking forward to retiring, which will be a big and important transition for me. I’m excited to have more time to spend with my family and on my hobbies, including hiking and volunteering.

I’m also grateful to have found support and education through Jasper. When you’re dealing with cancer, any resource that can help you answer the barrage of questions that inevitably pop up is truly valuable.

The content on this website is intended to provide the best possible information for you, but should not be considered—or used as a substitute for—medical advice. If you have questions about your diagnosis or treatment, please contact your health care provider(s). For questions or comments about this content, please email us at [email protected].