In November of 2005 I noticed a change in my breasts and didn’t think anything really different other than going to my general physician. That was the easy part – the hard part was when she gave me the look that said you are not leaving here without going somewhere else first. I’ve been down that road before considering at that time I had a 10-year-old son and an 8-year-old daughter. So, I took my papers and went on over to the local oncologist that she recommended and began a series of ultrasounds. (This I found very interesting!) If you’ve never had the chance to look inside your body it really is quite amazing, completely different than looking at a child in your belly.

Jennifer Haralson

Right away we saw several circle type figures all over my breasts (both sides). The Oncologist wasn’t concerned at all. She assured me that she knew exactly what they were and she could take care of them right then and there in the office. (They were nothing more than cysts) BIG DEEP BREATH – as a needle about the size of my epidural needle came towards me (light humor there) was ready to pop those cysts! Then it came to the left breast where it was right near my nipple. There was a hard abnormal type mass that was not a cyst. She wanted to schedule an immediate biopsy and said the sooner the better. She again did all of her re-assuring and so I pulled myself up, got dressed, scheduled my appointment and moved on for the rest of my day.

This is where it gets hard to talk about, especially since I’m a control freak and a Type A personality without a doubt. One who must be in control at all times! Like I said I, at the time in November of 2005, had a 10-year-old son and an 8-year-old daughter. I had been married at the time for 12 years, however unknown to most we were going through a divorce. Our children didn’t know, our friends and family didn’t know – it was almost Christmas…our Norman Rockwell lives were about to fall apart.

I drive to the biopsy with my soon to be ex-husband and my mother. I informed every single nurse in that office that they were not to inform anyone the results of anything. All information was to be kept private and only given to me. (I knew I would be alone – I knew I had to be strong – I knew I was the one that would be handling this so I had to begin this and end this by myself with me and my God).

The biopsy was done, I was released and was told that I would be called and to go home. Within a day I received a call by the doctor – I needed to come in. (Not a good sign) – She sat me down explained to me that I had a very rare type of cancer called LCIS Lobular Carcinoma inSitu. It was treatable, and I had options.

First, we were going to try some radiation. I would go through about a month and a half of this and it would begin as soon as possible. I asked for a moment alone – and all I could do was sit there and think… was my children – I dropped to my knees and cried. I then said to myself, 'You will get through this like you’ve gotten through so many other obstacles. Pull yourself together.' So I opened the door…and said let’s get this scheduled.

Things began looking good, I was tired…but it looked as though it worked. I was on some medication, my hair had thinned (but I have been a lucky one not to lose it all). Appointments came and went for the next few years and then the dreaded month of November 2009.

Three years later – it was back. What are you going to do? There is only one choice now – Bilateral Prophylactic Mastectomy. This again, is not a “cure” it still can come back. However, everyday they are coming out with new drugs, new cures. Hope will keep us alive, prayer will keep us moving.

I’ve been very lucky to work for a wonderful company who has stood by my side throughout this entire ordeal. I now have a 15-year-old son who is more of a man than he should be. My daughter is 11 and I worry about her going through what I’ve gone through as I watch her grow and mature each and every day.

I’ve been lucky to have a support system through a close niche of friends and clients here in the Lawrence community. (They know who they are) They have been there, hugged me and talked to me and been there when I needed them. I’m not a very open person when it comes to this part of my life – it’s hard for me. So many others are willing to open up and spread the word…I’ve discovered a part of me that I’ve realized is more vane than I even ever imagined I was.

The photo of myself is from this past weekend when I went to Phoenix, Arizona, to visit a very dear friend of mine. I had the most wonderful time of my life – one that was well deserved for me. I actually climbed a “small” mountain – one that I would have never been able to do a few years ago.

Everyday things will get easier for me. It’s hard…but one day I will reach a five-year mark and one day I will be a “survivor”.

Thank you for listening and thank you for all of my friends, clients, and support system that I have here in this great city of Lawrence! Especially, thank you to my children - you are the loves of my life! I couldn't be who I am today without you! xoxoxoxoxo