I am a 58 year old wife and mom of 3 wonderful adult children (Rob, Dionne and Damien). I have 3 siblings (among them is a wombmate – identical twin). My wombmate, Katherine or Kat, is my best friend and we complete each other. It is really awesome to have an identical twin and I think everybody should have one. I have two brothers (Jerry and Toney) and they both are awesome individuals. I was raised in Madison, NJ and relocated to Easton, PA in 2001 but I continue to attend my home Church in Madison. I refuse to leave that wonderful spirit filled church and my wonderful pastor and church family. Until my retirement in September of 2008 I worked in Morris County, NJ.
Jo and husband, Robert
First let me say that I truly believe that your mental outlook about your disease directly affects your recovery. A good sense of humor is key also. My husband is one of the funniest people I've ever known so there is never a shortage of laughter in our house!
I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer (DCIS) in August of 2005 through a routine mammogram. Upon learning my options for treatment, I decided to have a mastectomy rather than lumpectomy. My maternal grandmother died of breast cancer so I knew that I’d have more peace of mind with this decision. No further treatment was needed and I was started on Tomoxifen. Reconstruction was started and I was recovering beautifully and felt wonderful. Life was good. 7 months later while in bed I performed a self breast exam (as I often did during that period) and found a lump in my left breast. Panicked, I saw my primary physician who checked it and sent me immediately for a mammogram followed by a biopsy. The results were not good. It was stage 3 HER-2 cancer. Invasive and aggressive. I was scheduled for my second mastectomy. By the time I met with my oncologist the following week a second lump had appeared which was also invasive and aggressive! 10 lymph nodes were removed, seven were cancerous. I started reconstruction for that breast (since work had stopped on the other one upon my new diagnosis, they both could be completed!). I started my treatment regimen of chemo and radiation. Months later, after completion of treatment, I was ready for my implants! Prior to the surgery I went for my routine follow-up exam and tumor markers were high. Scans, labs and other other tests revealed that the cancer had returned and had metastasized to my bones, chest cavity, liver and lungs! I am currently receiving chemo daily with monthly infusions. This treatment will continue for the rest of my life. All reconstruction has stopped and will not be completed. Because of problems with the breast expander in my left breast and the possibility of infection, the expander had to be removed. My hair will not grow back (because of the daily chemo) and another lump has been discovered in the right breast. I am having surgery to remove and analyze the lump and, of course, we are praying that it is not cancer. However, I am not stressing or worrying. We will deal with that when the time comes. I truly believe that your recovery depends as much on your mental attitude as it does on the physical. A good mental out-look is important to your recovery!
I am truly blessed and I thank God every single day for my life, my family, my friends and my church. I have received such an outpouring of love, prayers and support from so many people, many of whom I don't even know! I have all my trust and faith in God and I know that He holds my life, survival and death in His hands and, regardless of the outcome It Is Well With My Soul. I'd just like to make a difference in the lives of others who are suffering from this insidious disease and their loved ones, no matter how large or small. This foundation will help me do that by allowing us to share with each other in the name of sisterhood, love and unity. We all must do our share to help find a cure!
A Personal Look at Jo's Family
June 26,2009: it is with great sadness that we announce the death of Jo James. She entered into eternal rest on Saturday, June 20, 2009 at home in Easton, PA. As always, her husband, Robert, was at her side. She will be missed dearly, but her legacy will live on through the Jo's Hope Foundation.
Click HERE to view Jo's memorial page.
