Juanita Jones-Kornegay
OCTOBER 2026 CALENDAR
In 2023, I went for my routine yearly mammogram & ultrasound. I schedule an ultrasound yearly because of hormonal cysts in my breasts.
The test results showed that the lymph vessels under my left armpit were swollen. I had a repeat ultrasound that confirmed that the lymph vessels were indeed swollen, and a biopsy was recommended. The biopsy revealed Her2 positive cancer. Where it originated from was undetectable. An MRI of my breasts was performed. A small area in my left breast was found, and it was biopsied, revealing Stage 2 cancer involving the lymph vessels under my left arm.
I was then referred to an oncologist and a surgeon, who both assured me that this was treatable because it was caught in the early stages.
The oncologist gave me a treatment plan consisting of 12 rounds of chemotherapy. I was only able to complete nine rounds because of side effects and complications. An MRI with contrast was performed to see what progress the chemotherapy had achieved.
The nine rounds had achieved enough shrinkage to allow for surgery. I did have to finish lesser shots of chemo prior to and after surgery.
I had surgery that removed the cancerous area in my breast and four lymph nodes. I was evaluated to be cancer free. After surgery I had 30 rounds of radiation and continued the chemotherapy shots for a year.
I presently take Tamoxifen daily and will have to continue taking it for five years, hopefully to prevent cancer from returning.
When I first learned of my situation I was scared and nervous, especially since I didn’t have much knowledge of breast cancer and the different types and severities. The information was very overwhelming. I thought this was the end of me.
Thank God for a supportive husband who was beside me at every visit, test, and operation.
The support of my family and friends was amazing. It allowed me to focus on getting the treatment I needed without going into a depression or feeling there was no way out.
GOD provides us what we need the most in difficult times no matter what the situation. I always had faith and believed that God is with us.