I first met Jodi nearly two years ago now when she welcomed to the world her first born Ruby. Little did we know at the time that Jodi was going to be facing the fight of her life just under 18 months later. Her story is sad, shocking and inspiring ALL in one and I’m so glad that she is sharing it with the world.
Jodi and Ruby from their newborn session January 2013
Here is Jodi’s Story in her own words
My name is Jodi and I am a 25 year old wife of Aaron and mother to Ruby. I had noticed a lump in my breast for quite some time and made a few trips to the GP only to be told it was nothing to be concerned about. After a few months and some persistence I managed to have it investigate further. On Thursday 11th June 2015 I received some of the most devastating news ever. I was told I have Breast Cancer and would need to have my right breast removed. As you can imagine this diagnosis was heartbreaking for myself, my husband and all of our friends and family.
I had to start chemotherapy immediately as my cancer was quite large and aggressive.I have since finished 8 rounds of chemotherapy, thankfully with not too many adverse side effects. I will continue to have a treatment called Herceptin for the next 10 months and will also start on hormone blockers for the next 5 years. I am so blessed to have had such a fantastic response from the treatment so far. My tumour is no longer visible in any medical imaging so I am really hoping they do not find anything on a microscopic level when they remove my breast and send it to pathology for testing. I feel so blessed to have had such an amazing response and am forever grateful to my friends, family and even people I do not know personally who have shown me such love and support.
The next stage of my treatment is surgery; I will have a mastectomy and auxiliary clearance of all of the lymph nodes on my right side in January 2016. Following the surgery I will have radiation treatment and upon conclusion of that I will have reconstructive surgery.
I have traveled along this journey really well so far however my outcome may not have been so positive had my cancer gone unnoticed for much longer. It had already moved to my lymph nodes but thankfully that is where it stopped.
I feel blessed every day that that the cancer had not moved any further in my body but still astounded that I was dismissed the way I was. I really want to be an advocate for everyone I know and those I don’t to never give up!! If something in your body doesn’t feel right – Please DO NOT STOP until you have been heard and are 100% happy with your care. Take it from someone who has been there.
In true form, I am quite stubborn and motivated to lead a normal life and kick cancer’s butt! I am also very passionate about raising awareness and helping others in any way possible. This is the reason I will walk 60kms in 2 days along with some of my nearest and dearest. Our team, ‘Jodi’s Journey’ will walk in honour of my journey and the many that have been on this ride before me and sadly those who will need to take this path after me. I feel so inspired by this Weekend to End Woman’s Cancers which has put a fire in my belly; I will feel so proud to cross the finish line knowing that we have helped to make a difference.
The Weekend to End Women’s Cancers™ benefiting Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research is a 2-day, 60-kilometre walk or 1-day, 30-kilometre walk through the neighbourhoods of Perth. It’s going to be a challenge, but I’m ready to do something bold and powerful in effort to end women’s cancers once and for all. We have a fundraising target of $18,000 to raise which will enable us the privilege to participate in the walk in April. I ask you to take a stance with me and join this life-saving adventure for all women. Be a part of my very personal journey – by giving, by walking with me, or simply by sharing my story with your circle of influence. Don’t stand back and think about what you could have done – take that first step today! Take a chance with me – we have the opportunity to change thousands of lives, beginning with our own.
If you are interested making a donation towards ‘Jodi’s Journey’ please follow the link below, click on one of my team member and hit donate now.
http://www.endcancer.org.au/site/TR/Events/Perth2016?pg=team&fr_id=1190&team_id=7518
Thank you, Jodi
xx
Jodi wanted to celebrate her last chemotherapy session with a session that captured her sense of freedom. Together with Hayley Raelene Makeup Artistry who helped surprise Jodi with full makeup I think we managed to bring her vision to life.
To follow Hayley Raelene Makeup Artistry on facebook click here https://www.facebook.com/hayleyraemakeup/?fref=ts
To follow Jodi’s journey on facebook, follow this link https://www.facebook.com/Jodis-Journey-1708933749319543/?ref=bookmarks
An incredible young lady who really inspired me. Her determination is inspirational to everyone around her and her attitude to how she looks at life is amazing. One thing that I urge you all to do is listen to her words wisely – “If something in your body doesn’t feel right – Please DO NOT STOP until you have been heard and are 100% happy with your care. Take it from someone who has been there.”
Thank for sharing your journey to date Jodi. You were a pleasure to shoot with your beautiful family and you have inspired me to further the gift of giving by starting a special project to get stories like yours out there to the public to educate and inspire.
Follow this link to learn more about my NEW Be Inspired Project and maybe think about nominating someone you know who inspires you. https://kristyleephotography.wordpress.com/2015/12/03/be-inspired-project/
Kristy xx
Kristy Lee Photography 