Mount Pleasant Magazine Sept/Oct 2020

www.CharlestonBrides.com | www.ChsWomenInBusiness.com | www.ReadCWomen.com LISA JONES Lisa Jones was working at her desk at Susan G. Komen breast cancer organization when she got the call confirming that she had breast cancer. “I work for this organization trying to get rid of this disease. It seems like I would have gotten something else,” she joked. “I had kept up my health and got my mammograms every year at the same time. I never felt a lump, and I don’t have a family history. It was caught by my yearly mammogram – I was pretty shocked.” Because of her background at Komen, Jones had a good understanding of the next steps. By the time she arrived home that day, she already had a plan in order, from a team of doctors to anticipated follow-up care. Her diagnosis was made at an early stage, and she opted to have a double mastectomy. After an anxious time waiting for the pathology results to find out what the next steps would be, she was told her cancer had not spread. “It’s scary because you just don’t know what’s coming next. I’ve heard so many stories, and everyone’s is different,” she said. “I don’t know how I got so lucky. My doctor called me the breast cancer poster child.” She was able to have natural reconstruction and was grateful not to undergo chemotherapy or radiation treatments. In addition to keeping up with health screenings, Jones emphasized that those diagnosed with breast cancer should be their own advocates. “I knew where to get my information, but a lot of women don’t. I researched and prepared for each doctor appointment with my questions and made sure they got answered in a way that I understood. Be as prepared as you can be through that whole horrible time,” she recommended. “I know my path was so much easier than other people’s, but it’s changed how I work,” Jones continued. “When someone says, ‘I’ve just been diagnosed,’ I know that feeling. It’s devastating, and until you get on that road, you just don’t know how long that road is going to be.” feature Lisa Jones, breast cancer survivor and Women’s Advisory board member at East Cooper Medical Center.