“My dream was always to open a clothing store.  I have literally known for as long as I can remember.  I kept a binder of all my ideas and included brands, layouts, drawings, quotes, names, styles and more.  When it was announced that Dogwood Promenade in Flowood was being built, I knew it was my chance to sign a lease and begin!”

Whitney Giordano Foster has always had an innate sense of style, and yearned to pour her talents and passion into a beautiful clothing store.  Ten years ago, Whitney was busy majoring in Fashion and Merchandising and minoring in Marketing at the University of Southern Mississippi.  As a senior in college, Whitney fulfilled her dream and opened a lovely boutique, Material Girls.  The gorgeous, driven student studied during the week and spent her weekends traveling back and forth between Hattiesburg and Flowood.  Whitney reflects, [the store] “was in my home town and a big deal for us at the time!”  She worked hard to ensure Material Girls would be a great success.

As Material Girls celebrates its anniversary this month, Whitney says with awe, “Now ten years later and still growing, I have opened in Ridgeland at Renaissance Mall in 2006, Oxford on the square in 2008, and Hattiesburg in Turtle Creek Crossing in 2010.”  Their online store, shopmaterialgirls.com, is also thriving and ships daily throughout the country. 

Naturally, Whitney is not only business savvy, but also enviably fashionable.  She adores Kendra Scott, Victoria Lynn, 7 for All Mankind Jeans, Casual Friday graphic tees and her go-to Kimonos!  With our crisp fall weather and the anticipation of the holiday season, we asked Whitney to share her five tips for dressing sharply this fall:

1)   Layering – “This is the biggest thing I can say is important for fall.  We live in the south and it is hot the majority of the time!  So, it is key to layer your looks.  Start with a fun tank that can be worn year-round and pair it with a long kimono or sweater cardigan.  A few of the hottest things for the season incorporate the layered look!  Such as…”

2)   Vests – “Another great example of layering!  Vests are huge this season. Wear them with everything.  Styles are varying from puffy vests to stripes, fur and more.”

3)   Fur – “Fur is also huge…Girls are wearing it over everything!  We are getting so many fur vests in all shades.  The more over sized, the better!

4)   Plaid – “This is a popular trend for fall, whether you are wearing a boyfriend-style plaid shirt or mixing plaids.”

5)   Leather – “Skirts, shorts, pants!  Leather accents on top are fabulous as well!”

Thank you, Whitney, for these fantastic trends we can all incorporate into our wardrobes! 

Material Girls' 10th Anniversary Party!

Material Girls will be celebrating their tenth anniversary with an incredible soiree on Thursday, November 13th, from 4:00-7:00pm at their Renaissance location!  And you are invited!  Whitney says, “There will be discounts, swag bags full of free goodies and local coupons, a dessert bar and a band featuring Holley Peel!”  Beautiful clothing will be discounted throughout the store all evening, not only at Material Girls in Renaissance, but at the other three locations as well.  One lucky shopper will also win a store discount for an entire year!

As fashion designer Jason Wu says, “I think clothing is transformative. When you put something really beautiful on, you feel something.”  Happy Birthday, Material Girls!  And thank you, Whitney, for dressing Mississippians so beautifully for the past ten years. 

{Bride} - Alison Rebecca Moak   now Alison Moak Leach  
{Groom} – Brian Mayers Leach 
{Hometowns} - Alison- Madison, MS / Brian- Brandon, MS
{Wedding Site} (name and location) – Providence Hill Farm – Jackson, MS
{Reception Site} (name and location) – Providence Hill Farm – Jackson, MS

{Bride’s Bouquet}
I carried a romantic, lush hand-tied bouquet of garden roses, ranunculus, spray roses, peonies, lisianthus and with a touch of seeded eucalyptus and dusty miller to complete the full textured look in shades of ivory and white with a touch of blush and silvery grey.  Affixed to the bouquet featured a custom monogram ribbon.

{Bridesmaid Bouquets}
They carried a bouquet of dusty miller, blush and ivory blooms of garden roses, ranunculus, spray roses, dahlias and silver brunia for added texture in shades of ivory, white, various shades of pink and grey.  Each of the girl’s bouquets also featured a custom monogram ribbon.

{How did the two of you meet?}
We met the weekend of the Arkansas vs. Mississippi State football game on November 20, 2010 in Starkville.  I was a sophomore at MSU and Brian had just returned home from playing in the Arizona Fall League.  Brian and his best friend, Trey Sutton from Hattiesburg, drove to Starkville to spend the weekend and catch up.  Trey was also there visiting my roommate, Kelli Blackburn, which is how Brian and I first met. 

Following that weekend for the next three months we constantly stayed in contact and saw one another any time we were free.  During this time, I do have to say Brian was so charming, such a gentleman, very persistent and smitten with me.  However, at the time a guy was the last thing I was looking for so to me he was just a friend with an incredible personality.  All Brian wanted was a chance and I never realized that, but boy my heart and feelings for him eventually came and smacked me in the face.

At the end of February we said our goodbyes as he was leaving for another season of baseball with the Pittsburgh Pirates starting with Spring Training in Sarasota, FL.  It only took two weeks of Brian being gone when I realized I had been blinded or trying to keep away all of my feelings for him.  He was truly everything I had ever looked for in a guy and on June 4, 2011 he officially became apart of my life, forever.  

{What is your proposal story?}
It was incredible!!!  Brian had taken me out to dinner for a "work promotion".  After finishing our meal we were walking to his truck when I realized the limo outside the restaurant was there waiting for us.  He had a huge congratulations sign and roses inside the limo and said it was taking us to go look at Christmas Lights, but we had to make a quick stop first so Brian could help his brother with something at their Crossfit/Baseball Facility.  Once we arrived he told me to stay in the car because it would just take a minute.  Literally right when he walked through the front door a video on the limo's TV screen started playing.  Brian had made a slide show video of pictures from all of his favorite memories of us together over the past few years with a beautiful song playing and a caption on each slide that quickly brought me to tears.  As soon as the video had finished the limo driver opened my door and led me to the door going into their facility.  Inside all the lights were off and there were 6 beautiful Christmas Trees, three on each side, filled with lights and a card on each tree.  I had a sign with directions explaining to start on the right with the first tree and zigzag back and forth reading each card.  Once I got to the end, the last card had an additional special message saying to turn the corner and to go find him.  I turned the corner to find Brian standing in between two tables filled with candles.  He gave a beautiful speech and then said he had three questions to ask me.  First, if I would accept his rose (yes, he loves the Bachelor/Bachelorette).  Second, he dropped down on one knee and asked me to marry him.  After lots of hugs, kisses and tears he asked his third question which was if I would dance with him.  When the song was coming to an end Brian whispered in my ear saying he had one last surprise for me.  The song ended, he turned me around and there stood both of our families.  They had just witnessed every second of Brian's breathtaking proposal.  Having our families there meant the world to me and will forever hold a special place in my heart.   

{What inspired your wedding and reception locations?}
I wanted my wedding to be different and unique.  There are quite a few options to choose from in Jackson, MS and I felt like everyone always did the same ole thing.  Providence Hill Farm was my first and only choice to view. 

I grew up in the country and love and have always been surrounded by horses.  This venue just made everything feel at home and very comfortable for me and is absolutely breathtaking.  It also fit the exact style that I was visioning for our wedding.  Most importantly I wanted to make sure everyone wasn't stuck on top of one another and could truly enjoy being there with us.  This was the easiest decision out of all of them for us.    

{What inspired your color scheme/theme/flowers?}
The color scheme was quite easy.  Of course, like most girls my favorite color has always been pink.  However, I have been obsessed with grey lately but still knew I wanted pops of pink, so our colors were ivory + grey + blush.  Our wedding and reception were both at a beautiful equestrian center in the heart of the South and what better way to bring that feel out for such a place than a romantic + chic + rustic style.  Our wedding flowers were so perfect!  They were soft and romantic, and they had a garden feel to them.  Our reception florals were arranged in beautiful stone and wood vessels that fit the feel of the wedding perfectly.

{How did you pick “the dress?”}
It was one long day and looking back quite hilarious.  My mom, Maid of Honor and Proxy Bride all started the journey to Low's Bridal in Brinkley, Arkansas.  We left after work on a Friday and decided to cut the trip in half by stopping in Tunica, Mississippi.  That Saturday morning we woke up bright and early, as my appointment was at 10:00 am, to a heart dropping moment.  Light snow that was predicted had turned into inches of thick snow.  My mom being amazing acted like it was no big deal and told us we better hurry up and get going before we were late for my appointment.  After what was suppose to be a short two hour drive then turned into hours on the road sitting in traffic from one wreck after another.  We arrived at Low's Bridal at 1:00 pm.  The workers were so nice, extremely understanding and told us to take our time browsing, as there were only two other brides in the store.  Everyone else had cancelled their appointments due to snow and Highway Patrol telling everyone to stay off the roads (Which we found out once there).  During the whole wedding process I was always one easy person when it came to decisions because I knew what I wanted and just like everything else I knew exactly what type of dress that I wanted.  

Around 5:30 I was completely worn out and all but in tears as my decision came down to two polar opposite dresses.  The exact dress that I knew from the beginning I always wanted or the dress I was wearing at the time that was a beautiful princess dress that every little girl dreams of being in.  This should not have even been a hard decision and yet I could not think straight nor make a decision.  Finally, I just said all right this is it let's go with the one I'm wearing (the long train princess dress) and just go home. 

Well needless to say, I said yes to the wrong dress.  That was easily realized Sunday morning when I woke up and my mom asked, "So do you just love your dress"?  We were frantically waiting and praying until Tuesday morning when Low's Bridal opened back up to find out if they would let us switch dresses even though they had a strict no return policy.  Thankfully, the company it was ordered from had not started making the dress and I was able to switch them.  That moment I was completely overjoyed and happy and realized that's the feeling I should have felt when saying yes to the dress.

{What was your favorite part of the wedding planning process?}
That Brian truly let me turn my fairytale vision and pinterest boards into a reality and that my mom was there with me every meeting, phone call, skype chat and step of the way.

{Besides the actual wedding, what was your favorite moment of the wedding day?}
Our first look was hands down a moment I will forever cherish.  The nerves and giddiness that came over me right when they said “it’s time” was like experiencing our first date all over again.  I’ll never forget being taken to the spot where Brian was waiting and just started crying seeing him with his back turned towards me.  It was all very bittersweet and so nice having that time with him before everything began. 

{What was your favorite surprise detail/moment about your wedding day?}
I loved the custom monogram ribbons flowing down from our bouquets and I also loved the custom chalkboard with information on each side about Brian and I that we stood in front of during our recession line as a photo backdrop.

{Your favorite picture from the big day?}
Oh goodness, now that is a very difficult one.  Two that really stand out to me are one of my dad and I during our dance to “Butterfly Kisses.”  I surprised him with this song and it was such a perfect fit for us as I grew up with my dad giving me butterfly kisses each and every night before bed.  I have and will always be daddy’s little girl and the pictures during our dance together truly portray the love we have for one another.  My second favorite picture would be the one of my mom and now my mother in law with their heads leaned in together crying with huge smiles on their faces during Brian and my first dance.  It might not mean much to most people but Brian and I are both extremely close to our families and it is such a beautiful and heartwarming picture. 

{The picture that represents the two of you best?}
I could name quite a few but one that really stands out is – a picture from our first look.  We were exchanging gifts and Brian had just opened his gift from me.  The picture is of Brian cheesing like crazy while holding up his present and me hysterically laughing.  I don’t remember if he said or did something to make me laugh but this picture really describes the two of us.  Brian’s personality is beyond amazing and there isn’t a day that goes by where he doesn’t have me constantly smiling and laughing.

Photographer: Adam + Alli Photography – (www.adamplusalli.com)
Event Planner: Lesley Frascogna – TULIP – (www.ilovetulip.com)
Dress: Low’s Bridal in Brinkley, AR – Allure Bridals
Bride’s Jewelry: Earrings & Bracelet from Lee Michaels in Ridgeland, MS
Hair: William Wallace Salon
Make-up: Louis Peterman – William Wallace Salon
Bridesmaid Dresses: Bella Bridesmaids in Ridgeland, MS – Dessy Collection
Tuxes: Tuxes Too (www.tuxestoo.com)
Videographer: Brock Gomez – Brock Gomez Productions –   (www.brockgomez.com)
Venue: Providence Hill Farm – (www.providencehillfarm.com)
Lighting: Stephen Barnette – (www.davainelighting.com)
Rentals: Mississippi Tent – (www.mississippitent.com), Pretty Presentations Catering (www.prettypresentationscatering.com)
Florist: Lesley Frascogna – TULIP – (www.ilovetulip.com)
Catering: Pretty Presentations Catering – (www.prettypresentationscatering.com)
Bar: Scott Jackson – Colony Wine Market in Madison, MS (we purchased everything from them and Pretty Presentation’s staff served it).
Band: Al Paris & the Heartbreakers (www.ramentertainment.com)
Bride’s Cake: The Cake Diva – (www.thecakediva.net)
Groom’s Cake: The Cake Diva – (www.thecakediva.net)
Print Material: Kristen Ley – Thimblepress Studio + Shop - (www.thimblepress.com)
Car Service: Cline Tours and Global Limos

Imagine dazzling decorations, heavenly scents of pumpkin and cinnamon drifting by, and booths filled with handmade ornaments, delicious food and beautiful attire.  The buzz of anticipation is in the air every November as Mistletoe Marketplace ushers in the holiday season.

Hosted by the Junior League of Jackson, Mistletoe is not only an incredibly festive and fun event, it also raises money that goes directly back into the Jackson community.  Each general admission or special event ticket, Pepsi product, raffle ticket, t-shirt, etc. that is purchased helps fund projects focused on Heath, Early Literacy and Social and Emotional Wellness.

There are some impressive events this year at Mistletoe you will not want to miss!  Round up friends for a Girl's Night Out of shopping, enjoy Guest Speaker Chip Eston, the handsome "Deacon" from the hit show Nashville, or bring your child to experience the magic of Christmas while snapping photos with Santa Claus.  General shopping at Mistletoe runs from November 6th through November 8th, with a beautiful Preview Gala on the evening of Wednesday, November 5th.  Click here for a complete list of events.

We caught up with Rochelle Hicks, the 2014 Mistletoe Chair, to tell us a little more about what goes into creating this incredible event!  The mother of 10-year-old twins, Ethan and Isabella, is married to her husband of 16 years, Jason Hicks.  Rochelle is originally from Natchez, and joined the Junior League when she moved to Jackson over 16 years ago.  “The League has given me many things I am grateful for, one being lifelong friendships that mean the world to me!”

Though working on Mistletoe is a lot of work and takes countless hours of time, Rochelle is thrilled with her team and is enthusiastic about this year’s Mistletoe.  She says, “The Committee is about to see their months and months of hard work come to fruition.  My hope is that they are able to savor it for a moment and appreciate the fruits of their labor.  I could not begin to put a number on the hours, but I will say that this is a year I will cherish always!”

What does this year’s theme of Making Spirits Bright mean to you?
This year’s theme “Making Spirits Bright” has several meanings to me.  First, we hope to ‘brighten’ the spirits of each and every person who walks through the doors of the Trade Mart, and second, to ‘make spirits bright’ and make an impact on the lives of the children and youth impacted by our volunteers.  Our hope is that we ‘brighten’ every child’s life through the projects of the Junior League of Jackson.

How did you become the Mistletoe Chair and why?
After serving on the 2011 committee with 13 amazing, talented ladies, I wanted to continue my service to the community through Mistletoe.  Each year, the ladies who work tirelessly to make Mistletoe a success come and go, but each year’s success is built on the shoulders of those who have come before us.  It is an honor to have been asked to chair Mistletoe 2014, and my hope is that our work can make a difference in the lives of our Committee and our community.

What is one of your favorite Mistletoe Marketplace memories? 
“It is hard to pick just one…hanging decorations in the middle of the night, dancing the night away at the Preview Gala with friends, cleaning up after the Friday night party or just laughing together from pure exhaustion!  Mistletoe is all about making memories…whether you are on the Steering Committee, a Junior League volunteer, a shopper or attending one of our special events.  We hope that each and every person walks away with something special they will never forget!”

Any insider tips for Mistletoe shoppers?
“Make plans now to attend the 34th annual Mistletoe marketplace!  We are sure it will brighten your Spirits!  Brighten a child’s life and support your community!  And as always, dress comfortably and have fun!”

Thank you, Rochelle, for your delightful insight into Mistletoe Marketplace.  We hope this year’s event is extremely successful!
{Blog by Mitchell Walters}

Happy Halloween!  Whether you are trick-or-treating with costumed tots, celebrating with friends over ghoulish cocktails, or watching horror movies from the comfort of your couch, we wish you all a very happy Halloween!

In keeping with the spirit of the day, we are thrilled to share an adorable Batman-themed birthday party.  Feast your eyes on delightful details centered around the hero of Gotham City.

{Name} Molly Frascogna
{Hometown} Jackson, MS
{Event Site} (name and location) Our house in Belhaven

{Tell us about the occasion for the event?} Penn’s 4th

{What inspired your event location and theme?} I hate to admit that I tried to talk
him out of the Batman theme for months. I had been scouting ebay for vintage
robots hoping we would stick with a robot theme, but he was adamant about
Batman. I figured I could come up with a way to do a Batman party without it
looking store-bought, so we ran with it.

{What inspired your color scheme/flowers?} Vintage Batman

{What’s your favorite event detail? Is there a story behind it?} I got really into
Batman ephemera and obviously a lot of other people do too. After being outbid
many times, I finally got a set of 1966 Batman trading cards for a steal. I doubt
the seller would appreciate that I took them all out of their plastic covers and
hung them along my mantle, but he will never have to know that. Penn would
definitely say his favorite details were the Batman masks and the capes made by
my mother.

{What was your favorite part of the event planning process?} My favorite part
of the event planning process is brainstorming with Penn. He really gets into
the party planning and decorations. He gets so excited when he sees his ideas
come to fruition. He starts dreaming up his parties a full year in advance. He
is already planning a Christmas themed 5th
Christmas trees. I should probably mention his birthday is in late May. 
birthday party full of fake snow and

{What was your favorite moment of the event day?} Well, my least favorite was
that it stormed like crazy before the party. It could not have been more muggy,
but the kids did not seem to mind. Gotham City would have been much more
fun outside of the garage. My favorite moment of the party was watching 10 kids
running around our yard wearing the plastic Batman masks.

{Your favorite picture from the event day?}
Probably the one of the three of us in masks.

{Photographer} Molly
{Event Planner} Penn
{Venue} Our House
{Florist} Molly

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month!  Breast cancer forms when malignant cancer cells grow in the breast tissue.  A whopping 1 in 8 women will unfortunately be affected by this disease during their lifetime.  It is the form of cancer most commonly found in women, and over 220,000 women will be diagnosed yearly in the United States alone.  This entire month is dedicated to increasing awareness about the disease, supporting women who are bravely batting cancer, and raising funds for research, diagnosis, treatment and a cure. 

The diagnosis can be overwhelming.  Survivor Emily Myers Garner says, "To hear the words 'you have cancer' is completely devastating...At the time, my only thoughts were that I was going to lose my breasts and my hair - the two things that made me feel feminine and beautiful."  However, there is positive news for women diagnosed with breast cancer. Death rates have been steadily decreasing since 1990 because of screening, early detection, better awareness and highly successful treatments.  Today, we are honored to share the stories of two Mississippians who have courageously faced - and defeated - breast cancer.

Emily Myers Garner's Story

Tell me about your diagnosis.  How was your breast cancer detected?
I was diagnosed with Stage III breast cancer in 2002 at age 29.  As a former healthcare marketing professional, I was tasked with promoting my hospitals’ “Pink October” breast health awareness campaign in the community; this meant coordinating health fairs around the Metro Jackson area and educating the public about the importance of self–breast exams (SBEs) and mammography.  After educating over 500 women that month, I decided that I needed to practice what I was promoting.  So, in October of 2002, I performed an SBE at home and found a lump in my left breast.  After observing it for a few days, I decided to contact my OB-GYN to get a professional opinion.  When the nurse practitioner performed a clinical exam and also felt the lump, I insisted that I get a mammogram that day.  After the mammogram and ultrasound showed a suspicious mass with calcifications, I was referred to a breast surgeon who performed a stereotactic breast biopsy and diagnosed my cancer within two days.  Just two weeks later, I was in the OR undergoing a radical mastectomy on my left breast.

How did you feel about the news?
To hear the words “you have cancer” is completely devastating.  To hear the words “you have breast cancer” is even more life altering as a woman.  At the time, my only thoughts were that I was going to lose my breasts and my hair - the two things that made me feel feminine and beautiful.  As a young, single woman, it was a truly devastating diagnosis. I thought I would never marry because no man would ever find me attractive again and that would also mean no children or family of my own. After much soul searching, I finally came to realize that I was “not my hair and not my breasts” and that perhaps I could find someone that would love me for all of the other parts that made me Emily.

And how did your family react?
My parents and sister were extremely supportive and nurturing.  I was unmarried at the time, and I depended heavily on my sister to help me through my surgery and subsequent treatments. I call her my “guardian angel” through those very difficult months of recovery and chemotherapy.  She was the one who stripped my drains after surgery, nursed me after chemo, shaved my head when my hair started falling out, and administered my shots to help keep my blood cell levels high enough for treatment.  She truly was my biggest support system and I could not have survived without her.

What was your treatment like?
I underwent a radical mastectomy of my left breast and removal of necessary lymph nodes. That was followed by 8 rounds of chemotherapy, breast reconstruction and five years of oral Tamoxifen.  In late 2010, I chose to have a prophylactic mastectomy on my right breast with immediate breast reconstruction.

Are you in remission?
Yes, I will celebrate 12 years cancer-free on November 14, 2014, the date of my mastectomy.  I choose to celebrate this as my “pink anniversary” each year as a reminder of what I survived and in honor of those who have lost their brave battle.

What were the hardest days like?  And the best days?
I continued to work full time while undergoing chemo and that proved challenging when trying to keep my energy level high and attitude positive.  Some days were really difficult to motivate myself to get out of bed, put on a wig and go to work with a smile on my face. Fortunately, I had a wonderful support system at home and work that encouraged me through their love and faith.

What inspired you to fight daily?
I was inspired by my faith that God was in control and had a plan for my life.  I knew that what was meant to be would be and that if I survived it would be for a reason.  I believe that reason is to serve as an advocate for breast cancer and breast health awareness. Through my work in healthcare marketing or as a volunteer and consultant for the Central Mississippi Steel Magnolias Susan G. Komen Foundation, I have talked to countless women and men about the importance of knowing their risk factors, practicing their monthly SBE’s and scheduling a yearly mammogram.  Early detection is a key component to surviving this disease. If I had waited to have my lump checked out by a physician or until 40 to get a mammogram, I would not be alive today.  You must be your own health advocate because 1 in 8 women will be affected by breast cancer. If you are at high risk for breast cancer, tell your primary care physician and be aware of changes in your body.

What is the best thing about living and being treated in Mississippi?
Having wonderfully supportive physicians like Dr. Bill Gibson, Dr. Christina Dial, Dr. Tammy Young and Dr. Stephen Davidson was the best thing about being treated in Jackson.  They all took such amazing care of me and treated me as if I were family.  I also appreciated that I could receive quality health care in my home state and I didn’t have to travel to another cancer clinic out of state to receive the best care.

Do you have any advice for other women facing cancer? 
I have shared this poem with many women I know that have been facing a cancer diagnosis.  It was given to me by a friend and I find the words very inspiring.

WHAT CANCER CANNOT DO
Cancer is so limited.
It cannot cripple love.
It cannot shatter hope.
It cannot erode faith.
It cannot destroy peace.
It cannot silence courage.
It cannot suppress memories.
It cannot kill friendship.
It cannot conquer the spirit.
It cannot invade the soul.
It cannot steal eternal life.

Anonymous
Post cancer, I have been married to my husband Mack, an engineer, for six years.  Believing that we were unable to have children because of my cancer at such a young age, we were elated to find out that I was pregnant just three weeks after our honeymoon!  We are the very proud parents of a beautiful 5 year old little girl, Lily Frances, who attends kindergarten at St. Richard Catholic School.  I currently own McLaughlin Garner Group, an Advertising/Event Planning/Marketing/PR firm with my business partner, Shannon McLaughlin, and we specialize in creative solutions for small businesses, nonprofit organizations and professional associations.

Tell me about your diagnosis.  How was your cancer detected?
I was diagnosed with breast cancer on October 3, 2013, at the age of 35  - with no family history. Two weeks prior, I awoke one morning and my right arm brushed the side of my chest and I felt an unusual lump.  It was tender because I was curious and I kept touching the spot just hoping it would go away, but it didn’t.  With a loving push from my husband and friend, I make the call.  Still believing it wouldn’t be anything, because in July of 2013 I had my yearly routine test and my OB sent me on my way with a clean bill of health.  I wasn’t scheduled for a mammogram until the next year when I turned 36. Well...cancer is fast and sneaky!!

I made the call and they scheduled me to see the nurse practitioner that afternoon.  The nurse practitioner also felt the lump so she sent me for a mammogram and ultrasound.  I walked over to Woman’s hospital and had my first mammogram.  The doctor’s office called me the next day and said the radiologist confirmed the mass and I needed a biopsy by a breast surgeon. What?  A breast surgeon. Within a day, I was in the office of Dr. Christina Dial for my biopsy. She was a book of knowledge, but also compassionate.  She genuinely cared for me.  Right away, she explained my mammography films and what we were looking at.   She was confident, 90% sure it was cancer, but she would need to biopsy the lump to know which type of caner.  I was informed there are more than 15 different types of breast cancer.  Who knew!  Two days later she called with my results and was ready to meet with my family so she could provide us with all the information we needed to know about my cancer. 

What was your treatment like?
I had a CT, MRI, Bone scan and met with a plastic surgeon.  Cancer doesn’t wait on you, you have to take control and move fast!  My scans were all clear and my cancer had not metastasized to any other area in my body! Praise Jesus!!  I quickly make the decision to have a double mastectomy with reconstruction on October 25, 2013. 

After surgery, we learned I had 5 lymph nodes positive so this bumped me to stage 3a cancer, but we also learned I have triple negative breast cancer, like Joan Lunden, the former co-host of Good Morning America.  I learned Ninety percent of all breast cancer is estrogen positive.  The cancer is fed from estrogen, but that was not the case with mine.  Triple negative breast cancer means the growth of cancer is not supported by the hormones estrogen and progesterone and it does not respond to hormone therapy drugs. The cancer I had does respond well to chemotherapy.

How did you prepare for chemotherapy?
Before I would see my oncologist to begin my treatment plan, I just rested, healed and prayed a lot.  For months, friends delivered meals, sent flowers, mailed encouraging letters, prayed for me, watched my children and cleaned my house.  God just provided in every way imaginable!  He took a bad disease and made it good. He gave me a peace and a strength that was not possible in my earthly 'take charge, be in control, worrying about everything self!'  I had to let go and give it to Him.

After four weeks of resting and healing, I met with my oncologist to get a plan to be cancer free.  The first visit to Jackson Oncology was hard and sad.  When I was waiting to see Dr. Young, I was the youngest person in the waiting room.  Everybody looked sick and was bald.  How could I be sitting in this room waiting on my treatment plan!  I just wanted to be home waiting on my youngest son (3) to get up from his nap and my oldest (7) to get off the bus, but I was sitting in an office waiting to find out which chemotherapy drugs I would take.  My family was my reason to fight, so I had to quickly snap out of it and focus on getting well.  I got my plan that day.  I was scheduled to receive a chemo port and then after Thanksgiving, I would begin 8 rounds of chemotherapy with radiation therapy to follow (you have radiation if you have 4 or more lymph nodes positive and I had 5).  I started chemotherapy in December of 2013, and my last round was in March of 2014.  I started radiation right after chemo in April of 2014, and finished in June of 2014.  Radiation was a breeze compared to everything else.  Dr. Balfour and his staff at St. Dominic were so personable. They become like family when you see them everyday for 35 days.

Are you in remission?

Since then, I’ve had a PET scan, CT scan, Bone Scan and there is no disease present in my body!! My oncologist will continue with routine testing every 3 and 6 months for five years.  I just finished my reconstructive surgery with Dr. Song.  I have the best team of doctors.  Mississippi doctors genuinely care for their patients and it’s important to feel cared for when going through treatment.

What advice do you have for other women facing a similar battle?

For others facing cancer, do not wait to start loving God, loving others and loving life!  Every day is a spiritual battle with or without a disease living in your body so put on your spiritual armor and be prepared for whatever life gives you. The enemy tried to tell me, this disease would overcome me and my children would not have a mother, but fear is not from God and Satan will do everything he can to make you fearful of this disease. Your best defense is to pray, pray, and pray some more!!!  I would pray many things, but I would always pray, God, your Kingdom come and your will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven and in Heaven there is no sickness and no disease so bring it here to me and He did!!  I’m a SURVIVOR!!

Thank you Emily & Heather for sharing your stories!
{Blog by Mitchell Walters}