Maryellen's breast cancer journey was a double-edged sword, something that brought her to some of the lowest points in her life while also showing her strength and resilience she never knew she had. As a Patient Account Representative at Aveanna, her passion to uplift and support those affected by cancer is now stronger than ever.
Maryellen was first diagnosed in 1997. After her initial concerns were dismissed by her doctor, a second opinion and an annual physical led to the discovery of a rare form of breast cancer called Paget cell carcinoma. Maryellen had no history of breast cancer in her family, and her diagnosis turned her world completely upside down.
"I remember when I first got my diagnosis from the doctor, I physically stepped back to try to distance myself from the news," said Maryellen. "One moment, I was in the doctors' office getting a yearly physical, and then suddenly I was being given referrals for specialists and a mammogram for the next day."
With her immediate family across the country, Maryellen began treatment. She decided on an experimental reconstruction surgery that minimized safety concerns associated with the traditional form of reconstruction. However, the tradeoff was that the experimental surgery was a longer, more invasive procedure that was rarely performed and came with a different set of possible outcomes. While the procedure was successful, her recovery led to infection, a coma, and the discovery of a secondary form of cancer she and her medical team were unaware of. After more surgeries and treatment, Maryellen was on the road to recovery and had a newfound sense of grit and empathy.
Maryellen's fortitude was tested in 2017 when she detected a third type of breast cancer during a self-examination. This time, however, she was not alone in her journey. During Maryellen's own diagnosis, her younger sister was given the news that she had stage four cancer in both breasts. In different states but bonded by the power of sisterhood and resilience, they began their cancer battle and won.
A life-long advocate for breast cancer research and awareness, Maryellen shares her own tips for the fight, this month and every month:
Self Advocacy
"I will always encourage people to be their own best advocate, seek second or third opinions when needed, and never hesitate to ask questions or challenge medical advice if something feels wrong with your body. No one knows your story or your body better than you, and it's so important that you give yourself that power to be honest, ask questions, and stand up for yourself and your treatment. When you get that diagnosis, the first thought may be, 'What did I do wrong? How did this happen to me?' Instead of blaming yourself, shift to asking, 'What do I do now, who can I talk to, and what are my options?'"
Give (and Receive) Support
"Supporting those battling cancer is one of the most life-giving things you can do. Offering the smallest and simplest things, such as cooking a meal, running an errand, or straightening up the house, can be such a lifeline to someone who is giving their all to their own battle. But on the other side, those who are battling cancer must allow themselves to receive this support as well. Often, we feel as though we're burdening others if we accept this help, but that is just not true. Allow yourself to focus on your fight and give others the gift of helping you. Family members, loved ones, friends, and neighbors often feel the need and want to help but don't know what to do, what to say, or how to be helpful without offending the person. On both sides, it's humbling to watch someone going through the fight; it makes you think how fragile we all are."
Live in the Present
"During and after battling cancer, people often get caught up in the 'what ifs' of the future, unsure whether their cancer will return or if they'll get back to normal. The only thing we are certain of is today, and we must not lose sight of the beauty in the present because of the unknown or what lies ahead. Allow yourself to feel and process those emotions when they arise, but don't let them overshadow the little joys you experience every day. This philosophy is important to keep not just during the fight, but every day after that."
Celebrate Achievements, Both Big and Small
"During my cancer fight, I feared I would never get back to doing the things I loved. Many people struggle with that same fear. However, that doesn't mean we can't celebrate little achievements we conquer during our recovery like being able to walk to the mailbox to check the mail, wearing a favorite outfit, and completing a small activity by yourself. Any and every little win should be cherished. Personally, I found making a bucket list to put my goals into perspective was very helpful. That morphed into a vision board. Making that list and checking the little things off proved to be a great motivator and helped me focus on what I could do, not what I could no longer do. We never know what we are capable of if we don't try. We owe that to ourselves."
Maryellen's cancer diagnosis is part of her story, but it's not who she is. She wants others battling or recovering from cancer to know the same is true for them. After all, she says, "It's what's on the inside that makes us who we are." The license plate of Maryellen's car says one word: "Fearless." And she's taking that mantra into every chapter of her life, no matter what comes.
Aveanna Healthcare Medical Solutions is honored to provide enteral nutrition and medical supplies to those living with cancer. To learn more about our resources for you or your loved one, visit our website today.