Jessica

Jessica has been married to her wonderful husband, Jim, for 22 years. Together they have a 15-year-old son, Jacob. She is a stay-at-home mother who does bookkeeping on the side, a babysitter, and homeschooling mama who enjoys cooking, baking, canning, and the beach!

Jessica was diagnosed with Stage 1 ductal carcinoma in situ on February 6, 2024 at the age of 45 following a regular mammogram, diagnostic mammogram and an ultrasound. After her bilateral mastectomy, she initially wanted DIEP flap reconstruction surgery. However, due to her Type 2 diabetes, she decided to wait until she was at her goal weight and chose to have implants put in by Dr. Shayda Mirhaidari as it was less risky. She is perfectly happy with her implants right now. Jessica feels whole again! Her breasts are so perky, not heavy like they were, and she feels wonderful. She feels blessed that her entire care team at Crystal Clinic has been so kind and caring!

“They listened to me, answered my questions, helped me through my MANY breakdowns, and were an integral part of my amazing support system through this entire beautiful, ugly mess called cancer. I truly feel they treated me as family, which is rare these days in the medical field.”

Jessica is thrilled with Dr. Mirhaidari as her physician – “she’s simply the best!” – and she urges other patients to seek out a doctor who will listen to you, answer your questions, and is experienced. Don’t be afraid to seek second opinions about your diagnosis. “Dr. Mirhaidari has the most wonderful bedside manner and truly cares about her patients. I feel confident, and am so pleased with my reconstruction,” she shared. “Her staff, especially Deidre, Becca, and Kelly, is kind and caring as well and they helped me through a difficult time. I’m so thankful.”

“When you first hear the word cancer, it’s a very scary thing, but I can honestly tell you that in my experience it has been a blessing,” Jessica shared. “Not only do I have the blessing of being cancer-free, but my marriage grew stronger, my faith in Jesus Christ has grown exponentially, family has come together, and I received so much love, support, and prayers from not only my family, church family, and friends, but complete strangers. Don’t let cancer hold you back, seek knowledgeable doctors, ask lots of questions, don’t be afraid to get second opinions, and live your life to the fullest.”

Jessica chose to walk the Pink Runway to celebrate her life and let others know that there is life after cancer – it doesn’t have to define you. “This experience has taught me to treasure everything, every little detail, because life is short and we need to make the best of things. There is purpose in everything.”