Three Generations

The Strength of Three Generations of Females

In the spring of 2015, Melissa and Adam King had been married seven years and were living comfortable lives. Melissa had started a new job, both she and Adam felt fulfilled by their work and social activities, and the two were in great health. As with any couple, life had its ups and downs but was generally grand.

Mindful of maintaining her good health, Melissa went in for her routine annual physical exam in May of 2015. The results of the appointment would be life changing. To her surprise and elation, Melissa’s doctor informed her that she was pregnant. While she was stunned and thrilled by the news of the baby, Melissa was not entirely surprised when her doctor shared another discovery: she had found a lump in Melissa’s right breast. Melissa had been closely monitored from a young age due to her grandmother’s death from breast cancer and Melissa having a benign breast tumor removed at age 14. She knew intuitively what the results of the biopsy would be: breast cancer.

As Melissa sat down to tell her mother, Susan, about the diagnosis, her mom interjected, “I have something to tell you first. I have breast cancer.” Shocked, Melissa replied, “I do, too.” Both women were in disbelief, yet knew with each other’s support and that of extended family and friends, they would get through what Melissa called “a minor bump in the road.”

Melissa, Adam, and her doctors decided the best course of action in her case was to begin with chemotherapy in an effort to shrink her tumor. Surgery would wait until after the baby was born, for both Melissa and her baby’s health. After her second round of chemo, Melissa was grateful to learn that her tumor was shrinking. Meanwhile, her mother underwent a lumpectomy and radiation treatments. Susan felt the need to stay strong for herself, her daughter, and her future grandchild, and put her energy toward regaining her health.

Susan was in the unique position of supporting her daughter not only through her pregnancy—as many mothers do—but also through their shared breast cancer experience. At the same time, Adam served as Melissa’s rock through the chaos of appointments, treatments, and baby preparations. Another unexpected twist in their story occurred when their baby girl, Halle, arrived five weeks prematurely. Fortunately, Melissa was able to stay in the Special Care Unit while her little one gained the strength needed to go home. It was a welcome homecoming!

Some complications following childbirth required that Melissa return to the hospital and spend further time healing her body in preparation for more chemotherapy. Knowing that Baby Halle was in the excellent care of Adam, family, and close friends helped ease Melissa’s anxieties, and, once home, she did all she could to spend as much time with her new baby as her body and strength allowed.

Surgery was the next step in Melissa’s treatment for her breast cancer, but she found herself debating surgical options, unsure of which was the best choice for her. Adam had recently learned about the Firefly Sisterhood and encouraged his wife to contact the organization, wanting as much support for Melissa as possible. Melissa called Firefly’s Program Manager, Jenny, in hopes of being connected with women who could share their experiences with the different surgeries she was considering. Melissa was connected with four Guides, and found two of them to be particularly helpful—hearing their stories gave her further confidence in her decision to have a lumpectomy.

Following a successful surgery, time for her body to heal, and radiation, Melissa is now focused on her survivorship and becoming accustomed to the proverbial “new normal.” She is adjusting to physical and emotional changes and the feeling of “now what?” that many women experience after breast cancer treatment. Adam continues to support Melissa as she explores her new perspective on the world, knowing the importance of encouraging all aspects of her healing. Adam also spends time researching how to improve people’s cancer survivorship experience. He has seen firsthand the challenges involved and hopes to play a role in developing tools for survivors.

In spite of fatigue and other symptoms related to her treatment, Melissa has tremendous strength in mind, body, and spirit. She has returned to work, relishes her role as a new mother, and continues to focus on staying present. Meanwhile, Susan is also navigating her own survivorship and learning how to integrate her cancer experience into her life going forward, with an emphasis on positivity and spending precious time with her daughter and new grandbaby.

As a result of their experiences with breast cancer, in addition to welcoming a new baby, this family recognizes the significant role connection plays in their lives: strong relationships with each other, with extended family and friends, and with other survivors.