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'This Is My Family and I'm Lucky to Have Them'
Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Survivor Credits Unique Support Team For Healthy Outcome
Family is what helped Lisa get through the most challenging time in her life as she battled triple-negative breast cancer; however, her family is a little different than the usual.
Lisa's family consists of children, parents, cousins, grandparents, but also nurses, doctors, leaders and mid-wives.
They're called 'Lisa Strong', and are made up of three different units at Health First, where Lisa has worked since 2003.
'Lisa Strong' began on Valentine's Day of 2019.
Earlier that day, Lisa thought about canceling her mammography appointment at Health First's Breast Center but was glad she didn't.
"I knew it was going to happen to me, but I just didn't know when," Lisa said, as she recalls her mom having breast cancer, too.
She would have a double mastectomy on April 4, and begin chemotherapy in May.
Her family wouldn't let her triple-negative breast cancer diagnosis take her to a dark place.
They made pink t-shirts that say 'Lisa Strong' on the front and "You GOAT this" on the back in reference to Lisa's farm.
"It made my day," Lisa said as she continues to hold back the tears.
They also sent supportive text messages, started a fundraiser and made bracelets.
The support was felt at home, too.
"Not one single night for six weeks that somebody didn't bring homemade cooked food to our house," Lisa said, as she describes how they looked after her animals and barn, too.
She credits her family as to why there is no evidence of the disease and can now focus on her bucket list.
"The support system that I have is a blessing and I'm lucky," Lisa said.