WEBVTT
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In January of 21, my guests got the news nobody wants to hear.
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You have breast cancer, stage two.
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I remember when she said no walks, no pink tutos, no big crowds.
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My friend Janae Swan turned that around and now has a huge platform to encourage and pray for women going through their breast cancer journey.
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And on October 3rd, Janae and her husband Scott will be emceeing the More Than Pink Walk, sponsored by the Susan G.
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Comen Foundation.
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And I cannot wait to share our conversation with you.
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This is We Plural Community on Purpose.
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Hi everybody, and welcome back to We Plural Podcast, where we are doing community on purpose.
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I get to come to you again from the beautiful Brown County Visitor Center.
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So grateful to them for lending me this space and for being a sponsor of today's episode.
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I wanted to read some facts to you today because as we wind up September and we're looking straight at October, uh I wanted to pay a special honor today to October being breast cancer awareness month.
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And some of these statistics really took my breath away when I was reading them in preparation for my guest today.
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But about 321,910 women will hear that they have the diagnosis of breast cancer this year.
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Approximately 42,140 women do not survive from breast cancer in today's world.
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There is a disparity between women of color and white women in terms of survival rates.
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And we're gonna speak a little bit to that because that is so important to me.
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And I believe that's something as communities we can address.
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My guest today has so much to share with us about a personal journey.
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Woo! You don't have Kleenexes here.
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No.
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Um when I talk about my weene is part of my most tightest we circle.
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And in January of 2021, our Wii group got a phone call and she shared that she had just received a diagnosis of breast cancer.
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And I invited her to be on this program today because we love her, we treasure her, but I am so inspired by what she did with her diagnosis and how she has turned that pain and surprise into great purpose for so many others as we think about community.
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So without further ado, it is my great pleasure and honor to introduce to you Janae Swan.
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Welcome to my podcast.
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I am thrilled to be on.
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I know you've been talking about this for a while, and I can't believe I'm finally here and it's a reality.
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It is a reality.
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I'm gonna try not to emulate Tammy Fay Baker today.
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God love her, and he does.
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Um, but uh wow, let's just start with that that diagnosis for you.
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Yeah.
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And when you received it, walk us through getting that news and what were some of your immediate thoughts?
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Yeah.
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It was uh January of 2021.
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Right.
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I can still remember.
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My husband and I were sitting on the couch watching the inauguration, and his phone rang, and I my phone rang.
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So we went to opposite sides of um the house to talk.
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He talked for a while, hung up, and then um my call was from um the results of a biopsy.
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Um, I go and get a mammogram every year in January, like clockwork.
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And this time, you know, I had the mammogram, and then they ushered me right to an ultrasound and right to a biopsy.
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And the phone call was to say that yes, I did indeed have um breast cancer.
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And I was stunned.
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And then my husband walked over and said, Oh, my doctor just called and I have skin cancer.
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So it was kind of a double whammy um that morning.
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And, you know, we sat and cried and said, We've got to call our three kids and tell them that both of you know their parents were just diagnosed with cancer on the same day.
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So um, luckily my husband later had surgery and he's cancer free.
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But um, I was very shocked and surprised because it wasn't like they were monitoring something over the years.
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It was like boom, there it is.
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So um I had invasive ductal carcinoma and my oncologists didn't think that it had spread.
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So they put me at stage one before the surgery.
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I went in less than 30 days later and had a lympectomy and reconstruction surgery.
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And it was there like a day later that they found out that it had spread to my lymph nodes.
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So it bumped me up to stage two.
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What difference does stage one and stage two make?
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I understand the diagnosis, but in terms of treatment, what resulted in treatment as going from stage one to stage two?
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The the statistics are if early detection, you have a 98% uh survival rate for five years.
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And I just hit the five-year mark, which was huge.
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Um, when you are bumped up to stage two, you have different treatments.
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Now, one of the misnomers I always um thought of that you have breast cancer, everybody has chemotherapy.
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And that's not the case.
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They now have a new test, and they took my tumor and they tested it and said my type of breast cancer, estrogen and progesterone positive, would not react to chemotherapy.
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So that bumped me into radiation.
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So since I was at stage two, they added two extra weeks.
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So I went for 30 days every day to radiation.
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And um that was a that was a long 30 days.
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And Scotty went with you every single day, didn't he?
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Yeah, he did.
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Yeah.
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Uh we'll talk about the support of community in a minute, but I have so many questions for you.
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And I know we've probably talked about this over five years in different settings, but for our audience's sake, what do you wish you would have known about cancer prior to having to go through the journey that you know you could share with someone who's maybe at the start of that journey?
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Yeah.
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I think one of the things I was not aware of is that there are so many different types of breast cancer.
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There's just not one size fits all.
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And there's so many different treatments.
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And I just admire the medical community because there's been such advancements in treatments, in testing.
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Um this Anka um score is literally took my tumor, sent it to California, and they they do this test to see if it hits a certain matrix.
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And if it's below that, then you do not need chemotherapy, um, which was wonderful for me.
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But uh just the um the new uh things that are coming around every day.
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I had no idea that there's such advancements in breast cancer in a yearly basis.
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And so um that I think helped me kind of go through the process.
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And I didn't realize that I would have so many oncologists.
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You have a surgeon, you have a plastic surgeon, you have an oncologist for radiation, you have an oncologist for medication.
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And so it it's like sucking, you know, water down a fire hose.
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There's a lot going on.
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Do they all collaborate on your case, or did you kind of have to stay on top of it?
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I felt very well um cared for.
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I will give a plug to Community North.
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They were fabulous.
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But one of the things that I was surprised, they give you a nurse navigator.
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My first meeting, they're like, I'm your nurse navigator.
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It's like, what's that?
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And she really helped guide me through the process, making appointments, following up, making sure all the doctors knew what was going on at the same time.
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So I felt like I had a really great advocate because it's just overwhelming.
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It's a lot and you don't feel good.
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And um I really just applaud Community North and then the cancer center that's attached there.
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Well, and the recognition of you know, needing someone to guide a woman through the process with that navigator, you know, is that's to me that's an incredible advancement.
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And just understanding the whole, the whole bigger picture of how you you get through your treatments.
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Yeah.
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My dad had heart surgery.
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I don't you probably remember it.
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He was also at Community North.
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And the the doctors there kept saying, you know, heart technology is on fire.
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I mean, they were learning new things about the heart.
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Like you said, every year.
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I had not heard that about breast cancer, and I'm glad to hear that because when I see all the dollars and and billions of dollars that go into research, um, it's so good to know that they're actually they're actually finding things out that can uh you know help somebody's lifespan.
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There's also a new test that has been perfected since I was diagnosed, and it's an index test.
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So one of the things that you have to do post-radiation is to go on medication.
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And there's various, there's only a couple choices.
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And um, one of the things that they want you to be on at least 10 years.
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But now they have come up with this new test.
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Again, they took my tumor, sent it somewhere, and put it against this new type of test showing that I no longer had to be on this medicine for another five years.
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So that has just come about in the last couple of years.
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That's huge, which is great.
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Because before it's like you're on the medicine for 10 years.
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And my oncologist told me that only 35% of her patients are on, continue to be on this medication because the side effects are just nasty.
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And I know I've told you about them.
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But I was like, I'm gonna fight it.
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I if she tells me that I have to be on this, I'll just learn to live with you know the side effects.
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The side effects, which which is one is a sleep disruptor.
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I know you haven't had a great night's sleep in how long time.
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Yeah, insomnia.
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Um you're very stiff.
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I was really stiff on the first one.
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There's only three to choose from in this category, and I could barely get in and out of the car.
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The second one was much better.
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You know, it's stiffness, it's dinginess.
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I mean, I I would have to say oven off.
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You know, I did some things like left the steamer on all day, and you know, the ceiling was peeling.
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I was like, I just filled it up with water and I left.
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So those type of things are just a side effect, but but I was gonna live with that.
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That also sounds like menopause brain.
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So who would know the difference, right?
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Yeah, I used to blame it on being blonde, being dingy, but I just like that's the medicine.
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Let's say there's a lady who just got a similar diagnosis and was facing radiation for the next 30 days.
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What would you say to that person to encourage her to stay the course and to, you know, stay hope with hopeful and to maintain her her faith?
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What would you say to her?
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Well, I'll try I'll tell you.
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Um, I had my surgery at the hospital at Community North and radiation was at the cancer center.
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And the first day we drove up um for my practice run through, because they have to design a pillow for you and uh like a it's a whole thing.
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And I saw those words cancer, and I just broke down.
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I didn't want to go in.
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And Scotty was like, let's go.
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He held my hand, we walked in, and I looked around that waiting room, and I must say it was depressing.
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I I felt like I was 20 years younger than anybody there, and people were kind of slumped over, some were wearing hats, and I just like we're not talking to anybody.
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And we literally sat in the corner.
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I went through my run through, I came back, and we got in the car, and we always listened to um Christian music, and the song from Hill Song, another in the fire came on, and this lyric just jumped out.
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I'll count joy come every battle because I know you're there with me.
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And I went home that night and I prayed.
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And in the morning I woke up and I felt like the Lord laid it on my heart.
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Janae, get your big girl panties on, get back to that cancer center and talk to people, share your faith and hear their stories.
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Yeah.
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And I walked in, I looked around that room and I saw people different.
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Like everybody was there who was just trying to beat cancer.
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All the other loved ones were worried about them.
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And I just went back with a different attitude.
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And so I would tell the person that's going through it, don't do it alone.
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Talk to others, you hear other people's story.
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And when I started focusing on other people, it wasn't just so consuming about this is what I'm doing.
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Because I never said, like, well, why me?
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I did say, Well, why not me?
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Why not a special right?
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That's right.
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Why not me?
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I think a lot of people who are diagnosed um are mad.
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Mad, why did I get this?
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What have I done?
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And you didn't do anything.
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God isn't punishing you.
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It just happens.
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So that night at home, when you know you kind of had that time with God, was that when you realized this journey was gonna be greater than just your personal journey?
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Is that that when you feel like he kind of called you to this platform that you now use so regularly to encourage other ladies?
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Yeah, I felt like that was the turning point.
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And, you know, sometimes in life uh things give you joy.
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I mean, we're grandmothers.
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I mean, that is so joyful.
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And sometimes you have to choose joy.
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And in that moment, I needed to choose joy.
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I need to go back in there and talk with others.
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And that's what made me start thinking about um having my prayer calendar.
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And so I was asking, obviously at the cancer center, all of them were getting mammograms, but I truly just started to feel like that 15 minutes saved my life.
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Because had I not had that, and who knows what would have happened, I think I have eight grandchildren.
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What if I never would have met them and been here to be part of their life?
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And so I started reaching out on social media, send me um encouraging mammograms.
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And this is during COVID, and there are people who do not even want to leave the house.
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Right.
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And um, I put it out there, and a couple of ladies said, you know, I've never had one, I need to have one.
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And it's amazing how I've talked to people um who know that I've got this platform every morning.
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I uh, you know, I write down people's names, and these are people I don't know.
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They reach you you can reach out.
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It's all via social media.
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Yep, on Instagram, Janae Swan or Facebook, Janae Swan, and they'll give me their dates and a lot of times they'll follow up.
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And a lot of you know, most of the time it's happy news, but sometimes it's not.
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And so I feel like it's kind of my purpose now to kind of guide them and lead them to suggestion of surgeons or people who um can give them resources.
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And it's been truly my joy every morning to pray for these ladies and to encourage mammograms.
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You know that, you know, from 24 and 25, I I've had a some rough spots in the last couple and a half years with lots of loss, loss of my mom, and and just other things that just kind of piled up.
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And I did feel so disconnected to joy.
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And when we can't connect to joy, which should be no matter our circumstances, there are things that we can be joyful about.
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It's a really challenging feeling, it's a challenging emotion to not be able to find your joy.
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And I love that you committed to that.
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And you're right, sometimes it is a choice, sometimes it's not.
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We have to fight through it.
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I mean, because no matter who you are, if you live long enough, you're gonna be challenged with your mental health.
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And so I love that you said you chose joy.
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And I tried, it didn't come as easy, yeah.
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Uh, but it came back, you know.
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And I think that's if we just stick to it and and we try to find those things that we're grateful for.
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And I know those eight grandbabies, and I can't imagine you not have been there.
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Yeah, yeah.
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So I'm so glad you chose joy.
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Yeah.
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A lot of ladies put this off.
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What some in my own family.
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What are the reasons why you think they do?
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What are what are the barriers?
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Yeah.
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Well, I get um ladies coming up to me and saying, I know of your ministry, your prayer ministry, I need to get one, but I'm worried because it hurts.
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I can't afford it.
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And I've I've um sent them to the Susan G.
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Coleman Indianapolis website.
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There's resources.
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Thank you.
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Do talk about that for ladies who feel like uh cost is a barrier.
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Yes, cost should not be a barrier.
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There are organizations, um, you know, Susan G.
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Coleman is a wonderful example that you can go in there and they've got services.
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The Pink Connection is also something.
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It's such a sweet ministry.
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You go in there and they've got all these wigs for ladies going through and services as well.
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So don't let money, you know, stop you from getting a mammogram.
00:17:48.400 --> 00:17:53.039
A lot of women that I've talked to said, well, I've got a lump, and I'm like, it's not gonna get smaller.
00:17:53.440 --> 00:17:54.319
They're just scared.
00:17:54.480 --> 00:17:55.680
They're scared of the outcome.
00:17:56.079 --> 00:17:56.720
A lot of fear.
00:17:56.960 --> 00:18:00.400
And the whole thing about, oh, it hurts, it's 15 minutes.
00:18:00.640 --> 00:18:02.480
And it's not even a steady 15 minutes.
00:18:02.799 --> 00:18:04.480
It's like your appointment's 15 minutes.
00:18:04.559 --> 00:18:04.960
Yeah.
00:18:05.279 --> 00:18:08.079
And I I've even offered to drive people there.
00:18:08.160 --> 00:18:09.839
I'll go and sit with you, I'll drive with you.
00:18:10.000 --> 00:18:13.039
And I think a lot of people just feel lonely about it.
00:18:13.440 --> 00:18:22.799
Um, I am amazed how many people, when I was sitting in the waiting room for radiation, that drove there by themselves, weren't with anybody.
00:18:22.960 --> 00:18:24.799
Um, and you know, it's scary.
00:18:25.039 --> 00:18:29.440
And you really have to have community come alongside you.
00:18:29.680 --> 00:18:34.000
And so I would really encourage ladies not to um put it off.
00:18:34.240 --> 00:18:37.920
And uh, you know, I speak, I'm speaking at a uh momco group.
00:18:38.240 --> 00:18:40.480
You know, these women are all under 40.
00:18:40.559 --> 00:18:41.920
They've now changed the guideline.
00:18:42.000 --> 00:18:44.400
It used to be 50, you get your first mammogram.
00:18:44.640 --> 00:18:50.880
And then they started seeing younger and younger, and so now the guidelines are 40 at age 40.
00:18:51.039 --> 00:19:02.160
And so I tell people, it's like if you're not at that age yet, you still have moms, you still have grandmas, you still have aunts, friends, you need to encourage them to go and get a mammogram.
00:19:02.319 --> 00:19:10.319
You know, I've talked, I've walked alongside women who are pregnant who are in their 20s, and I've walked alongside someone who's in her 90s.
00:19:10.640 --> 00:19:13.359
So you need to get a mammogram.
00:19:13.759 --> 00:19:21.519
I when you said that, I remembered a statistic that one in 10 women are under 45 who get a diagnosis.
00:19:21.759 --> 00:19:23.759
So I'm glad they're bringing down.
00:19:23.839 --> 00:19:25.599
I mean, I think I had one at 40.
00:19:25.680 --> 00:19:29.279
I don't think I waited, you know, any longer than that.
00:19:29.519 --> 00:19:32.079
But um early detection is just so critical.
00:19:32.319 --> 00:19:32.960
Oh, it is.
00:19:33.119 --> 00:19:33.440
Yeah.
00:19:33.599 --> 00:19:34.000
It is.
00:19:34.240 --> 00:19:40.079
What about the the folks that talk about, you know, they don't want the compounded radiation?
00:19:40.480 --> 00:19:47.039
You know, the hard thing about um women getting mammograms is it doesn't run in my family.
00:19:47.279 --> 00:19:48.720
Well, it didn't run in my family.
00:19:48.960 --> 00:19:49.599
No, it didn't.
00:19:49.839 --> 00:19:50.960
I don't feel sick.
00:19:51.119 --> 00:19:52.559
I didn't feel sick.
00:19:52.880 --> 00:19:55.680
I give myself self-examinations.
00:19:56.000 --> 00:20:03.039
Even when I knew exactly where my tumor was, it was extremely hard to feel because it was so deep.
00:20:03.920 --> 00:20:06.000
And so don't use those as an excuse.
00:20:06.079 --> 00:20:07.359
I'm the perfect example.
00:20:07.519 --> 00:20:09.680
Okay, I'm the first one in my family.
00:20:09.920 --> 00:20:10.240
Yeah.
00:20:10.400 --> 00:20:14.400
And uh women um don't feel like they have a need.
00:20:14.559 --> 00:20:16.079
And you have two daughters.
00:20:16.720 --> 00:20:23.680
So what is the advice now they're giving to, you know, daughters of if your mom has been diagnosed with breast can?
00:20:24.000 --> 00:20:26.880
I know that's changed from years ago.
00:20:27.039 --> 00:20:27.279
Yeah.
00:20:27.440 --> 00:20:29.680
Um, what's the current advice for your daughters?
00:20:30.079 --> 00:20:32.799
They immediately went through genetic testing.
00:20:32.960 --> 00:20:40.640
Um, I do not carry the BROCA gene, and neither do they, but they have bumped up um the timeline for them to have their first mammogram.
00:20:40.880 --> 00:20:41.440
Yeah, so small.
00:20:41.680 --> 00:20:41.920
So yeah.
00:20:42.079 --> 00:20:42.880
I mean, why not?
00:20:43.039 --> 00:20:43.359
Yeah.
00:20:43.599 --> 00:20:49.759
Um, you know, WePlural is is really uh it was really birthed for my love of community.
00:20:49.920 --> 00:20:50.319
Yeah.
00:20:50.559 --> 00:20:58.319
And I love this community, I've love my hedge community, I love my church community, I love so many different communities.
00:20:58.559 --> 00:21:08.799
But you said something that I think is is probably profound more often than not, and that's how lonely somebody feels going through a cancer journey.
00:21:09.039 --> 00:21:16.240
How would you inspire or encourage someone to find community during their treatment?
00:21:16.559 --> 00:21:26.559
Well, when I talk to ladies, one of the first things um I talk about, and it's coming up on October 3rd, is the More Than Pink Walk, the Susan G.
00:21:26.799 --> 00:21:27.279
Comen.
00:21:27.759 --> 00:21:36.079
Now, when I was first diagnosed um before I had that, you know, that prayer and woke up like, get it together, Janae.
00:21:36.640 --> 00:21:38.960
I said to my husband, I'm not doing any of those walks.
00:21:39.039 --> 00:21:39.759
I'm not wearing the pink.
00:21:40.079 --> 00:21:42.720
I read that when you said you weren't wearing the pink tutu.
00:21:42.960 --> 00:21:44.319
I'm not wearing the pink tutu.
00:21:44.480 --> 00:21:45.839
I'm not doing the furboa.
00:21:45.920 --> 00:21:46.720
I'm not doing that.
00:21:46.880 --> 00:21:50.319
And somebody told me, you need to go to the more than pink walk.
00:21:50.480 --> 00:21:59.759
So I went the first year and it's extremely emotional because they have signs diagnosed one year or younger, and the signs are like one to five.
00:22:00.319 --> 00:22:04.960
Years, six, and they go all the way up to 35 years being a survivor plus.
00:22:06.160 --> 00:22:19.200
So I walked through there and it was so emotional because the community of sisterhood of survivors, you automatically had 8,000 best friends and to kind of talk about like where do you go?
00:22:19.279 --> 00:22:19.839
Where do you go?
00:22:19.920 --> 00:22:20.880
What's your treatment?
00:22:21.039 --> 00:22:26.240
And it was so amazing, so amazing that I walked out of there.
00:22:26.400 --> 00:22:31.440
And now ironically, um, my husband and I have been hosting it for the past three years.
00:22:31.599 --> 00:22:36.960
And last year I wore pink tutu and I got my granddaughter's pink tutus.
00:22:37.200 --> 00:22:39.519
And I'm trying to convince my husband, I'm not sure I can do that.
00:22:39.839 --> 00:22:40.559
Oh gosh.
00:22:41.119 --> 00:22:55.279
But it just shows that when you have a common bond like that, that's such a and I've tried to encourage people who, you know, have since been diagnosed and going through go to the walk to support the Susan G.
00:22:55.519 --> 00:23:02.319
Comen Foundation because that money stays here locally and they have services for people.
00:23:02.799 --> 00:23:06.880
And the the resources and the research.
00:23:07.119 --> 00:23:09.599
And it is, it's at Military Park.
00:23:09.759 --> 00:23:15.359
Um, the parade of hope, which is when everybody marches in, is just extremely emotional.
00:23:15.519 --> 00:23:16.240
Starts at 10.
00:23:16.319 --> 00:23:17.680
There's activities starting at 8.
00:23:17.759 --> 00:23:21.440
They've got stuff for kids, but it's really a wonderful event.
00:23:21.519 --> 00:23:27.680
And then the walk starts at um 10:30, and you walk around like the zoo and the White River, and you just see.
00:23:28.000 --> 00:23:29.039
So it's every beautiful walk.
00:23:29.440 --> 00:23:30.079
It's beautiful.
00:23:30.160 --> 00:23:46.000
And all these families, you know, some of them are walking in honor of loved ones who have passed, others, you know, everybody, some of the very interesting uh names of teams, you know, that are raising fundraisers, you know, save the Tatas and you know, uh I love it.
00:23:46.160 --> 00:23:50.480
Yeah, there's a lot of cute, cute um sayings uh for the teams.
00:23:50.559 --> 00:23:53.920
But it's it, I would that would be my first thing I would encourage people to do.
00:23:54.160 --> 00:23:54.400
Okay.
00:23:54.480 --> 00:23:58.000
So you go to that event and you think, oh my gosh, I'm not alone.
00:23:58.480 --> 00:24:02.640
But how do you then leave that event and you go back home and you are alone?
00:24:02.880 --> 00:24:09.440
Do you do they have a way for you to sign up, to, to meet with each other, to find groups?
00:24:09.599 --> 00:24:12.319
I mean, yeah, there's various events throughout the year.
00:24:12.559 --> 00:24:19.359
Um, and I, you know, it's I think our our city just has so many great resources.
00:24:19.599 --> 00:24:25.680
And another event that we're doing um in a couple weeks, it's the Pink Connection, and it's a fundraiser.
00:24:26.319 --> 00:24:30.559
And what's wonderful about this, all the models are survivors.
00:24:30.720 --> 00:24:42.640
That's and we get to tell their stories of how their their walk was different, and there's another set of community that these these models that see each other every year, you know, come together.
00:24:43.119 --> 00:24:46.559
And I just would encourage people, don't do this alone.
00:24:46.720 --> 00:24:49.200
Find one friend somewhere.
00:24:49.759 --> 00:24:53.200
And it's just so important to um have a sense of community.
00:24:53.279 --> 00:25:01.839
I mean, obviously, I had my hedge group who were there, you know, when I rang the bell and you know, had a great party for me afterwards, a surprise party.
00:25:02.079 --> 00:25:07.519
And um, it's so important not to, you know, sit at home and feel sorry for yourself.
00:25:07.839 --> 00:25:08.319
Go out there.
00:25:08.480 --> 00:25:09.519
Everybody has a story.
00:25:09.680 --> 00:25:12.000
This is just my story, but go out there.
00:25:12.319 --> 00:25:15.279
I just feel like the Lord, uh I'm thankful that I had it.
00:25:16.000 --> 00:25:23.119
I know you've said that because I wouldn't have these platforms to um meet other people, share my faith.
00:25:23.359 --> 00:25:27.039
And so looking back, I'm grateful that I had handpicked you.
00:25:27.200 --> 00:25:42.480
Well, he did because he knew you would not just accept the diagnosis and and you know go through your day without finding a way to turn this around and make it about him and and others, because that's who you are.
00:25:42.640 --> 00:25:47.920
Uh Janae also has a part of a ministry that she does for pastors' wives.
00:25:48.160 --> 00:26:05.279
And whether you go to church or not, if you could imagine being in a big corporation and churches are big businesses, and that CEO of a corporation or that lead pastor of a church to be that first lady, again, when you want to talk about one of the loneliest spots, they're lonely.
00:26:05.440 --> 00:26:05.759
Yeah.
00:26:06.079 --> 00:26:13.920
And and so she brings all these pastor wives together in California with a good California friend, and they love on these ladies.
00:26:14.240 --> 00:26:23.839
They serve them for the weekend, they treat them, they pamper them, and these ladies are able to make a connection with one another, which is just so phenomenal.
00:26:24.000 --> 00:26:30.319
And I think that was the design when we can share, you know, our journey to help someone else.
00:26:30.400 --> 00:26:31.359
That's what it's about.
00:26:31.599 --> 00:26:33.119
I think that's why we're here.
00:26:33.440 --> 00:26:36.400
And and you have done that so well heroically.
00:26:36.720 --> 00:26:38.160
I I love that ministry.
00:26:38.319 --> 00:26:46.319
Um and it started with my dear friend Pam Cashin, and she was kind enough to invite me when I retired from the Pacers to come alongside.
00:26:46.559 --> 00:26:49.359
And we're just trying to equip these pastors' wives.
00:26:49.519 --> 00:26:57.440
It's only four ladies, that when they leave California and go back home, wherever they live across the United States, that they now have a community.
00:26:57.599 --> 00:27:00.559
A community doesn't have to be a lot of people, it doesn't, it can be one.
00:27:00.720 --> 00:27:00.960
Yeah.
00:27:01.119 --> 00:27:05.359
This is like a community of four, and they can bounce things off and oh, that's a great idea.
00:27:05.440 --> 00:27:07.039
And I'm feeling the same way.
00:27:07.759 --> 00:27:13.200
And so I do love that ministry just to put these ladies together and the bond.
00:27:13.440 --> 00:27:14.160
I do too.
00:27:14.319 --> 00:27:18.960
And and you know, you carried that over because you were doing that prior to the diagnosis, correct?
00:27:19.200 --> 00:27:19.920
Yeah, yeah.
00:27:20.160 --> 00:27:30.079
So, and and that that's when those ladies are together, that's yet another aspect of what you can offer, you know, if any of them are facing that diagnosis.
00:27:30.240 --> 00:27:32.799
So and some of them have and reach back out.
00:27:33.039 --> 00:27:33.519
Have they?
00:27:33.680 --> 00:27:34.319
Yeah, yeah.
00:27:34.559 --> 00:27:36.960
Because you shared that with them vulnerably.
00:27:37.119 --> 00:27:44.000
And oh I yeah, don't don't meet me and say you've never had a mammogram because I will bug you.
00:27:44.319 --> 00:27:45.039
I will call you.
00:27:45.440 --> 00:27:49.359
If she has your email or number, you're you're going to be heard from.
00:27:49.680 --> 00:28:00.240
Which um, in in all transparency, you did not allow your hedge to know you were going for your mammogram when so we scolded her a little bit about that.
00:28:00.319 --> 00:28:07.839
And so she now tells us when she's having testing and things, so we can reciprocate uh supporting her through those things.
00:28:08.079 --> 00:28:18.160
But Janae, I love this platform that was, I believe, divinely given to you and what you've done with it and and the community you have helped to create.
00:28:18.319 --> 00:28:43.759
And that's what this is all about is telling these stories so other communities can be inspired or think, hey, I could do that in my town or my small rural community, rural communities, especially, because uh you know, they're they're less populated, there's less resources, and it's more important for as important for them, if not more important for them to come together and and find someone to uh commune with.
00:28:43.920 --> 00:28:54.880
So and one of the things, um, just advice, I would say, when a friend has been diagnosed and you know that, you know, everybody always says, call me if you need help.
00:28:55.359 --> 00:28:57.279
No woman is gonna call for help.
00:28:57.440 --> 00:28:59.519
I'm telling you, we just we don't do it.
00:28:59.680 --> 00:29:00.640
We don't do it.
00:29:00.880 --> 00:29:06.000
And I had a friend saying she wanted to bring dinner over one night and I was really tired from radiation.
00:29:06.160 --> 00:29:07.039
I said, no, no, no.
00:29:07.200 --> 00:29:10.319
And she says to me, Janae, you're blocking my blessing.
00:29:10.480 --> 00:29:13.839
And I was like, Oh, man, that you're right.
00:29:14.000 --> 00:29:15.599
She's like, You're blocking my blessing.
00:29:15.839 --> 00:29:17.119
People do want to help.
00:29:17.359 --> 00:29:18.000
They do.
00:29:18.319 --> 00:29:21.599
And so I I I've stolen that line.
00:29:21.680 --> 00:29:22.480
I've used it all the time.
00:29:22.640 --> 00:29:23.839
Don't block my blessing.
00:29:24.319 --> 00:29:26.960
But don't say, call me if you need help.
00:29:27.119 --> 00:29:28.240
Drop something by.
00:29:28.400 --> 00:29:31.680
I had people drop stuff at my front door or just or text.
00:29:32.079 --> 00:29:36.559
I mean, I had so many kind people and just do it because nobody's gonna call you.
00:29:36.720 --> 00:29:36.960
Yeah.
00:29:37.200 --> 00:29:38.480
I mean, I don't know what it is.
00:29:38.799 --> 00:29:41.839
We're stunning us that we go, oh, we don't, you know.
00:29:42.000 --> 00:29:42.240
Yeah.
00:29:42.400 --> 00:29:45.359
I don't even know if I'd ever say, oh, it's a sign of weakness.
00:29:45.519 --> 00:29:46.400
It's not that.
00:29:46.559 --> 00:29:49.519
It's just I've been doing things for so long.
00:29:49.680 --> 00:29:56.960
You know, we're just doers as moms, as uh, you know, wives, as sisters and you know, children.
00:29:57.119 --> 00:29:57.440
Yeah.
00:29:57.599 --> 00:29:58.799
Uh we just do.
00:29:59.039 --> 00:30:01.279
So that I think that's some really great advice.
00:30:01.759 --> 00:30:02.960
Don't block anybody's blessing.
00:30:03.119 --> 00:30:04.640
Don't block a blessing, y'all.
00:30:04.720 --> 00:30:05.920
She'll be after you.
00:30:06.160 --> 00:30:12.079
Um, what didn't I ask you today that you would say, I love that you just shared that.
00:30:12.160 --> 00:30:15.279
And I'm gonna ask you for the we plural promise here in a second.
00:30:15.440 --> 00:30:24.960
But is there anything that we didn't bring up, like the you know, tips for radiation, or is there something you would want someone to know that I didn't ask you?
00:30:25.200 --> 00:30:36.400
Well, one of the great tips I tell people all along, if you're currently um going through radiation, my oncologist, who is wonderful, um, said, This is what I want you to do an hour before you come for radiation.
00:30:36.640 --> 00:30:43.519
Get an old t-shirt, cut it in half, put it on, and have green tea, very concentrated.
00:30:43.920 --> 00:30:50.640
Keep it in the refrigerator, like make new tea every couple days, and then spray that all over the area for radiation.
00:30:50.880 --> 00:30:51.119
Really?
00:30:51.440 --> 00:30:57.119
And that green tea, ironically, I used to take it internally, and I had you have to stop all that when you're doing it.
00:30:57.440 --> 00:31:03.359
Um, but green tea, spraying it all over the breast area before uh radiation.
00:31:03.759 --> 00:31:07.680
I never got one burn, not one red mark, nothing.
00:31:07.839 --> 00:31:09.039
It was fabulous.
00:31:09.279 --> 00:31:17.519
So that is my definitely my tip for anybody who's getting ready to go to through radiation or currently, because that was a wonderful idea and it really helped.
00:31:18.079 --> 00:31:27.599
There's something with green tea and well, dr drinking it, it's a tremendous antioxidant for our cells internally, but wow, it must do something with the skin as well.
00:31:27.759 --> 00:31:27.920
Yeah.
00:31:28.160 --> 00:31:29.759
What did you do for the tiredness?
00:31:29.920 --> 00:31:32.240
Because I know that was another big thing through radiation.
00:31:32.319 --> 00:31:36.400
How did you deal with just that yeah overwhelming feeling of being tired?
00:31:36.720 --> 00:31:43.759
Well, ironically, the week after I checked out of community north, my oldest daughter, London, checked in and had my first granddaughter.
00:31:44.720 --> 00:31:49.440
And so we had a new granddaughter, you know, living one street away.
00:31:49.599 --> 00:31:52.480
And I actually think that kind of kept me going.
00:31:53.119 --> 00:31:54.640
You just didn't have a chance to think about it.
00:31:54.880 --> 00:31:56.480
I can't be as tired as newborn.
00:31:57.119 --> 00:31:58.240
A mother of a newborn.
00:31:58.799 --> 00:32:02.720
So I I I just kind of like, nope, I'm not as tired as they are.
00:32:02.960 --> 00:32:04.799
So that really got me going.
00:32:05.119 --> 00:32:06.480
But yeah, take care of yourself.
00:32:06.559 --> 00:32:08.960
You just have to, it's okay to say And it's okay.
00:32:09.200 --> 00:32:10.960
It's okay to lay on the couch.
00:32:11.119 --> 00:32:13.440
It's okay, but it's not okay to feel sorry for yourself.
00:32:13.839 --> 00:32:17.599
But it's okay to, you know, self-care is not selfish.
00:32:18.000 --> 00:32:23.759
And I think as women, a lot of times we're taking care of others and our health goes by the wayside.
00:32:23.839 --> 00:32:24.319
Yeah.
00:32:24.559 --> 00:32:30.079
And you just we gotta be strong to take care of our families and our grandkids and our spouses and ourselves.
00:32:30.240 --> 00:32:31.440
I mean, it's so important.
00:32:31.599 --> 00:32:36.960
But I think women and certainly uh young moms, you know, they they get the crumbs.
00:32:37.039 --> 00:32:40.720
You know, the kids are getting the toast and they eat the crumbs, and you just can't do that.
00:32:40.960 --> 00:32:41.440
That's true.
00:32:41.680 --> 00:32:42.640
Not when it comes to your health.
00:32:42.880 --> 00:32:43.200
Yeah.
00:32:43.440 --> 00:32:44.160
I love that.
00:32:44.319 --> 00:32:45.920
Self-care is not selfish.
00:32:46.559 --> 00:32:49.359
Okay, there's your golden nugget for the day, everybody.
00:32:49.599 --> 00:32:51.359
Self-care is not selfish.
00:32:51.680 --> 00:32:59.200
It actually is very loving, and um, and it is a way that we can ensure that we'll be around for those who need us.
00:32:59.440 --> 00:33:05.039
So all right, so big question we plural promise.
00:33:05.359 --> 00:33:13.200
So what Travis and I had in mind for this is that you know, we know that everybody's story is so powerful.
00:33:13.359 --> 00:33:15.839
So it's it's a call to action, if you will.
00:33:16.400 --> 00:33:20.160
Um, but what would your we plural promise?
00:33:21.359 --> 00:33:29.279
Because I know if someone does what you recommend, they will be able to connect to that joy and they'll be on their way back.
00:33:29.440 --> 00:33:32.880
So what would your we plural promise be for my audience?
00:33:33.519 --> 00:33:56.799
I guess my we plur plural promise would be to continue to um promote mammograms and to attend these community events where I can meet people, where I can share my faith, and that I can connect ladies who uh just were diagnosed with some of these resources, like the Susan G.
00:33:56.960 --> 00:34:04.960
Coman or the Pink Connection, that they can feel like they have others in the community that care for them, love on them.
00:34:05.119 --> 00:34:09.760
Because I get it, not everybody's got, you know, a wonderful family, incredible friends.
00:34:09.840 --> 00:34:10.719
They don't have that.
00:34:11.280 --> 00:34:13.920
So I my promise is to continue.
00:34:14.079 --> 00:34:17.840
And I always pray, Lord, give me opportunities.
00:34:18.079 --> 00:34:20.320
Tell me where you want me to go.
00:34:20.960 --> 00:34:24.960
And years ago, my husband's always but said, Hey, let's speak together.
00:34:25.119 --> 00:34:25.840
Come on my speaking.
00:34:26.079 --> 00:34:29.280
And I'm like, nah, that's not gonna wear a peak tutu or speak with you.
00:34:29.840 --> 00:34:30.320
No, no.
00:34:30.480 --> 00:34:34.320
And I really feel like, okay, this is what I'm supposed to be doing.
00:34:34.480 --> 00:34:42.719
So I pray for those opportunities to go out into the community and to share about women's health and to share my faith.
00:34:42.800 --> 00:34:44.800
So that's my promise that I will continue.
00:34:44.880 --> 00:34:46.880
And when asked, I will say yes.
00:34:47.119 --> 00:34:48.079
That's awesome.
00:34:48.400 --> 00:34:55.360
Well, y'all, with October knocking at our door, it is a perfect time to schedule that mammogram.
00:34:55.519 --> 00:34:57.119
I know I'm going to schedule mine.
00:34:57.199 --> 00:34:58.800
I'm a couple months overdue.
00:34:59.360 --> 00:35:00.559
I'll let you know.
00:35:01.199 --> 00:35:03.679
Um I've been busy putting a podcast together.
00:35:03.760 --> 00:35:04.320
You have to do that.
00:35:04.400 --> 00:35:05.280
Well, now that you told me though.
00:35:05.360 --> 00:35:08.320
I figured I know, I know, I know.
00:35:08.639 --> 00:35:11.840
So um, yeah, schedule your mammograms.
00:35:12.000 --> 00:35:19.440
And Janae, if people want to reach you, could you repeat one more time how they touch base with you if they would like to reach out to you?
00:35:19.679 --> 00:35:24.559
Yeah, just my Facebook page is all public, Janae Swan, and then my Instagram, Janay Swan.
00:35:24.639 --> 00:35:25.760
Just instant message me.
00:35:25.840 --> 00:35:27.840
And that's how people give me their dates.
00:35:27.920 --> 00:35:29.440
And I I want to fill this up.
00:35:29.519 --> 00:35:30.960
I've got a couple months left.
00:35:31.039 --> 00:35:34.480
And so love to pray for you while you have your mammogram.
00:35:34.719 --> 00:35:34.880
Yeah.
00:35:35.440 --> 00:35:36.719
I'll go with you if you need a ride.
00:35:36.880 --> 00:35:37.760
I'm happy to drive you.
00:35:37.920 --> 00:35:38.639
That's amazing.
00:35:38.800 --> 00:35:40.559
I'll drive you when you're scheduling.
00:35:40.880 --> 00:35:42.000
Yeah, I'll let you know.
00:35:42.159 --> 00:35:42.480
Oh.
00:35:43.039 --> 00:35:46.880
Well, you know, I got I got someone at home newly retired.
00:35:47.039 --> 00:35:51.280
So he's been doing all these things for me that you know he hasn't been able to do in 40 years.
00:35:51.920 --> 00:35:52.559
So he's your driver.
00:35:52.800 --> 00:35:54.400
He's my he's my everything.
00:35:54.559 --> 00:35:57.920
He came in, told Matt last week that he's like, I'm her personal assistant.
00:35:58.000 --> 00:36:01.519
And I said, Yes, welcome to my last 38 years, honey.
00:36:01.840 --> 00:36:02.320
I love that.
00:36:02.480 --> 00:36:03.519
He's a great personal assistant.
00:36:03.920 --> 00:36:04.559
He's a cutie.
00:36:04.639 --> 00:36:04.880
Yes.
00:36:05.039 --> 00:36:05.920
So he's been great.
00:36:06.000 --> 00:36:08.400
But I will keep that in mind if I need a driver.
00:36:08.559 --> 00:36:09.920
Um, but it's easy.
00:36:10.079 --> 00:36:10.239
Yeah.
00:36:10.400 --> 00:36:11.360
It's right down the road.
00:36:11.519 --> 00:36:14.320
I go to the IU clinic and get her done.
00:36:14.480 --> 00:36:18.320
So, you guys, thanks for joining us on this episode of WePlural.
00:36:18.400 --> 00:36:31.119
You can go to weplural.com to listen, or you can get an audio and visual of this uh episode on Spotify, YouTube, wherever you listen to your favorite podcast.
00:36:31.360 --> 00:36:33.679
I can't thank you enough for tuning in.
00:36:33.840 --> 00:36:37.360
And until next time, come build community with us.
00:00:00.320 --> 00:00:05.599
In January of 21, my guests got the news nobody wants to hear.
00:00:05.759 --> 00:00:07.599
You have breast cancer, stage two.
00:00:07.919 --> 00:00:12.800
I remember when she said no walks, no pink tutos, no big crowds.
00:00:13.039 --> 00:00:21.679
My friend Janae Swan turned that around and now has a huge platform to encourage and pray for women going through their breast cancer journey.
00:00:21.839 --> 00:00:29.679
And on October 3rd, Janae and her husband Scott will be emceeing the More Than Pink Walk, sponsored by the Susan G.
00:00:29.839 --> 00:00:31.120
Comen Foundation.
00:00:31.280 --> 00:00:35.039
And I cannot wait to share our conversation with you.
00:00:35.359 --> 00:00:39.280
This is We Plural Community on Purpose.
00:00:44.399 --> 00:00:51.280
Hi everybody, and welcome back to We Plural Podcast, where we are doing community on purpose.
00:00:51.439 --> 00:00:55.439
I get to come to you again from the beautiful Brown County Visitor Center.
00:00:55.600 --> 00:01:01.679
So grateful to them for lending me this space and for being a sponsor of today's episode.
00:01:02.000 --> 00:01:17.280
I wanted to read some facts to you today because as we wind up September and we're looking straight at October, uh I wanted to pay a special honor today to October being breast cancer awareness month.
00:01:17.920 --> 00:01:25.439
And some of these statistics really took my breath away when I was reading them in preparation for my guest today.
00:01:26.239 --> 00:01:37.920
But about 321,910 women will hear that they have the diagnosis of breast cancer this year.
00:01:39.280 --> 00:01:48.319
Approximately 42,140 women do not survive from breast cancer in today's world.
00:01:49.120 --> 00:01:57.840
There is a disparity between women of color and white women in terms of survival rates.
00:01:58.000 --> 00:02:01.760
And we're gonna speak a little bit to that because that is so important to me.
00:02:01.920 --> 00:02:05.040
And I believe that's something as communities we can address.
00:02:05.439 --> 00:02:10.000
My guest today has so much to share with us about a personal journey.
00:02:10.879 --> 00:02:14.479
Woo! You don't have Kleenexes here.
00:02:14.719 --> 00:02:15.039
No.
00:02:15.759 --> 00:02:25.120
Um when I talk about my weene is part of my most tightest we circle.
00:02:25.439 --> 00:02:35.919
And in January of 2021, our Wii group got a phone call and she shared that she had just received a diagnosis of breast cancer.
00:02:36.080 --> 00:02:54.800
And I invited her to be on this program today because we love her, we treasure her, but I am so inspired by what she did with her diagnosis and how she has turned that pain and surprise into great purpose for so many others as we think about community.
00:02:55.039 --> 00:03:00.960
So without further ado, it is my great pleasure and honor to introduce to you Janae Swan.
00:03:02.719 --> 00:03:04.479
Welcome to my podcast.
00:03:05.120 --> 00:03:06.400
I am thrilled to be on.
00:03:06.560 --> 00:03:10.879
I know you've been talking about this for a while, and I can't believe I'm finally here and it's a reality.
00:03:11.120 --> 00:03:12.240
It is a reality.
00:03:12.479 --> 00:03:16.639
I'm gonna try not to emulate Tammy Fay Baker today.
00:03:16.879 --> 00:03:18.800
God love her, and he does.
00:03:19.120 --> 00:03:26.240
Um, but uh wow, let's just start with that that diagnosis for you.
00:03:26.479 --> 00:03:26.800
Yeah.
00:03:27.120 --> 00:03:34.000
And when you received it, walk us through getting that news and what were some of your immediate thoughts?
00:03:34.159 --> 00:03:34.639
Yeah.
00:03:35.120 --> 00:03:38.479
It was uh January of 2021.
00:03:38.639 --> 00:03:38.719
Right.
00:03:38.960 --> 00:03:39.680
I can still remember.
00:03:39.840 --> 00:03:46.479
My husband and I were sitting on the couch watching the inauguration, and his phone rang, and I my phone rang.
00:03:46.560 --> 00:03:49.599
So we went to opposite sides of um the house to talk.
00:03:49.919 --> 00:03:56.080
He talked for a while, hung up, and then um my call was from um the results of a biopsy.
00:03:56.479 --> 00:04:01.120
Um, I go and get a mammogram every year in January, like clockwork.
00:04:01.360 --> 00:04:08.319
And this time, you know, I had the mammogram, and then they ushered me right to an ultrasound and right to a biopsy.
00:04:08.719 --> 00:04:14.240
And the phone call was to say that yes, I did indeed have um breast cancer.
00:04:14.560 --> 00:04:16.240
And I was stunned.
00:04:16.399 --> 00:04:22.000
And then my husband walked over and said, Oh, my doctor just called and I have skin cancer.
00:04:22.319 --> 00:04:26.319
So it was kind of a double whammy um that morning.
00:04:26.560 --> 00:04:35.040
And, you know, we sat and cried and said, We've got to call our three kids and tell them that both of you know their parents were just diagnosed with cancer on the same day.
00:04:35.439 --> 00:04:39.519
So um, luckily my husband later had surgery and he's cancer free.
00:04:39.759 --> 00:04:47.120
But um, I was very shocked and surprised because it wasn't like they were monitoring something over the years.
00:04:47.279 --> 00:04:49.120
It was like boom, there it is.
00:04:49.920 --> 00:05:00.000
So um I had invasive ductal carcinoma and my oncologists didn't think that it had spread.
00:05:00.079 --> 00:05:02.720
So they put me at stage one before the surgery.
00:05:02.959 --> 00:05:08.319
I went in less than 30 days later and had a lympectomy and reconstruction surgery.
00:05:08.800 --> 00:05:13.360
And it was there like a day later that they found out that it had spread to my lymph nodes.
00:05:13.519 --> 00:05:15.759
So it bumped me up to stage two.
00:05:16.319 --> 00:05:20.000
What difference does stage one and stage two make?
00:05:20.160 --> 00:05:26.800
I understand the diagnosis, but in terms of treatment, what resulted in treatment as going from stage one to stage two?
00:05:27.600 --> 00:05:35.439
The the statistics are if early detection, you have a 98% uh survival rate for five years.
00:05:35.600 --> 00:05:38.480
And I just hit the five-year mark, which was huge.
00:05:38.879 --> 00:05:44.800
Um, when you are bumped up to stage two, you have different treatments.
00:05:44.959 --> 00:05:51.839
Now, one of the misnomers I always um thought of that you have breast cancer, everybody has chemotherapy.
00:05:52.319 --> 00:05:53.360
And that's not the case.
00:05:53.600 --> 00:06:04.240
They now have a new test, and they took my tumor and they tested it and said my type of breast cancer, estrogen and progesterone positive, would not react to chemotherapy.
00:06:04.399 --> 00:06:06.240
So that bumped me into radiation.
00:06:06.480 --> 00:06:10.639
So since I was at stage two, they added two extra weeks.
00:06:10.720 --> 00:06:14.800
So I went for 30 days every day to radiation.
00:06:15.360 --> 00:06:20.639
And um that was a that was a long 30 days.
00:06:20.959 --> 00:06:23.439
And Scotty went with you every single day, didn't he?
00:06:23.759 --> 00:06:24.240
Yeah, he did.
00:06:24.319 --> 00:06:24.639
Yeah.
00:06:24.879 --> 00:06:31.040
Uh we'll talk about the support of community in a minute, but I have so many questions for you.
00:06:31.199 --> 00:06:48.879
And I know we've probably talked about this over five years in different settings, but for our audience's sake, what do you wish you would have known about cancer prior to having to go through the journey that you know you could share with someone who's maybe at the start of that journey?
00:06:49.040 --> 00:06:49.360
Yeah.
00:06:49.680 --> 00:06:55.600
I think one of the things I was not aware of is that there are so many different types of breast cancer.
00:06:55.920 --> 00:06:58.160
There's just not one size fits all.
00:06:58.399 --> 00:07:00.560
And there's so many different treatments.
00:07:01.040 --> 00:07:09.199
And I just admire the medical community because there's been such advancements in treatments, in testing.
00:07:09.839 --> 00:07:18.959
Um this Anka um score is literally took my tumor, sent it to California, and they they do this test to see if it hits a certain matrix.
00:07:19.120 --> 00:07:25.279
And if it's below that, then you do not need chemotherapy, um, which was wonderful for me.
00:07:25.839 --> 00:07:30.720
But uh just the um the new uh things that are coming around every day.
00:07:30.800 --> 00:07:35.519
I had no idea that there's such advancements in breast cancer in a yearly basis.
00:07:35.759 --> 00:07:40.480
And so um that I think helped me kind of go through the process.
00:07:40.639 --> 00:07:43.600
And I didn't realize that I would have so many oncologists.
00:07:43.759 --> 00:07:52.399
You have a surgeon, you have a plastic surgeon, you have an oncologist for radiation, you have an oncologist for medication.
00:07:53.120 --> 00:07:57.759
And so it it's like sucking, you know, water down a fire hose.
00:07:57.839 --> 00:07:58.800
There's a lot going on.
00:07:59.120 --> 00:08:03.439
Do they all collaborate on your case, or did you kind of have to stay on top of it?
00:08:03.680 --> 00:08:06.480
I felt very well um cared for.
00:08:06.720 --> 00:08:08.959
I will give a plug to Community North.
00:08:09.040 --> 00:08:09.920
They were fabulous.
00:08:10.319 --> 00:08:13.759
But one of the things that I was surprised, they give you a nurse navigator.
00:08:14.000 --> 00:08:16.480
My first meeting, they're like, I'm your nurse navigator.
00:08:16.639 --> 00:08:18.000
It's like, what's that?
00:08:18.240 --> 00:08:27.839
And she really helped guide me through the process, making appointments, following up, making sure all the doctors knew what was going on at the same time.
00:08:28.160 --> 00:08:33.039
So I felt like I had a really great advocate because it's just overwhelming.
00:08:33.120 --> 00:08:35.120
It's a lot and you don't feel good.
00:08:35.519 --> 00:08:42.399
And um I really just applaud Community North and then the cancer center that's attached there.
00:08:42.639 --> 00:08:53.279
Well, and the recognition of you know, needing someone to guide a woman through the process with that navigator, you know, is that's to me that's an incredible advancement.
00:08:53.679 --> 00:08:59.440
And just understanding the whole, the whole bigger picture of how you you get through your treatments.
00:08:59.519 --> 00:08:59.759
Yeah.
00:09:00.159 --> 00:09:02.240
My dad had heart surgery.
00:09:02.320 --> 00:09:03.759
I don't you probably remember it.
00:09:04.000 --> 00:09:05.600
He was also at Community North.
00:09:05.759 --> 00:09:10.720
And the the doctors there kept saying, you know, heart technology is on fire.
00:09:10.799 --> 00:09:13.279
I mean, they were learning new things about the heart.
00:09:13.519 --> 00:09:14.960
Like you said, every year.
00:09:15.200 --> 00:09:34.320
I had not heard that about breast cancer, and I'm glad to hear that because when I see all the dollars and and billions of dollars that go into research, um, it's so good to know that they're actually they're actually finding things out that can uh you know help somebody's lifespan.
00:09:34.559 --> 00:09:40.960
There's also a new test that has been perfected since I was diagnosed, and it's an index test.
00:09:41.279 --> 00:09:45.840
So one of the things that you have to do post-radiation is to go on medication.
00:09:46.559 --> 00:09:50.559
And there's various, there's only a couple choices.
00:09:50.799 --> 00:09:56.399
And um, one of the things that they want you to be on at least 10 years.
00:09:56.559 --> 00:09:58.720
But now they have come up with this new test.
00:09:58.879 --> 00:10:09.039
Again, they took my tumor, sent it somewhere, and put it against this new type of test showing that I no longer had to be on this medicine for another five years.
00:10:09.200 --> 00:10:11.679
So that has just come about in the last couple of years.
00:10:11.919 --> 00:10:13.120
That's huge, which is great.
00:10:13.279 --> 00:10:16.000
Because before it's like you're on the medicine for 10 years.
00:10:16.159 --> 00:10:24.639
And my oncologist told me that only 35% of her patients are on, continue to be on this medication because the side effects are just nasty.
00:10:24.720 --> 00:10:26.000
And I know I've told you about them.
00:10:26.080 --> 00:10:28.000
But I was like, I'm gonna fight it.
00:10:28.159 --> 00:10:32.480
I if she tells me that I have to be on this, I'll just learn to live with you know the side effects.
00:10:32.720 --> 00:10:36.080
The side effects, which which is one is a sleep disruptor.
00:10:36.240 --> 00:10:40.080
I know you haven't had a great night's sleep in how long time.
00:10:40.399 --> 00:10:41.519
Yeah, insomnia.
00:10:41.600 --> 00:10:43.200
Um you're very stiff.
00:10:43.360 --> 00:10:44.960
I was really stiff on the first one.
00:10:45.039 --> 00:10:49.279
There's only three to choose from in this category, and I could barely get in and out of the car.
00:10:49.440 --> 00:10:51.120
The second one was much better.
00:10:51.279 --> 00:10:53.759
You know, it's stiffness, it's dinginess.
00:10:53.919 --> 00:10:56.720
I mean, I I would have to say oven off.
00:10:57.120 --> 00:11:01.600
You know, I did some things like left the steamer on all day, and you know, the ceiling was peeling.
00:11:01.679 --> 00:11:04.159
I was like, I just filled it up with water and I left.
00:11:04.480 --> 00:11:09.200
So those type of things are just a side effect, but but I was gonna live with that.
00:11:09.519 --> 00:11:11.519
That also sounds like menopause brain.
00:11:11.600 --> 00:11:13.039
So who would know the difference, right?
00:11:13.279 --> 00:11:17.759
Yeah, I used to blame it on being blonde, being dingy, but I just like that's the medicine.
00:11:18.000 --> 00:11:24.720
Let's say there's a lady who just got a similar diagnosis and was facing radiation for the next 30 days.
00:11:25.279 --> 00:11:36.080
What would you say to that person to encourage her to stay the course and to, you know, stay hope with hopeful and to maintain her her faith?
00:11:36.159 --> 00:11:37.519
What would you say to her?
00:11:37.919 --> 00:11:39.440
Well, I'll try I'll tell you.
00:11:39.519 --> 00:11:45.200
Um, I had my surgery at the hospital at Community North and radiation was at the cancer center.
00:11:45.600 --> 00:11:54.639
And the first day we drove up um for my practice run through, because they have to design a pillow for you and uh like a it's a whole thing.
00:11:54.879 --> 00:11:59.440
And I saw those words cancer, and I just broke down.
00:11:59.519 --> 00:12:00.879
I didn't want to go in.
00:12:01.440 --> 00:12:03.120
And Scotty was like, let's go.
00:12:03.279 --> 00:12:08.320
He held my hand, we walked in, and I looked around that waiting room, and I must say it was depressing.
00:12:08.960 --> 00:12:17.600
I I felt like I was 20 years younger than anybody there, and people were kind of slumped over, some were wearing hats, and I just like we're not talking to anybody.
00:12:17.679 --> 00:12:19.279
And we literally sat in the corner.
00:12:19.679 --> 00:12:33.279
I went through my run through, I came back, and we got in the car, and we always listened to um Christian music, and the song from Hill Song, another in the fire came on, and this lyric just jumped out.
00:12:33.440 --> 00:12:37.039
I'll count joy come every battle because I know you're there with me.
00:12:38.000 --> 00:12:40.399
And I went home that night and I prayed.
00:12:40.639 --> 00:12:44.639
And in the morning I woke up and I felt like the Lord laid it on my heart.
00:12:44.799 --> 00:12:52.320
Janae, get your big girl panties on, get back to that cancer center and talk to people, share your faith and hear their stories.
00:12:52.559 --> 00:12:52.879
Yeah.
00:12:53.120 --> 00:12:56.799
And I walked in, I looked around that room and I saw people different.
00:12:56.960 --> 00:12:59.759
Like everybody was there who was just trying to beat cancer.
00:12:59.919 --> 00:13:02.240
All the other loved ones were worried about them.
00:13:02.639 --> 00:13:05.360
And I just went back with a different attitude.
00:13:05.440 --> 00:13:09.600
And so I would tell the person that's going through it, don't do it alone.
00:13:09.759 --> 00:13:11.919
Talk to others, you hear other people's story.
00:13:12.320 --> 00:13:18.080
And when I started focusing on other people, it wasn't just so consuming about this is what I'm doing.
00:13:18.480 --> 00:13:20.799
Because I never said, like, well, why me?
00:13:21.039 --> 00:13:22.399
I did say, Well, why not me?
00:13:22.480 --> 00:13:24.080
Why not a special right?
00:13:24.240 --> 00:13:24.639
That's right.
00:13:24.799 --> 00:13:25.360
Why not me?
00:13:25.759 --> 00:13:29.440
I think a lot of people who are diagnosed um are mad.
00:13:29.759 --> 00:13:31.039
Mad, why did I get this?
00:13:31.200 --> 00:13:31.840
What have I done?
00:13:32.000 --> 00:13:33.279
And you didn't do anything.
00:13:33.519 --> 00:13:34.879
God isn't punishing you.
00:13:35.039 --> 00:13:35.919
It just happens.
00:13:36.159 --> 00:13:46.399
So that night at home, when you know you kind of had that time with God, was that when you realized this journey was gonna be greater than just your personal journey?
00:13:46.559 --> 00:13:54.000
Is that that when you feel like he kind of called you to this platform that you now use so regularly to encourage other ladies?
00:13:54.240 --> 00:13:56.240
Yeah, I felt like that was the turning point.
00:13:56.480 --> 00:14:00.240
And, you know, sometimes in life uh things give you joy.
00:14:00.320 --> 00:14:01.919
I mean, we're grandmothers.
00:14:02.000 --> 00:14:03.279
I mean, that is so joyful.
00:14:03.360 --> 00:14:05.279
And sometimes you have to choose joy.
00:14:05.519 --> 00:14:08.000
And in that moment, I needed to choose joy.
00:14:08.080 --> 00:14:10.960
I need to go back in there and talk with others.
00:14:11.279 --> 00:14:16.960
And that's what made me start thinking about um having my prayer calendar.
00:14:17.120 --> 00:14:27.279
And so I was asking, obviously at the cancer center, all of them were getting mammograms, but I truly just started to feel like that 15 minutes saved my life.
00:14:27.840 --> 00:14:33.519
Because had I not had that, and who knows what would have happened, I think I have eight grandchildren.
00:14:33.600 --> 00:14:38.320
What if I never would have met them and been here to be part of their life?
00:14:38.559 --> 00:14:43.919
And so I started reaching out on social media, send me um encouraging mammograms.
00:14:44.000 --> 00:14:48.000
And this is during COVID, and there are people who do not even want to leave the house.
00:14:48.240 --> 00:14:48.639
Right.
00:14:48.879 --> 00:14:54.320
And um, I put it out there, and a couple of ladies said, you know, I've never had one, I need to have one.
00:14:54.480 --> 00:15:00.320
And it's amazing how I've talked to people um who know that I've got this platform every morning.
00:15:00.480 --> 00:15:03.360
I uh, you know, I write down people's names, and these are people I don't know.
00:15:03.519 --> 00:15:05.279
They reach you you can reach out.
00:15:05.360 --> 00:15:06.559
It's all via social media.
00:15:06.879 --> 00:15:14.000
Yep, on Instagram, Janae Swan or Facebook, Janae Swan, and they'll give me their dates and a lot of times they'll follow up.
00:15:14.240 --> 00:15:19.360
And a lot of you know, most of the time it's happy news, but sometimes it's not.
00:15:19.519 --> 00:15:32.799
And so I feel like it's kind of my purpose now to kind of guide them and lead them to suggestion of surgeons or people who um can give them resources.
00:15:32.960 --> 00:15:38.720
And it's been truly my joy every morning to pray for these ladies and to encourage mammograms.
00:15:39.120 --> 00:15:53.840
You know that, you know, from 24 and 25, I I've had a some rough spots in the last couple and a half years with lots of loss, loss of my mom, and and just other things that just kind of piled up.
00:15:54.000 --> 00:15:57.120
And I did feel so disconnected to joy.
00:15:57.440 --> 00:16:06.639
And when we can't connect to joy, which should be no matter our circumstances, there are things that we can be joyful about.
00:16:06.799 --> 00:16:13.039
It's a really challenging feeling, it's a challenging emotion to not be able to find your joy.
00:16:13.600 --> 00:16:16.240
And I love that you committed to that.
00:16:16.320 --> 00:16:19.200
And you're right, sometimes it is a choice, sometimes it's not.
00:16:19.360 --> 00:16:20.399
We have to fight through it.
00:16:20.559 --> 00:16:26.480
I mean, because no matter who you are, if you live long enough, you're gonna be challenged with your mental health.
00:16:26.639 --> 00:16:30.159
And so I love that you said you chose joy.
00:16:30.240 --> 00:16:33.200
And I tried, it didn't come as easy, yeah.
00:16:33.279 --> 00:16:34.720
Uh, but it came back, you know.
00:16:34.879 --> 00:16:40.639
And I think that's if we just stick to it and and we try to find those things that we're grateful for.
00:16:40.720 --> 00:16:45.519
And I know those eight grandbabies, and I can't imagine you not have been there.
00:16:45.759 --> 00:16:46.879
Yeah, yeah.
00:16:47.200 --> 00:16:49.200
So I'm so glad you chose joy.
00:16:49.279 --> 00:16:49.679
Yeah.
00:16:50.000 --> 00:16:51.840
A lot of ladies put this off.
00:16:52.000 --> 00:16:53.679
What some in my own family.
00:16:54.399 --> 00:16:57.039
What are the reasons why you think they do?
00:16:57.440 --> 00:16:58.960
What are what are the barriers?
00:16:59.120 --> 00:16:59.440
Yeah.
00:16:59.759 --> 00:17:11.519
Well, I get um ladies coming up to me and saying, I know of your ministry, your prayer ministry, I need to get one, but I'm worried because it hurts.
00:17:11.920 --> 00:17:13.920
I can't afford it.
00:17:14.240 --> 00:17:16.880
And I've I've um sent them to the Susan G.
00:17:17.039 --> 00:17:18.960
Coleman Indianapolis website.
00:17:19.119 --> 00:17:20.079
There's resources.
00:17:20.400 --> 00:17:20.720
Thank you.
00:17:21.119 --> 00:17:24.799
Do talk about that for ladies who feel like uh cost is a barrier.
00:17:25.039 --> 00:17:26.960
Yes, cost should not be a barrier.
00:17:27.119 --> 00:17:30.079
There are organizations, um, you know, Susan G.
00:17:30.240 --> 00:17:34.720
Coleman is a wonderful example that you can go in there and they've got services.
00:17:34.880 --> 00:17:37.200
The Pink Connection is also something.
00:17:37.359 --> 00:17:39.039
It's such a sweet ministry.
00:17:39.119 --> 00:17:44.240
You go in there and they've got all these wigs for ladies going through and services as well.
00:17:44.400 --> 00:17:48.240
So don't let money, you know, stop you from getting a mammogram.
00:17:48.400 --> 00:17:53.039
A lot of women that I've talked to said, well, I've got a lump, and I'm like, it's not gonna get smaller.
00:17:53.440 --> 00:17:54.319
They're just scared.
00:17:54.480 --> 00:17:55.680
They're scared of the outcome.
00:17:56.079 --> 00:17:56.720
A lot of fear.
00:17:56.960 --> 00:18:00.400
And the whole thing about, oh, it hurts, it's 15 minutes.
00:18:00.640 --> 00:18:02.480
And it's not even a steady 15 minutes.
00:18:02.799 --> 00:18:04.480
It's like your appointment's 15 minutes.
00:18:04.559 --> 00:18:04.960
Yeah.
00:18:05.279 --> 00:18:08.079
And I I've even offered to drive people there.
00:18:08.160 --> 00:18:09.839
I'll go and sit with you, I'll drive with you.
00:18:10.000 --> 00:18:13.039
And I think a lot of people just feel lonely about it.
00:18:13.440 --> 00:18:22.799
Um, I am amazed how many people, when I was sitting in the waiting room for radiation, that drove there by themselves, weren't with anybody.
00:18:22.960 --> 00:18:24.799
Um, and you know, it's scary.
00:18:25.039 --> 00:18:29.440
And you really have to have community come alongside you.
00:18:29.680 --> 00:18:34.000
And so I would really encourage ladies not to um put it off.
00:18:34.240 --> 00:18:37.920
And uh, you know, I speak, I'm speaking at a uh momco group.
00:18:38.240 --> 00:18:40.480
You know, these women are all under 40.
00:18:40.559 --> 00:18:41.920
They've now changed the guideline.
00:18:42.000 --> 00:18:44.400
It used to be 50, you get your first mammogram.
00:18:44.640 --> 00:18:50.880
And then they started seeing younger and younger, and so now the guidelines are 40 at age 40.
00:18:51.039 --> 00:19:02.160
And so I tell people, it's like if you're not at that age yet, you still have moms, you still have grandmas, you still have aunts, friends, you need to encourage them to go and get a mammogram.
00:19:02.319 --> 00:19:10.319
You know, I've talked, I've walked alongside women who are pregnant who are in their 20s, and I've walked alongside someone who's in her 90s.
00:19:10.640 --> 00:19:13.359
So you need to get a mammogram.
00:19:13.759 --> 00:19:21.519
I when you said that, I remembered a statistic that one in 10 women are under 45 who get a diagnosis.
00:19:21.759 --> 00:19:23.759
So I'm glad they're bringing down.
00:19:23.839 --> 00:19:25.599
I mean, I think I had one at 40.
00:19:25.680 --> 00:19:29.279
I don't think I waited, you know, any longer than that.
00:19:29.519 --> 00:19:32.079
But um early detection is just so critical.
00:19:32.319 --> 00:19:32.960
Oh, it is.
00:19:33.119 --> 00:19:33.440
Yeah.
00:19:33.599 --> 00:19:34.000
It is.
00:19:34.240 --> 00:19:40.079
What about the the folks that talk about, you know, they don't want the compounded radiation?
00:19:40.480 --> 00:19:47.039
You know, the hard thing about um women getting mammograms is it doesn't run in my family.
00:19:47.279 --> 00:19:48.720
Well, it didn't run in my family.
00:19:48.960 --> 00:19:49.599
No, it didn't.
00:19:49.839 --> 00:19:50.960
I don't feel sick.
00:19:51.119 --> 00:19:52.559
I didn't feel sick.
00:19:52.880 --> 00:19:55.680
I give myself self-examinations.
00:19:56.000 --> 00:20:03.039
Even when I knew exactly where my tumor was, it was extremely hard to feel because it was so deep.
00:20:03.920 --> 00:20:06.000
And so don't use those as an excuse.
00:20:06.079 --> 00:20:07.359
I'm the perfect example.
00:20:07.519 --> 00:20:09.680
Okay, I'm the first one in my family.
00:20:09.920 --> 00:20:10.240
Yeah.
00:20:10.400 --> 00:20:14.400
And uh women um don't feel like they have a need.
00:20:14.559 --> 00:20:16.079
And you have two daughters.
00:20:16.720 --> 00:20:23.680
So what is the advice now they're giving to, you know, daughters of if your mom has been diagnosed with breast can?
00:20:24.000 --> 00:20:26.880
I know that's changed from years ago.
00:20:27.039 --> 00:20:27.279
Yeah.
00:20:27.440 --> 00:20:29.680
Um, what's the current advice for your daughters?
00:20:30.079 --> 00:20:32.799
They immediately went through genetic testing.
00:20:32.960 --> 00:20:40.640
Um, I do not carry the BROCA gene, and neither do they, but they have bumped up um the timeline for them to have their first mammogram.
00:20:40.880 --> 00:20:41.440
Yeah, so small.
00:20:41.680 --> 00:20:41.920
So yeah.
00:20:42.079 --> 00:20:42.880
I mean, why not?
00:20:43.039 --> 00:20:43.359
Yeah.
00:20:43.599 --> 00:20:49.759
Um, you know, WePlural is is really uh it was really birthed for my love of community.
00:20:49.920 --> 00:20:50.319
Yeah.
00:20:50.559 --> 00:20:58.319
And I love this community, I've love my hedge community, I love my church community, I love so many different communities.
00:20:58.559 --> 00:21:08.799
But you said something that I think is is probably profound more often than not, and that's how lonely somebody feels going through a cancer journey.
00:21:09.039 --> 00:21:16.240
How would you inspire or encourage someone to find community during their treatment?
00:21:16.559 --> 00:21:26.559
Well, when I talk to ladies, one of the first things um I talk about, and it's coming up on October 3rd, is the More Than Pink Walk, the Susan G.
00:21:26.799 --> 00:21:27.279
Comen.
00:21:27.759 --> 00:21:36.079
Now, when I was first diagnosed um before I had that, you know, that prayer and woke up like, get it together, Janae.
00:21:36.640 --> 00:21:38.960
I said to my husband, I'm not doing any of those walks.
00:21:39.039 --> 00:21:39.759
I'm not wearing the pink.
00:21:40.079 --> 00:21:42.720
I read that when you said you weren't wearing the pink tutu.
00:21:42.960 --> 00:21:44.319
I'm not wearing the pink tutu.
00:21:44.480 --> 00:21:45.839
I'm not doing the furboa.
00:21:45.920 --> 00:21:46.720
I'm not doing that.
00:21:46.880 --> 00:21:50.319
And somebody told me, you need to go to the more than pink walk.
00:21:50.480 --> 00:21:59.759
So I went the first year and it's extremely emotional because they have signs diagnosed one year or younger, and the signs are like one to five.
00:22:00.319 --> 00:22:04.960
Years, six, and they go all the way up to 35 years being a survivor plus.
00:22:06.160 --> 00:22:19.200
So I walked through there and it was so emotional because the community of sisterhood of survivors, you automatically had 8,000 best friends and to kind of talk about like where do you go?
00:22:19.279 --> 00:22:19.839
Where do you go?
00:22:19.920 --> 00:22:20.880
What's your treatment?
00:22:21.039 --> 00:22:26.240
And it was so amazing, so amazing that I walked out of there.
00:22:26.400 --> 00:22:31.440
And now ironically, um, my husband and I have been hosting it for the past three years.
00:22:31.599 --> 00:22:36.960
And last year I wore pink tutu and I got my granddaughter's pink tutus.
00:22:37.200 --> 00:22:39.519
And I'm trying to convince my husband, I'm not sure I can do that.
00:22:39.839 --> 00:22:40.559
Oh gosh.
00:22:41.119 --> 00:22:55.279
But it just shows that when you have a common bond like that, that's such a and I've tried to encourage people who, you know, have since been diagnosed and going through go to the walk to support the Susan G.
00:22:55.519 --> 00:23:02.319
Comen Foundation because that money stays here locally and they have services for people.
00:23:02.799 --> 00:23:06.880
And the the resources and the research.
00:23:07.119 --> 00:23:09.599
And it is, it's at Military Park.
00:23:09.759 --> 00:23:15.359
Um, the parade of hope, which is when everybody marches in, is just extremely emotional.
00:23:15.519 --> 00:23:16.240
Starts at 10.
00:23:16.319 --> 00:23:17.680
There's activities starting at 8.
00:23:17.759 --> 00:23:21.440
They've got stuff for kids, but it's really a wonderful event.
00:23:21.519 --> 00:23:27.680
And then the walk starts at um 10:30, and you walk around like the zoo and the White River, and you just see.
00:23:28.000 --> 00:23:29.039
So it's every beautiful walk.
00:23:29.440 --> 00:23:30.079
It's beautiful.
00:23:30.160 --> 00:23:46.000
And all these families, you know, some of them are walking in honor of loved ones who have passed, others, you know, everybody, some of the very interesting uh names of teams, you know, that are raising fundraisers, you know, save the Tatas and you know, uh I love it.
00:23:46.160 --> 00:23:50.480
Yeah, there's a lot of cute, cute um sayings uh for the teams.
00:23:50.559 --> 00:23:53.920
But it's it, I would that would be my first thing I would encourage people to do.
00:23:54.160 --> 00:23:54.400
Okay.
00:23:54.480 --> 00:23:58.000
So you go to that event and you think, oh my gosh, I'm not alone.
00:23:58.480 --> 00:24:02.640
But how do you then leave that event and you go back home and you are alone?
00:24:02.880 --> 00:24:09.440
Do you do they have a way for you to sign up, to, to meet with each other, to find groups?
00:24:09.599 --> 00:24:12.319
I mean, yeah, there's various events throughout the year.
00:24:12.559 --> 00:24:19.359
Um, and I, you know, it's I think our our city just has so many great resources.
00:24:19.599 --> 00:24:25.680
And another event that we're doing um in a couple weeks, it's the Pink Connection, and it's a fundraiser.
00:24:26.319 --> 00:24:30.559
And what's wonderful about this, all the models are survivors.
00:24:30.720 --> 00:24:42.640
That's and we get to tell their stories of how their their walk was different, and there's another set of community that these these models that see each other every year, you know, come together.
00:24:43.119 --> 00:24:46.559
And I just would encourage people, don't do this alone.
00:24:46.720 --> 00:24:49.200
Find one friend somewhere.
00:24:49.759 --> 00:24:53.200
And it's just so important to um have a sense of community.
00:24:53.279 --> 00:25:01.839
I mean, obviously, I had my hedge group who were there, you know, when I rang the bell and you know, had a great party for me afterwards, a surprise party.
00:25:02.079 --> 00:25:07.519
And um, it's so important not to, you know, sit at home and feel sorry for yourself.
00:25:07.839 --> 00:25:08.319
Go out there.
00:25:08.480 --> 00:25:09.519
Everybody has a story.
00:25:09.680 --> 00:25:12.000
This is just my story, but go out there.
00:25:12.319 --> 00:25:15.279
I just feel like the Lord, uh I'm thankful that I had it.
00:25:16.000 --> 00:25:23.119
I know you've said that because I wouldn't have these platforms to um meet other people, share my faith.
00:25:23.359 --> 00:25:27.039
And so looking back, I'm grateful that I had handpicked you.
00:25:27.200 --> 00:25:42.480
Well, he did because he knew you would not just accept the diagnosis and and you know go through your day without finding a way to turn this around and make it about him and and others, because that's who you are.
00:25:42.640 --> 00:25:47.920
Uh Janae also has a part of a ministry that she does for pastors' wives.
00:25:48.160 --> 00:26:05.279
And whether you go to church or not, if you could imagine being in a big corporation and churches are big businesses, and that CEO of a corporation or that lead pastor of a church to be that first lady, again, when you want to talk about one of the loneliest spots, they're lonely.
00:26:05.440 --> 00:26:05.759
Yeah.
00:26:06.079 --> 00:26:13.920
And and so she brings all these pastor wives together in California with a good California friend, and they love on these ladies.
00:26:14.240 --> 00:26:23.839
They serve them for the weekend, they treat them, they pamper them, and these ladies are able to make a connection with one another, which is just so phenomenal.
00:26:24.000 --> 00:26:30.319
And I think that was the design when we can share, you know, our journey to help someone else.
00:26:30.400 --> 00:26:31.359
That's what it's about.
00:26:31.599 --> 00:26:33.119
I think that's why we're here.
00:26:33.440 --> 00:26:36.400
And and you have done that so well heroically.
00:26:36.720 --> 00:26:38.160
I I love that ministry.
00:26:38.319 --> 00:26:46.319
Um and it started with my dear friend Pam Cashin, and she was kind enough to invite me when I retired from the Pacers to come alongside.
00:26:46.559 --> 00:26:49.359
And we're just trying to equip these pastors' wives.
00:26:49.519 --> 00:26:57.440
It's only four ladies, that when they leave California and go back home, wherever they live across the United States, that they now have a community.
00:26:57.599 --> 00:27:00.559
A community doesn't have to be a lot of people, it doesn't, it can be one.
00:27:00.720 --> 00:27:00.960
Yeah.
00:27:01.119 --> 00:27:05.359
This is like a community of four, and they can bounce things off and oh, that's a great idea.
00:27:05.440 --> 00:27:07.039
And I'm feeling the same way.
00:27:07.759 --> 00:27:13.200
And so I do love that ministry just to put these ladies together and the bond.
00:27:13.440 --> 00:27:14.160
I do too.
00:27:14.319 --> 00:27:18.960
And and you know, you carried that over because you were doing that prior to the diagnosis, correct?
00:27:19.200 --> 00:27:19.920
Yeah, yeah.
00:27:20.160 --> 00:27:30.079
So, and and that that's when those ladies are together, that's yet another aspect of what you can offer, you know, if any of them are facing that diagnosis.
00:27:30.240 --> 00:27:32.799
So and some of them have and reach back out.
00:27:33.039 --> 00:27:33.519
Have they?
00:27:33.680 --> 00:27:34.319
Yeah, yeah.
00:27:34.559 --> 00:27:36.960
Because you shared that with them vulnerably.
00:27:37.119 --> 00:27:44.000
And oh I yeah, don't don't meet me and say you've never had a mammogram because I will bug you.
00:27:44.319 --> 00:27:45.039
I will call you.
00:27:45.440 --> 00:27:49.359
If she has your email or number, you're you're going to be heard from.
00:27:49.680 --> 00:28:00.240
Which um, in in all transparency, you did not allow your hedge to know you were going for your mammogram when so we scolded her a little bit about that.
00:28:00.319 --> 00:28:07.839
And so she now tells us when she's having testing and things, so we can reciprocate uh supporting her through those things.
00:28:08.079 --> 00:28:18.160
But Janae, I love this platform that was, I believe, divinely given to you and what you've done with it and and the community you have helped to create.
00:28:18.319 --> 00:28:43.759
And that's what this is all about is telling these stories so other communities can be inspired or think, hey, I could do that in my town or my small rural community, rural communities, especially, because uh you know, they're they're less populated, there's less resources, and it's more important for as important for them, if not more important for them to come together and and find someone to uh commune with.
00:28:43.920 --> 00:28:54.880
So and one of the things, um, just advice, I would say, when a friend has been diagnosed and you know that, you know, everybody always says, call me if you need help.
00:28:55.359 --> 00:28:57.279
No woman is gonna call for help.
00:28:57.440 --> 00:28:59.519
I'm telling you, we just we don't do it.
00:28:59.680 --> 00:29:00.640
We don't do it.
00:29:00.880 --> 00:29:06.000
And I had a friend saying she wanted to bring dinner over one night and I was really tired from radiation.
00:29:06.160 --> 00:29:07.039
I said, no, no, no.
00:29:07.200 --> 00:29:10.319
And she says to me, Janae, you're blocking my blessing.
00:29:10.480 --> 00:29:13.839
And I was like, Oh, man, that you're right.
00:29:14.000 --> 00:29:15.599
She's like, You're blocking my blessing.
00:29:15.839 --> 00:29:17.119
People do want to help.
00:29:17.359 --> 00:29:18.000
They do.
00:29:18.319 --> 00:29:21.599
And so I I I've stolen that line.
00:29:21.680 --> 00:29:22.480
I've used it all the time.
00:29:22.640 --> 00:29:23.839
Don't block my blessing.
00:29:24.319 --> 00:29:26.960
But don't say, call me if you need help.
00:29:27.119 --> 00:29:28.240
Drop something by.
00:29:28.400 --> 00:29:31.680
I had people drop stuff at my front door or just or text.
00:29:32.079 --> 00:29:36.559
I mean, I had so many kind people and just do it because nobody's gonna call you.
00:29:36.720 --> 00:29:36.960
Yeah.
00:29:37.200 --> 00:29:38.480
I mean, I don't know what it is.
00:29:38.799 --> 00:29:41.839
We're stunning us that we go, oh, we don't, you know.
00:29:42.000 --> 00:29:42.240
Yeah.
00:29:42.400 --> 00:29:45.359
I don't even know if I'd ever say, oh, it's a sign of weakness.
00:29:45.519 --> 00:29:46.400
It's not that.
00:29:46.559 --> 00:29:49.519
It's just I've been doing things for so long.
00:29:49.680 --> 00:29:56.960
You know, we're just doers as moms, as uh, you know, wives, as sisters and you know, children.
00:29:57.119 --> 00:29:57.440
Yeah.
00:29:57.599 --> 00:29:58.799
Uh we just do.
00:29:59.039 --> 00:30:01.279
So that I think that's some really great advice.
00:30:01.759 --> 00:30:02.960
Don't block anybody's blessing.
00:30:03.119 --> 00:30:04.640
Don't block a blessing, y'all.
00:30:04.720 --> 00:30:05.920
She'll be after you.
00:30:06.160 --> 00:30:12.079
Um, what didn't I ask you today that you would say, I love that you just shared that.
00:30:12.160 --> 00:30:15.279
And I'm gonna ask you for the we plural promise here in a second.
00:30:15.440 --> 00:30:24.960
But is there anything that we didn't bring up, like the you know, tips for radiation, or is there something you would want someone to know that I didn't ask you?
00:30:25.200 --> 00:30:36.400
Well, one of the great tips I tell people all along, if you're currently um going through radiation, my oncologist, who is wonderful, um, said, This is what I want you to do an hour before you come for radiation.
00:30:36.640 --> 00:30:43.519
Get an old t-shirt, cut it in half, put it on, and have green tea, very concentrated.
00:30:43.920 --> 00:30:50.640
Keep it in the refrigerator, like make new tea every couple days, and then spray that all over the area for radiation.
00:30:50.880 --> 00:30:51.119
Really?
00:30:51.440 --> 00:30:57.119
And that green tea, ironically, I used to take it internally, and I had you have to stop all that when you're doing it.
00:30:57.440 --> 00:31:03.359
Um, but green tea, spraying it all over the breast area before uh radiation.
00:31:03.759 --> 00:31:07.680
I never got one burn, not one red mark, nothing.
00:31:07.839 --> 00:31:09.039
It was fabulous.
00:31:09.279 --> 00:31:17.519
So that is my definitely my tip for anybody who's getting ready to go to through radiation or currently, because that was a wonderful idea and it really helped.
00:31:18.079 --> 00:31:27.599
There's something with green tea and well, dr drinking it, it's a tremendous antioxidant for our cells internally, but wow, it must do something with the skin as well.
00:31:27.759 --> 00:31:27.920
Yeah.
00:31:28.160 --> 00:31:29.759
What did you do for the tiredness?
00:31:29.920 --> 00:31:32.240
Because I know that was another big thing through radiation.
00:31:32.319 --> 00:31:36.400
How did you deal with just that yeah overwhelming feeling of being tired?
00:31:36.720 --> 00:31:43.759
Well, ironically, the week after I checked out of community north, my oldest daughter, London, checked in and had my first granddaughter.
00:31:44.720 --> 00:31:49.440
And so we had a new granddaughter, you know, living one street away.
00:31:49.599 --> 00:31:52.480
And I actually think that kind of kept me going.
00:31:53.119 --> 00:31:54.640
You just didn't have a chance to think about it.
00:31:54.880 --> 00:31:56.480
I can't be as tired as newborn.
00:31:57.119 --> 00:31:58.240
A mother of a newborn.
00:31:58.799 --> 00:32:02.720
So I I I just kind of like, nope, I'm not as tired as they are.
00:32:02.960 --> 00:32:04.799
So that really got me going.
00:32:05.119 --> 00:32:06.480
But yeah, take care of yourself.
00:32:06.559 --> 00:32:08.960
You just have to, it's okay to say And it's okay.
00:32:09.200 --> 00:32:10.960
It's okay to lay on the couch.
00:32:11.119 --> 00:32:13.440
It's okay, but it's not okay to feel sorry for yourself.
00:32:13.839 --> 00:32:17.599
But it's okay to, you know, self-care is not selfish.
00:32:18.000 --> 00:32:23.759
And I think as women, a lot of times we're taking care of others and our health goes by the wayside.
00:32:23.839 --> 00:32:24.319
Yeah.
00:32:24.559 --> 00:32:30.079
And you just we gotta be strong to take care of our families and our grandkids and our spouses and ourselves.
00:32:30.240 --> 00:32:31.440
I mean, it's so important.
00:32:31.599 --> 00:32:36.960
But I think women and certainly uh young moms, you know, they they get the crumbs.
00:32:37.039 --> 00:32:40.720
You know, the kids are getting the toast and they eat the crumbs, and you just can't do that.
00:32:40.960 --> 00:32:41.440
That's true.
00:32:41.680 --> 00:32:42.640
Not when it comes to your health.
00:32:42.880 --> 00:32:43.200
Yeah.
00:32:43.440 --> 00:32:44.160
I love that.
00:32:44.319 --> 00:32:45.920
Self-care is not selfish.
00:32:46.559 --> 00:32:49.359
Okay, there's your golden nugget for the day, everybody.
00:32:49.599 --> 00:32:51.359
Self-care is not selfish.
00:32:51.680 --> 00:32:59.200
It actually is very loving, and um, and it is a way that we can ensure that we'll be around for those who need us.
00:32:59.440 --> 00:33:05.039
So all right, so big question we plural promise.
00:33:05.359 --> 00:33:13.200
So what Travis and I had in mind for this is that you know, we know that everybody's story is so powerful.
00:33:13.359 --> 00:33:15.839
So it's it's a call to action, if you will.
00:33:16.400 --> 00:33:20.160
Um, but what would your we plural promise?
00:33:21.359 --> 00:33:29.279
Because I know if someone does what you recommend, they will be able to connect to that joy and they'll be on their way back.
00:33:29.440 --> 00:33:32.880
So what would your we plural promise be for my audience?
00:33:33.519 --> 00:33:56.799
I guess my we plur plural promise would be to continue to um promote mammograms and to attend these community events where I can meet people, where I can share my faith, and that I can connect ladies who uh just were diagnosed with some of these resources, like the Susan G.
00:33:56.960 --> 00:34:04.960
Coman or the Pink Connection, that they can feel like they have others in the community that care for them, love on them.
00:34:05.119 --> 00:34:09.760
Because I get it, not everybody's got, you know, a wonderful family, incredible friends.
00:34:09.840 --> 00:34:10.719
They don't have that.
00:34:11.280 --> 00:34:13.920
So I my promise is to continue.
00:34:14.079 --> 00:34:17.840
And I always pray, Lord, give me opportunities.
00:34:18.079 --> 00:34:20.320
Tell me where you want me to go.
00:34:20.960 --> 00:34:24.960
And years ago, my husband's always but said, Hey, let's speak together.
00:34:25.119 --> 00:34:25.840
Come on my speaking.
00:34:26.079 --> 00:34:29.280
And I'm like, nah, that's not gonna wear a peak tutu or speak with you.
00:34:29.840 --> 00:34:30.320
No, no.
00:34:30.480 --> 00:34:34.320
And I really feel like, okay, this is what I'm supposed to be doing.
00:34:34.480 --> 00:34:42.719
So I pray for those opportunities to go out into the community and to share about women's health and to share my faith.
00:34:42.800 --> 00:34:44.800
So that's my promise that I will continue.
00:34:44.880 --> 00:34:46.880
And when asked, I will say yes.
00:34:47.119 --> 00:34:48.079
That's awesome.
00:34:48.400 --> 00:34:55.360
Well, y'all, with October knocking at our door, it is a perfect time to schedule that mammogram.
00:34:55.519 --> 00:34:57.119
I know I'm going to schedule mine.
00:34:57.199 --> 00:34:58.800
I'm a couple months overdue.
00:34:59.360 --> 00:35:00.559
I'll let you know.
00:35:01.199 --> 00:35:03.679
Um I've been busy putting a podcast together.
00:35:03.760 --> 00:35:04.320
You have to do that.
00:35:04.400 --> 00:35:05.280
Well, now that you told me though.
00:35:05.360 --> 00:35:08.320
I figured I know, I know, I know.
00:35:08.639 --> 00:35:11.840
So um, yeah, schedule your mammograms.
00:35:12.000 --> 00:35:19.440
And Janae, if people want to reach you, could you repeat one more time how they touch base with you if they would like to reach out to you?
00:35:19.679 --> 00:35:24.559
Yeah, just my Facebook page is all public, Janae Swan, and then my Instagram, Janay Swan.
00:35:24.639 --> 00:35:25.760
Just instant message me.
00:35:25.840 --> 00:35:27.840
And that's how people give me their dates.
00:35:27.920 --> 00:35:29.440
And I I want to fill this up.
00:35:29.519 --> 00:35:30.960
I've got a couple months left.
00:35:31.039 --> 00:35:34.480
And so love to pray for you while you have your mammogram.
00:35:34.719 --> 00:35:34.880
Yeah.
00:35:35.440 --> 00:35:36.719
I'll go with you if you need a ride.
00:35:36.880 --> 00:35:37.760
I'm happy to drive you.
00:35:37.920 --> 00:35:38.639
That's amazing.
00:35:38.800 --> 00:35:40.559
I'll drive you when you're scheduling.
00:35:40.880 --> 00:35:42.000
Yeah, I'll let you know.
00:35:42.159 --> 00:35:42.480
Oh.
00:35:43.039 --> 00:35:46.880
Well, you know, I got I got someone at home newly retired.
00:35:47.039 --> 00:35:51.280
So he's been doing all these things for me that you know he hasn't been able to do in 40 years.
00:35:51.920 --> 00:35:52.559
So he's your driver.
00:35:52.800 --> 00:35:54.400
He's my he's my everything.
00:35:54.559 --> 00:35:57.920
He came in, told Matt last week that he's like, I'm her personal assistant.
00:35:58.000 --> 00:36:01.519
And I said, Yes, welcome to my last 38 years, honey.
00:36:01.840 --> 00:36:02.320
I love that.
00:36:02.480 --> 00:36:03.519
He's a great personal assistant.
00:36:03.920 --> 00:36:04.559
He's a cutie.
00:36:04.639 --> 00:36:04.880
Yes.
00:36:05.039 --> 00:36:05.920
So he's been great.
00:36:06.000 --> 00:36:08.400
But I will keep that in mind if I need a driver.
00:36:08.559 --> 00:36:09.920
Um, but it's easy.
00:36:10.079 --> 00:36:10.239
Yeah.
00:36:10.400 --> 00:36:11.360
It's right down the road.
00:36:11.519 --> 00:36:14.320
I go to the IU clinic and get her done.
00:36:14.480 --> 00:36:18.320
So, you guys, thanks for joining us on this episode of WePlural.
00:36:18.400 --> 00:36:31.119
You can go to weplural.com to listen, or you can get an audio and visual of this uh episode on Spotify, YouTube, wherever you listen to your favorite podcast.
00:36:31.360 --> 00:36:33.679
I can't thank you enough for tuning in.
00:36:33.840 --> 00:36:37.360
And until next time, come build community with us.
