By james art LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – A Lubbock woman has found one of her biggest supporters during her battle with breast cancer, more than a thousand miles away, in Ohio. The breast cancer survivors met in person this month after practically supporting each other on their journeys for a year and a half.
Jenny Smith, who lives in Lubbock, was diagnosed with breast cancer in March 2023. Her neighbor put her in touch with her niece, Michelle Losekamp, who lives in Harrison, Ohio, a small town outside of Cincinnati.
Michelle was diagnosed with breast cancer just a day after Jenny. This introduction became a daily conversation between them, practically fighting cancer as a team.
“Jenny’s support was so helpful because we both understood how it felt,” Michelle said. “We can check in on each other and be there for each other no matter what, in ways that our family and friends would like them to be, but they can’t because they don’t understand.”
They were there for each other in the darkest moments, texting each other about treatments and side effects and the emotions that come with them.
“It’s hard to look in the mirror and see someone you don’t recognize. Cancer takes so much from you. It takes away your hair, your eyebrows, your eyelashes, you know, what you see and who you think you are, it takes away,” Michelle said.
“When it’s time to shave our heads and figure out the wigs and learn these things together. We kind of shared pictures with each other and were like, okay, I did it. Or, you know, when are you going to do that? And just to be in solidarity with some of it because, you’re right, cancer takes so much out of you,” Jenny said.
They were also there to support each other in reaching the milestones. Both went into remission in October 2023.
A year later, they were able to meet in person for the first time over a weekend in Cincinnati.
“I don’t know how I would have gotten through what we both went through without the bond we built, so it’s amazing to be sitting next to you,” Jenny said.
They also bonded because they were both diagnosed in their 30s. Michelle discovered a lump during a self-exam at age 31, but says screening can lead to an earlier diagnosis.
“Screenings save lives, of course. But in younger women, they are more likely to be diagnosed at a later stage because they are not screening. It’s not recommended until you’re in your 40s,” she said.
Jenny started having chest pains at age 37 and advocated for herself at the doctor’s office until they could figure out what was wrong. They hope their stories can inspire others.
“It takes a lot of courage and bravery to be vulnerable and tell your story, but it’s very valuable,” Jenny said. “I think it’s very important especially for young women to be able to learn from our experience so they can take care of themselves. They can catch things early, they can be seen by a doctor and have a better chance of a better outcome.”
There is a phrase that Jenny thought of during her battle, “comeback is stronger than failure.” She says she and Michelle are now stronger, more grateful and blessed with a new friendship.
Copyright 2024 KCBD. All rights reserved.