HealthFirst

HealthFirst-When the caregiver is diagnosed with cancer

Wednesday, November 04, 2009

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Leslie Toldo
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FLINT (WJRT) -- (10/14/09) -- A nurse practitioner who has helped dozens of women journey through breast cancer can call herself a survivor now, too.

HealthFirst reporter Leslie Toldo introduces the woman who brings hope to so many who find themselves in seemingly hopeless situations.

Jackie Smiley runs the breast and cervical cancer control or BCCCP program for the Genesee County Health Department.

It provides free screening for breast and cervical cancer and treatment for women who can't afford it.

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Just one day before her 40th birthday, Jackie Smiley found herself up against the same monster she'd helped so many others face.

"Originally, my dad had breast cancer. I found my dad's breast cancer. He was in the kitchen, he had his shirt off and we were talking, and I noticed his nipple was distorted. So I found his cancer, he went to the doctor and as soon as he was diagnosed, I knew I should get screened."

So Jackie went for her very first mammogram. She was due anyway, with her 40th birthday looming. "There is nothing there. I can't feel anything. I am as healthy as can be. So I just went in for a baseline, and got the shock of my life," she remembered.

A shock, indeed. Jackie, who had just run the Chicago Marathon two weeks before, had breast cancer, and it had spread to her lymph nodes.

"I think my father saved my life. "

Jackie and her father both had double mastectomy surgery and she had chemotherapy. It was all covered by insurance, but Jackie worries about those who don't have coverage.

"One thing that they're not doing, is they are not going in for screenings because they've lost their insurance. So they don't know that we're here. "

Jackie says she has a new understanding of the women who do come in for free breast and cervical cancer screenings at the Burton Health Department clinic where she works.

"We can help them with care, and if they find out early, we can help save their lives. A lot of women don't wanna know because they are afraid of what's to come. And I am here to show them that you can survive, you can be fine."

Jackie also had the genetic testing. Since the breast cancer gene is also linked to ovarian cancer, she had her ovaries removed, too.

Genetic testing actually saved a Flushing woman's life. You'll hear the unbelievable story that changed her family forever, Thursday night on ABC12 news at 5.

Also, we want to make sure you know that if you missed the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk in Flint last weekend, you can still join us for the Saginaw walk at Krossroads Park in Kochville Township.

We have information about the walk for you here.