Hi all,

Twelve years ago today I was going into surgery for a bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction.  It had taken a while to get that far because I was diagnosed on September 19.   At the time I had no idea I should be my own best advocate….now we encourage everyone to be their own best advocate!  Steve and our three girls were there for my surgery…..I remember kissing everyone before I went into surgery and then waking up in my room…..they were all standing at the foot of my bed….(which was weird to open your eyes and see everyone looking at you, ha ha) but I was happy to see them.   They said surgery went well.  Ok….I have to figure out how to move around without using chest muscles among other things….I had no idea…..but they kids were super helping and by the end of the week they had all gone home.   I am very nosey so I was very interested in seeing what my chest looked like….I had done exactly as I was instructed not to and looked at pics on line ……see?  I did everything you all have done too!!!   I was pretty sure this was going to be terrible….ok, not too bad and my plastic surgeon assured me it was not the finished product……he was so right!!    So, along with my fills, I started chemo….I got my fills the morning of chemo because that is when I was at my best…..(bear in mind, each Doc’s plan varies for their patient and this was 12 years ago and many, many improvements have been made……this is just my story)  By the end of May I had had my exchange surgery and was starting to look at what normal was going to be for me going forward.   I quickly found out that this was all going to be new and I was going to be happy with some of the adjustments and not so much with the others.   I talk to myself about a lot of things….I guess my way of working thru what I have to deal with…..somedays I would kind of feel sorry for myself …sometimes a few tears….but then reality…how lucky am I they found my cancer (2 different kinds because I do everything the hard way) and now my life will go on…..on to welcome more grandkids….on to enjoy old and new friends…..on to have time to love my family and on to figure out how to help other women going thru breast cancer so they don’t have to manage alone.

Now we have Driven by Heart, going strong…….I have retired but as you can see I am still blogging sometimes and posting things I think might make someone smile because it did me…..but the real work is being done by Tracy and Angie at the office, keeping the “drive alive”and chatting with new gals, supplying items to make things easier, sharing tips ……resources for additional needs….and just chatting so no one is alone.  We are beyond lucky to be supported by Brevard County and the amazing folks that live here!!!  So….if you and anyone you know has breast cancer, give us a call.   321-474-6900…..we are here to help!!!

Big Hugs!!

Sherry

Hi Everyone,

I saw a post today on Facebook….from a 7 year survivor….she got the call 7 years ago that she had breast cancer.   For me, 12 years ago I was right in the middle of figuring out “what I was going to have to do” as I had just been diagnosed with breast cancer.   I was diagnosed in Sept 2008, finished treatment the end of March 2009….relatively short amount of time compared to alot of the girls.  I had a bilateral mastectomy, reconstruction and chemo.  It really doesn’t matter what your treatment is….it is still breast cancer and initially it pretty much rocks your world…..but….for the most part when women are able to collect themselves, do their homework and make decisions, they manage….because we are good like that….with a plan.  I did notice when I was going thru my own treatment….as I got to be a “regular” in the chemo room and at the plastic surgeons to get my fills that there were alot of women doing this alone.   There were so many things no one told me….I actually only knew one person who had breast cancer and she was a friend in upstate NY….so this was a new journey for me.   It seemed to me there were so many things that would make this situation a little easier to handle and that is why we have Driven by Heart, so no one is going thru this alone……I am not involved in daily things at the office anymore but I remain as a resource if the girls need anything….but they are dedicated and good at what they do so they manage very well continuing to help gals with breast cancer.

October is somewhat emotional for us breast cancer girls….not sounding wimpy, because we aren’t but because it is “Breast Cancer Awareness ” month…everyone is talking about breast cancer.   It jogs alot of memories and emotions of what everyone has endured….which brings me back to the 7 year survivor….she lives up north and I have known her since she was a very little girl.   My daughter knew first….she called me with “Mom, you have to call J right away, she has breast cancer, she needs you Mom”  I called… I call gals all of the time but this was very, very close to me….we talked, I sent her stuff, we talked more….and then she powered thru…..she prevailed.   That is what we always want to see and that is why everyday we try to help who has just recieved “the news”….that is why it is very important for women to know that “Driven by Heart” is here…to help them…to power thru.

We do breast cancer 24/7 not just October so please remember us when you are deciding who to make your donation to…..truly touch someone.

Sherry Palmer is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Sherry Palmer’s Personal Meeting Room

Join Zoom Meeting
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Meeting ID: 655 626 8741
Passcode: 071375

Hi Everyone,

As most of you know my big thing with breast cancer is knowing what is available and knowing you have choices.   Everyone’s story is a bit different, sometimes alot different but we all need to give ourselves time to think about what we need to do and how we are going to go about this journey that has just been handed to us.

Today I am going to add some information for you for 3D nipples and areola tattooing.   Friday one of our gals got tattooed by Jayvo Scott at True to You Tattoo and he did a phenomenal job!!   There were three of us inspecting his work as he went along (brave guy)…..the shading and highlighting is exceptional!!   All that to say if you are at the point of nipples and aerolas, stop in the office and see our before and after pics.   You will be amazed!!   True to You Tattoo….830 N. Wickham Rd.  #2    321-373-7764.   Any questions…please call…we are so excited about this new find for our gals.

Good morning!! This week at Driven by Heart the office is open Monday and Wednesday from 9 to 1 Please be sure to call ahead so we only have one person at a time in the office and have time to sanitize in between….please wear your mask, we will do the same. Remember, we are always available by text, phone, and email. 321-474-6900.
Stay safe!!! Please let us know if you need anything….our goal is still to make sure no one goes thru breast cancer alone….we just have to be more creative how we communicate and get the supplies to you!!!
❤️❤️ Sherry

Sherry Palmer is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Sherry Palmer’s Personal Meeting Room

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/6556268741

Meeting ID: 655 626 8741
Password: 071375

Just a reminder that we will have a Zoom meeting tonite at 6pm. This is our usual over 50 meeting ….everyone is welcome as always…..I will post the link a little while before the meeting. Have a great day!!! 321-474-6900

Good morning!! This week at Driven by Heart the office will be open Monday from 9 to 1….we will be available thru the rest of the week by appointment, text, phone or email. Wednesday July 8 is our regularly scheduled Over 50 group….we will conduct that via Zoom . I will send out a reminder on Wednesday and the link about an hour or so ahead of the meeting at 6pm. As always, everyone is welcome……looking forward to seeing you!! Call if you need us! 321-474-6900
Stay safe!!!
❤️❤️

Hi All! This week at Driven by Heart the office will be open Monday and Wednesday from 9 to 1. Please call so we know you are coming so we make sure we have time to sanitize between patients……..we ask that you wear your mask, we will do the same. Tuesday and Thursday we are available by appt. No support group meetings this week. Have a good week, stay safe! Call if you need us ❤️

Sherry 321-474-6900