Christi Berry, 54 of Blackshear, has been married to her wonderful husband, Robbie, for 35 years. They have two beautiful nieces, Mallan and Reese Gill, and a handsome nephew, Zane Gill.
Berry has worked at Memorial Satilla Health in the Outpatient Lab for 35 years where she enjoys interacting with her patients. She enjoys cooking, traveling and spending quality time with her family. Her travels include Greece, Bermuda, New York, and Los Angeles. Berry says she loves taking her nieces and nephew anywhere!
IN HER OWN WORDS: I was always mindful to perform self-breast exams each month. In September 2018, I found a lump in my right breast which prompted me to have it checked. In October, I was diagnosed with Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of the breast, a very rare type of cancer which accounts for less than one percent of all breast cancers. Dr. Jha, my oncologist, and Dr. Wykstra, my surgeon, both felt with treatment I would have a good prognosis.
I can’t say enough about my physicians and the care I received. To say they were a blessing would be an understatement.
After the initial shock, I started praying for my family, regardless of the outcome. It was important to me that my loved ones be okay whether I was here or with my Lord and Savior.
The worst experience was when I had to give my nieces and nephew the devastating news. My sister, Tracy Gill, held my hand and supported me while I told her children I had cancer and they asked the tough questions. How do you answer questions from children who want to be sure you are not going to leave them from this awful disease. I still tear up thinking of trying to comfort them as their tears flowed and their minds filled with the “what ifs.”
In November 2018, I started what would be a lengthy treatment. I had a bilateral mastectomy followed by chemotherapy every three weeks for twelve weeks. I had additional surgeries for port placement and reconstruction. For me, losing my hair was one of the most difficult parts of the journey.
Although treatment was tough, you learn to endure. My family and friends were an amazing part of my recovery. They never left my side. Even some of the patients I had cared for over the years sent me encouraging messages. Some sent me a copy of their church bulletin with my name highlighted for prayer requests. Having support through thoughts, prayers and love are so important as you go through the hard days.
The advice I have for anyone facing a similar diagnosis is to rely on the three F’s…FAITH, FAMILY AND FRIENDS. You will have good days bad days, but these three will always get you through. Never forget to allow your FAITH to be bigger than your fear.
