A Note from Jane - Sharing the Love
This season, as we highlight the importance of breast cancer awareness through our SHARE THE LOVE Collection, today’s message is close to my heart. I reached out to our amazing community for personal stories, and your responses moved me beyond words. In this message, we feature an inspiring interview with Alexis Rose-Hamburg, who received her diagnosis in 2020 and discovered strength and unexpected moments of joy in her journey.
We have limited quantities left of our Love Courage Strength Collection, make sure to shop before they run out. We are donating 20% of proceeds to Breast Cancer Alliance until it is sold out. Let’s keep supporting this incredible cause together.
Xx Janie
Alexis, we appreciate you sharing your story with us and our community. Thank you. Could you tell us more about you?
Personally, I live in Royersford, PA, married with a bonus son and two rescue dogs. I am on the board of directors for Unite for HER, a non-profift org that serves breast and ovarian cancer patients through integrative support. I love my peloton, enjoy walking, and my newest passion project is sourdough baking. Professionally, I work for a pharmaceutical company focused primarily on women's health.
You were diagnosed during the pandemic; how did that effect your journey? Could you share more about your diagnosis?
I had my yearly screening mammogram in February 2020 and I received an all clear. On July 4, I found my lump and by the end of that month I was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma. Being diagnosed during the pandemic meant I had to complete all of my treatments alone. My bilateral mastectomy was on September 18, 2020 (which I consider my cancer survivor date!). My husband dropped me off at Bryn Mawr Hospital and I was alone for surgery and recovery. I started chemo on October 30, 2020 and had 4 rounds, spaced 3 weeks apart. My last infusion was on NYE 2020, all of which I also completed alone (I did have my cold cap nurse who was an angel but no one from my family could be there). Following chemo, 35 rounds of radiation. On my final day, when I rang the bell, my husband was able to be with me. Cancer is scary enough but to be alone during treatment was very difficult.
Post diagnosis, you have a ‘different life perspective’ and believe you are capable of doing anything. We’re so inspired. Tell us more about that mental shift.
I have a new perspective that life can never be taken for granted. I am more thoughtful about where I spend my time and who I spend it with. And yes, once you travel on a cancer journey you can do anything, personally and professionally. The smartest bet anyone can place is on someone that survived something challenging like cancer and I will always bet on myself.
Your first Jane Win pendant was Strong- one of our favorites. What drew you to this piece?
It signifies what I was before and after cancer and it serves as a reminder in case I ever doubt myself.
What advice can you give others who may be going through a similar journey?
First, don't google anything :) rely on your treatment team not the internet - things will seem scarier when you read about all of the bad things. People don't often post the good things.
Second, take your journey one day at a time. It is very easy to get overwhelmed but with anything in life, if you conquer it in small parts, it is over before you know it.
Finally, allow people to help.
