John Gregory Strelecki is credited.
John Gregory Strelecki is credited.
Diagnosed with DCIS
One hell of a kick to the head! The Atlanta Journal-Constitution is where she wrote. It was unbelievable to me. Greg, my husband, and I were really stunned. I was highly involved in my community, maintained a healthy diet, and worked out four hours a week at the gym. How did this occur?
At that point, Dr. Cody Gunn, a general surgeon from Athens, was recommended to the Madison resident as a specialist from Georgia’s University Cancer & Blood Center. After removing her cancer, Gunn discussed her course of treatment with the AJC.
Gunn claims that receiving a cancer diagnosis and undergoing treatment are nearly always extremely emotional times for individuals. However, breast cancer is frequently a very trying moment.
He added that receiving chemotherapy is a painful experience. It can occasionally go on for six months. She received infusions for a year in her situation. That’s a long year of just getting by and being tired. (Contemplating) Will this resurface? You must therefore constantly worry about that. After chemotherapy, she had to undergo radiation treatment.
According to Gunn, Strelecki was diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ, which is the earliest stage of breast cancer. It accounts for about 20% of all new cases of breast cancer, according to the American Cancer Society.
Fun Fights Fear
Strelecki, a professional illustrator, muralist, and painter, was really missing her artistic endeavors when the disease struck. Her professional photographer spouse acted.
He merely snapped pictures to document her development and assist her in diverting attention from her health issues when the treatments started. Strelecki experienced some difficult days and low points during this time. Food was losing its flavor, and her hair was falling out. During her third week of treatment, pneumonia struck, causing severe tiredness. Inspiration struck when she was at her lowest.
She recalled the start of the project when I said, “Greg, let’s come up with some ideas of women in history and pop culture, successful women, tough girls—not mean girls, but tough girls.”
John Gregory Strelecki is credited.
John Gregory Strelecki is credited.
Strelecki began dressing in costume for her weekly treatment shots, ranging from Princess Leia to Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
She added, “That would give me something to distract me from feeling bad at least once a week.” Additionally, it would provide me with something to anticipate.
The images were originally captured with a cellphone at home. In order to achieve a greater production value, the pair eventually shifted to a more professional setup that included photo editing.
We went to the races after I compiled a list of famous, prosperous, and humorous women from pop culture and history, she wrote. No more feeling sorry for myself! I would dress up every week so Greg could do what he does best—make me look great! And I felt better because of THAT.
The project, a compilation of motivational images from her battle with cancer, would later be dubbed Fun Fights Fear. To the astonishment of her fellow patients and the UCBC personnel, Strelecki would start going to the cancer center dressed in costume.
She wrote, “My efforts and Greg’s were met with lots of thankful hugs, big laughs, and surprised looks, as well as selfies with some patients and staff.” Bringing sweets to share with the staff and patients didn’t hurt. They were always drawn into my universe by that.
Hospital morale can be a significant issue, therefore Gunn expressed gratitude for the effort.
Speaking about her Fun Fights Fear project, he stated, “Your attitude is so important, and that helped her get through it.” Additionally, it assisted others in overcoming it.
John Gregory Strelecki is credited.
John Gregory Strelecki is credited.
Reiterating that enduring chemotherapy is no easy undertaking, the doctor said that anything that reduces the stress associated with those treatments can be extremely helpful.
He went on, “I thought it was great.” In addition to supporting the staff and everyone else there, her spouse was on board with all of it. The staff tries to be supportive of those undergoing this treatment on a daily basis, and it also lifts their spirits.
As part of an encouraging package for upcoming cancer patients, the couple now says they intend to give the Fun Fights Fear collection to UCBC. Strelecki wants the collection and her narrative to help others, from documenting their own experiences with cancer to putting their hopes on paper.
Since it really helped me, I hope that others would be able to gain from our efforts, she added.
Is it time for a mammogram?
An estimated 42,170 women in the US will lose their lives to breast cancer this year. In 2025, there will likely be 59,080 new DCIS cases nationwide, of which Strelecki is just one. By the end of the year, there may be 316,950 new cases of invasive breast cancer diagnosed nationwide. What is the first line of defense against this fatal illness, then? mammograms.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta state that mammograms, which are X-ray screenings, are the most effective early detection method for breast cancer.
“You keep hearing that early detection is the most important thing,” Gunn added. The importance of getting a mammogram cannot be overstated.
The sooner a doctor discovers the possible malignancy, the better. The UCBC expert claims that because Strelecki’s cancer was detected so early, her chemotherapy treatment was effectively halved.
According to Gunn, it influences the treatments you receive and the level of aggression required during treatment. In many cases, you can simply remove the affected area. Losing your breasts is not necessary.
Every year, our treatment has improved, although it is better the earlier we discover it.
John Gregory Strelecki is credited.
John Gregory Strelecki is credited.
The American Cancer Societyrecommends women of average risk(no personal history or strong family history of breast cancer) consider starting annual mammogram screenings at 40 years old. Women at high risk of breast cancer, such as anyone with certain genetic mutations or a family history, should consider getting a screening every year starting at age 30.
If you or a loved one has recently been diagnosed with cancer, Strelecki hopes her work can help.
I hope my approach to dealing with a very difficult time in my life will inspire others who are in the same boat to express their bliss and expel the misery, she wrote.
Strelecki finished her final treatment just days after first speaking with the AJC. But what costume best fits that most momentous of cancer battle moments, the ringing of that iconic brass bell? Tinkerbell, of course.
Tink went around to all the other patients on the treatment floor and handed out Pixie Stix with which to sweeten tea and little twinkling fairy lights to light each patient s way to the end of their treatment tunnels, she wrote to the AJC after receiving her treatment.
There is less than a 0.02% chance of her cancer returning.
