loading…
The moment finally came.
But it was an uneasy one at first.
MaryEllen Sheppard was about to receive her last round of chemotherapy at Mayo Clinic, with friends and family by her side. But as her loved ones and her nurses cheered her on, a wave of emotion hit this mom with nerves of steel.
What will life be like after these medical appointments end?, was one of the questions MaryEllen wondered about as tears streamed down her cheeks.
In this final installment of MaryEllen’s Journey, MaryEllen shares how she was feeling during those last chemotherapy and radiation appointments and visits with Mayo again post-treatment to share what she did to get her life back on track.
We truly thank MaryEllen for giving Mayo Clinic’s video crew open access to her life to share her story and experiences with others going through a breast cancer diagnosis. It was a privilege getting to know her and help her share her story with you all.
Missed an episode?:
Please click on the following to see MaryEllen’s journey from the beginning:
Dr Northfelt on Mayo Clinic’s Cancer Center team
MaryEllen on why she enrolled in a clinical trial
MaryEllen reacts to genetic counseling session
Bonus: Dr Northfelt on the importance of nutrition and fitness
Related Diseases
Related Treatments
Related Departments
MaryEllen,
What a blessing you are to others who will be faced with a similar journey. I went through this myself over 5 years ago with the same wonderful Mayo staff / Dr. Northfelt. I know your story would have made the journey even that much easier. I wish you continued health and my sincere thanks for allowing yourself to be so vunerable in showing others what the experience is really like.
A breast cancer survivor sister
Dearest MaryEllen,
Your words are full of wisdom, truth, joy and Love! You are correct, that to be present in every moment is what is the MOST important gift we are given! I see you in perfect health, vitality and full of unbounding energy!!!!
All my love,
chrissie
Best wishes and continued good health to you and your family.
I was diagnosed with breast cancer in Oct of 09. From Dec to May I went thru chemo and radiation. It took me until I finished to stop and realise that now I was “on my own” and had to deal with more of the feelings. I thankyou as I haven’t gotten into a group. You so aptly described much of what I went thru. It was helpful to hear what you felt and how you expressed it. It is as if once you have gone thru it you speak a language that is shared by other surviors.
Especially, choosing to live and to enjoy each day for the pleasures of being alive and seeing beauty in so many things.
Thank you for sharing, I appreciated it very much.
It was so interesting to see, in the same video, the reality of your fears laid out in the beginning, and the genuine confidence and self-efficacy you displayed at the close of the series. You continue to inspire in so many ways, and I can think of no one more worthy of the health you are now enjoying, and will continue to do enjoy for many years!