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Jane is our model for our 2006 Secret White.

Things can work out for the best.

There was no history of breast cancer in her family. Life was going along swimmingly. She had a loving husband and 2 wonderful children. Then Jane learned that she had breast cancer. Following a biopsy on what she thought was a benign cyst, Jane received a call from the radiology department, instructing her to come back in for a follow up regarding her biopsy report. When she arrived at the hospital she was brought into a conference room which looked as though it doubled for a laundry room. A radiologist, who was unknown to her, entered the room along with an assistant. The radiologist curtly announced that Jane had breast cancer.

“I was in shock and disbelief,” says Jane. “The radiologist hurriedly left the room, but offered to have her assistant stay with me. I declined the offer. I left by my self and got behind the wheel and started driving to work. As I drove, I called my husband from my cell phone, crying hysterically. He begged me to please meet him at home, but I refused. Some how I got through the day and went home.”

“My Nurse Practitioner called me at home that night to tell me the results of the biopsy. He was shocked to learn the manner in which I had been told. After that night, it became apparent to me that I was walking into a barbaric world in which you become a contracted number given a medical protocol.”

Two weeks later, Jane saw a surgical oncologist who offered several medical options. “My husband and I were told that nothing else would work but traditional medicine, and that I would be dead within nine months if I did not have that treatment. We were also told that my survival rate was ninety five percent with treatment.” The doctor left Jane and her husband to ponder their options. “As we were discussing our next course of action, a nurse came in and told me that I may as well kiss this year good bye because my treatment would take about eleven months from start to finish.”

For Jane and her family, the next eleven months were like a roller coaster ride. Between oncology visits, she endured a scheduled lumpectomy after three chemotherapy treatments, followed by five more chemotherapy treatments and then thirty-three radiation treatments. She and her family were totally consumed by the medical protocol. “Most of the time I felt like I was inside a cloud. People who knew me were shocked by my appearance and forgetfulness. Thankfully, my mother and sister were kind enough to research most of my medications and their side effects. Unfortunately, I received very little information from my doctors or nurses about side effects from the drugs. Instead, I was prescribed several drugs to deal with the side effects, in hopes that they would mask the problems. My oncologist saw about 25 contracted patients a day. I saw him once a month in his office. I often wondered by his posture and gestures if he had had a bad day or even if he wanted to be there; dealing with him was such a negative experience. Truth be known, I did not like him or his staff. If something went wrong, I was treated like a child or elderly person. By the end of my treatment, I was ready to change doctors. The chemotherapy and steroids had left me with horrible side effects, physically as well as emotionally. Once I had a little bit of mental clarity, I wrote a letter to my insurance company, asking them to assign me to another oncologist. My request was granted, and I gratefully moved on.”

Jane decided to take control of her life. She committed to having a regular physical each year and improving her diet and fitness regime. “Time heals all wounds. The days, months, and even years have now passed since my health opportunity experience. I sometimes think back about all of the positive changes that happened during and after my treatment. When my hair was falling out after my first chemotherapy, I brought home a pair of clippers from work and had each of my children shave half of my head. A few times when I was ill, my son would come home, take care of me, and hold me in his arms. Family members were concerned; they all pitched in and did what they could. Even long distant relatives were very attentive via mail or phone. My parents and my siblings were so good to my family. It was wonderful having my mother and sister there for me. They are strong, confident women who give me a lot of strength. Several friends in our area helped us out in many ways. They brought food, flowers, read books to me, took my daughter to school, styled her hair and got her dressed for her prom. I was so grateful for all of our blessings. My husband’s boss allowed him to have time away from work for all of my needs and treatments. As a licensed hair stylist, my work allowed me to be very flexible. My co-workers were very helpful and encouraging. My animals at the time of my illness were a huge healing influence. My orange tabby cat, Bobby, who is now fifteen years old, was always next to me, especially is bed. My Dalmatian, Sparky, who is now twelve years old, laid by my side too. I truly feel that they were created to live on this earth as healers.”

Jane credits her loving and supportive family with her return to good health. Her very strong will to survive was integral to her success. “Each of my family members stepped up to the plate and helped me in any way possible. My health opportunity changed my life. Once I went through a prescribed protocol treatment, I decided to take control of my life. This meant getting to know myself, putting myself first and learning to say no. I have learned to surround myself with positive, creative people. I stepped out of the box and found bio identical hormones; I practice three cleanses a year; I have regular colon therapy treatments performed; I hike, walk, practice yoga, meditate, spend time with myself, read positive health and self-help books; I enjoy weekly date nights with my husband; I enjoy my adult children, and am appreciative of my family who treats me with kindness. Most of all, I love myself, honor myself, and enjoy my life!”

Helping those who are in the throes of breast cancer treatments is important to Jane. She well remembers what a helping hand and listening ear were worth when she was undergoing treatments. “Over the years, I have received calls from women who’re newly diagnosed with breast cancer or know of a loved one going through treatment. It feels good to give them hope and encourage them to love and take care of themselves. If they happen to live in my area, I will find wigs and custom cut them at no cost. I participate in an annual fundraiser called The Hike For Hope. It’s great to hike the beautiful Indian Canyons in Palm Springs, California. My husband and I have always managed to collect at least $2,000 each year for the past six years. All profits go to The City of Hope.”

Jane understands the importance of learning from her cancer experience. “Today, I’m probably healthier than I was ten years ago! I am very grateful and thankful for my blessings. The best part of my life is having my husband Layne as my best friend. As my mother would say, ‘He was and is your Rock of Gibraltar.’ Our two children, Richie and Amy, have become great adults; spending time with them is a treasure.”

About Jane Richins

Jane Richins was born in Germany where her father was stationed in the Air Force. Currently, she makes her home with her husband Layne in California. She enjoys an active life, particularly spending time with her family and friends. She is most proud of her two children, Richie and Amy.

“Life is short and very precious so I try to remind myself that yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, and today is a gift; that’s why it’s called the present !”