Jamie Knight’s story: how personal research lead her to Know Your Lemons

Jamie is 36 years old from Maryland. She has been diagnosed with stage 4 triple negative breast cancer and is currently on radiation and recovering from IV chemo. She lost both of her parents to cancer back in 2004 and 2005 and has stayed close to her maternal aunt and cousins since. Her hobbies are collecting clothes, and hand blown glass. She is currently obsessed with "Barbie: The Movie" and is currently reading the Temperance Brennan novel series that the show Bones is based on. She loves croissants and tater tots, but not together 😉. Jamie has given us permission to share her story in this way to help encourage people to take action when it comes to their health. These are her words...

About 10 days before my last annual visit with my gynaecologist, I noticed my lymph nodes were painfully engorged and I had a lump in my right breast. It was the weekend so I googled something to the effect of "how do you know whether it’s breast cancer” and that’s how I came across Know Your Lemons.

After seeing some of your visuals and doing a very casual self-exam, I was almost certain I had breast cancer.

My doctor seemed very concerned and told me to schedule with the surgeon at the same time as making my mammogram appointment. Everything was very rushed after that.

In April 2022, I was diagnosed with Stage Four Triple Negative Breast Cancer and started IV chemo immediately. That was so rough on my body, but my oncologist was afraid the cancer would literally burst out of my skin so we had to act aggressively at first, especially since I wasn't a candidate for surgery.

Last summer I elected to try radiation on my spine. Recovering from that while on IV chemo was probably the sickest I've been throughout this. That's when I switched to at-home chemo pills, easier on my body but still no walk in the park.

I’ve been on my current treatment for about a year now and the results from my recent PET scan came back clear!

My advice for people out there is to be vigilant and don't procrastinate when it comes to your breast health. The Know Your Lemons app is such an easy way to take care of yourself!

Disclaimer: Know Your Lemons deeply values and respects the experiences and stories shared by breast cancer patients. The advice, statements, or facts presented in these narratives may not necessarily align with medical expertise or be universally applicable to every individual’s situation. Breast cancer is a complex and highly individualized medical condition, and while these stories offer valuable insights and emotional support, they should not substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for personalized guidance and decision-making regarding breast cancer diagnosis, treatment, and management. Know Your Lemons encourages a collaborative approach between patients, caregivers, and medical professionals to ensure the best possible care and outcomes for those affected by breast cancer.