For 34 years, First Coast News anchor Jeannie Blaylock has been at war with breast cancer through Buddy Check 12, the awareness initiative she founded that urges women to do self-exams and get annual mammograms. This year, she began a personal battle when she was diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer and underwent a mastectomy and reconstructive surgeries.
In a recent interview with the Times-Union, here are Blaylock’s tips for other breast cancer patients:
One of the best is Jeri Millard’s In the Pink, a Jacksonville Beach nonprofit boutique for women living with cancer, Blaylock said. “She fit me with post-mastectomy bras with drain pockets. They also have radiation skin relief products, a private salon with free head-shaving, breast prosthesis and gentle folks to fit you perfectly, and special hair pieces and clothes.”
Another resource is Sharsheret, a New Jersey-based international cancer organization that was founded for Jewish women and families living with or at increased genetic risk for breast or ovarian cancer but serves all women and men. Sharsheret was recommended to Blaylock by the Mayo Clinic.
They sent multiple free items, including a soft blanket, resource books and a shirt with drain pockets that don’t show. Also, they connected Blaylock with a peer supporter whose diagnosis matched hers. “Somehow it made me feel special, even though I didn’t want to be in this new ‘Pink Sisterhood,'” Blaylock said.
To order a Buddy Check 12 kit, go to baptistjax.com/buddycheck. To have the Buddy Bus mobile mammography unit visit your group, school business or church, go to baptistjax.com/buddy
Beth Reese Cravey has been a reporter for The Florida Times-Union for 45 years, currently specializing in nonprofits and health. She can be reached at bcravey@jacksonville.com.
(This story has been updated with a link to the main story.)
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: News anchor Jeannie Blaylock shares advice after cancer battle
Reporting by Beth Reese Cravey, Jacksonville Florida Times-Union / Florida Times-Union
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By Beth Reese Cravey, Jacksonville Florida Times-Union | USA TODAY Network
