Lori Pollard
Hi, my name is Lori Pollard. I am 38 years old. I am a proud mom of my
twelve-year-old son Bradley. On July 13, 2019 I married Thomas Pollard
(Big T) the love of my life.
On February 29, 2020 I felt a lump on my right breast and immediately made
an appointment with my primary doctor to get the lump checked out because
my mom was recovering from her breast cancer surgery. The timing of this
was surreal. My primary doctor sent me to Margaret W. Niedland Breast
Cancer Center for a diagnostic mammogram on March 5, 2020. The mammogram
showed a suspicious mass, and they proceeded to do an ultrasound. The
Radiologist said I needed a biopsy. On March 6th I received a phone call with the results stating I had breast cancer. Was
I scared? You bet! On March 19th I went to see Nancy J. Taft, MD, FACS to discuss my plan of action. Dr.
Taft explained to me that I had stage 1-TC - Triple Negative aggressive
breast cancer. I opted to have a double mastectomy and reconstructive
surgery. My nurse advocate Donna Skillings reassured me in her soothing
calm voice that I was going to be in good hands. Me, my mom and Donna
had a prayer together and started counting our blessings like being thankful
for all the modern technology and awesome doctors. We turned a negative
into a positive at that moment, and we are grateful. Dr. Taft asked me
to get a genetic test done to see if I carried the BRCA gene. My results
came back that I am a carrier of the BRCA-1 mutation gene. Dr. Taft sent
me to Dr. Elizabeth Reich, Oncologist. Dr. Reich decided I needed to have
chemotherapy first and surgery second. Then the Covid - 19 pandemic had
everything shut down and the doctor offices were not letting anyone but
the patient to be seen, which made me feel a little scared. Before I could
start my Chemotherapy treatments, I had to have a port put in. I was told
that I would lose my hair, I decided I was not going to let the cancer
take control of me, so me and my dad buzzed our heads together. April
21, 2020, I started my first cycle of four cycles of chemotherapy. My
first three days after my treatment were rough. I knew I would be ok because
my faith is strong, and with the love of my family and friends cheering me on.
When I finish the four cycles, I will move on to twelve weeks of a different
type of chemo which I will receive once a week.
My loving husband came up with the quote “LoriStrong” at that
point I decided it was fight or flight. My faith is stronger than my fear,
so I decided I got this, and Cancer is not going to take my smile away.
I bought myself a pair of Safety neon yellow sneakers to wear for all
my appointments, as they make me happy. I call them my cancer fighting
shoes. Each of my family members donated their favorite t-shirt to my
cousin Katelyn and she made me an awesome t-shirt blanket to take with
me to my chemotherapy appointments, so I would always be wrapped in my
family’s love. My friends and family lift me up in prayer and God
is listening.
All is possible with a positive attitude and keeping your faith strong.
God only gives his toughest battles to his strongest soldiers. Who knew
I could rock the baldness?
My Name is Lori
My life is blessed from the man above
New house, new job, and a new love.
Then one day out of the blue,
A lump was found on my breast, now what do I do?
I go get tested, checked and all.
A couple days later I got the call.
Breast Cancer it is, so take a seat.
There goes my heart, skipping a beat.
I will not let cancer take my life,
I am a mother and a new wife.
My God is amazing, he will pull me through.
I am one of his soldiers and part of his crew.
My family and friends are with me every step of the way.
They lift me up in prayer every night and every day.
I am a chemo warrior and will fight this fight,
Because at the end of my tunnel I can see the light.
Breast Cancer will not be the end of my story,
I am strong, I am positive, My name is Lori.
Chair Location
South Moon Under at The Gardens Mall
3101 PGA Boulevard
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410