Hi y’all, Samantha here—most of you know me as Sammyjo.

I’m a proud breast cancer survivor, now standing strong in the fight against liver and lung cancer. Since being diagnosed with fibromyalgia in 2010, I’ve been unable to work, but I’m deeply grateful for the support of Supplemental Social Security. It’s provided the financial assistance I need for both medical care and basic living expenses—enough to help me keep going and keep fighting. I’m happily living in my own camper with my loyal companion, good ol’ Roscoe P. Coltrane, my sweet chaweenie, and our newest addition, a cheerful little lovebird named Lovie.

Your thoughts, meditations, prayers, and hoorahs mean more than I can say. To everyone who has lifted me up, encouraged me, or given me a good old kick in the pants when I’ve gone dark, thank you from the bottom of my heart. It truly takes a tribe, a team, an army, and a whole lot of love to hold up “The Mouth of the South,” and I’m forever grateful to each and every one of you.

There’s a benefit and celebration on July 27th, and I sure hope to see y’all there so we can laugh, love, and dance the night away!

With much love and sincere appreciation,

Sammyjo

December 2019

I had visited my primary care physician due to my right breast becoming red and warm to the touch—it had appeared suddenly and unexpectedly. From there, I promptly proceeded to a mammogram, which revealed an abnormal mass over 3 centimeters in diameter, leading to a diagnosis of stage 4 breast cancer. I underwent chemotherapy and radiation to shrink the mass, but unfortunately, they were not successful.

October 2020

I underwent a right breast mastectomy, including the removal of a quadrant and nine lymph nodes. Every part of that breast, including the nipple, was cancerous. After surgery, I endured almost eight weeks of radiation therapy Monday through Friday, which left me with third-degree burns by the third week.

I chose to forgo reconstructive surgery, deciding instead to embrace being a “one boob wonder.” The trauma from the mastectomy itself was enough for me, and I wanted to live authentically with that choice.

Starting this new chapter as a breast cancer amputee had a profound impact on my mind and emotions. It was a tough journey, but I believed there were no coincidences in life—everything happened for a reason.

October 2024

I underwent my annual CT scan, and the doctors informed me that the cancer had metastasized to my liver, lungs, and spine. A liver biopsy confirmed that the breast cancer had spread. I began daily infusions of a new chemotherapy medication called Halaven, planned for five years, while continuing the Kisqali and Letrozole pill. The fibromyalgia intensified the chemotherapy pain daily.

I was truly grateful to be here, looking forward to healing and adventures. My best thumbs up to all of you who had walked this path alongside me. These treatments were indefinite in use and were primarily to prolong my life, not to cure it. I knew there was a God in the miracle business, and I kept my eyes fixed on Him. Either way, I was a winner. I fought to have more time for shenanigans, fun with family and friends, and to make memorable moments to leave behind. I know exactly where I was headed when I finally shed this mortal frame, so it was a win-win.

I pursued an alternative approach and explored a cure through combined avenues. This fight was ongoing, but I was no quitter. I believed there was purpose in all suffering to learn, to gain empathy, and to show that God was still a miracle maker.