Thriving Beyond Breast Cancer: Jenny Swain's Journey of Empowerment and Hope

When life handed her lemons, Jenny Swain didn't just make lemonade—she built a lemonade empire. This week, we're honored to have Madison, Wisconsin's own realtor and breast cancer thriver share her transformative journey, a narrative that reshapes the fears and misconceptions of living with the disease. Her unflinching pragmatism and zest for life didn't just carry her through the trials of cancer; they propelled her into a new realm of empowerment and connection, shedding light on the personal battles and triumphs that so often go unspoken.

Baldness, societal expectations, and the emotional rollercoaster that accompanies breast cancer – Jenny tackles them all with a raw honesty that's as refreshing as it is heartrending. But her story isn't just about the struggle; it's a testament to the unique paths we walk and the individualized care that's crucial along the way. Her deep-seated mother-daughter relationship echoes the emotional reverberations that cancer brings, not just to the person it afflicts but to their loved ones, reminding us that the fight against cancer is a deeply shared experience.

As we wrap our heartfelt chat, Jenny's life post-diagnosis paints a portrait of true transformation. With her focus shifted from scaling the heights of the real estate world to savoring every precious moment with loved ones and engaging in soul-enriching hobbies, she exemplifies the art of thriving. Her dedication to mentoring, community volunteering, and embracing new passions is not just inspiring—it's a call to action for all of us to recognize that there is a rich life waiting on the other side of adversity. Join us for an episode that's not just a story, but a beacon of hope for anyone touched by breast cancer.

Jenny is helping me Change The World, One S.M.I.L.E. At A Time by helping those newly diagnosed that EVERYTHING wil be ok in the end.

➡️If you or someone you know would like to be a guest on our podcast, please email SMILE@shannonburrows.com

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Reach Out to Jenny Swain:

● Jenny Swain Email:Jenny@jennyswain.com

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Transcript

Speaker 1: 0:00

Hey there, friends, and welcome to Bussin' Out of Breast Cancer, the podcast where we spotlight stories of resilience, triumphant tenacity and growth beyond breast cancer. I'm your host, shannon Burroughs not just a realtor, but a living example of breaking through the chains of breast cancer and emerging as a more vibrant and powered version of myself. As a driving force behind Bussin' Out of Breast Cancer, we'll go beyond the expected narratives. This isn't just a podcast. It's a testament to the strength within each of us. Throughout our episodes, we'll not only explore the incredible stories of survivors, caregivers and healthcare champions, but also delve into how I personally busted out of breast cancer, choosing the keys that led to not just survival but true thriving, shaping a better version of myself. In the realm of real estate, I've understood the value of location, a journey of resilience and discovered the power of determination. Together, we'll navigate the landscape, providing not just tales but tangible ways to rise above adversity. This is more than overcoming. It's about transformation. As we peel back the layers of these narratives, we'll uncover the blueprint for breaking free from the constraints of breast cancer and blossoming into a resilient, thriving existence. So, whether you're a warrior in the battle, a supporter on the sidelines or someone seeking a fresh perspective and becoming a better version of yourself.

Speaker 1: 1:04

Bussin' Out of Breast Cancer is for you. This podcast isn't just a testament to survival. It's a celebration of growth, where we explore how breaking free can lead to life that's not just lived but truly embraced. I'm Shannon Brows, your guide through this journey of strength and resilience. This is Bussin' Out of Breast Cancer. Are you ready to thrive beyond breast cancer? Break barriers, build bridges and become the best version of yourself?

Speaker 1: 1:23

Well then, let's go, because today we have on our podcast Miss Jenny Swain. She comes to us from Madison, wisconsin. She also is a realtor, and you're probably like why on earth do you have another realtor on your podcast when you're a realtor and you're showcasing the same thing Jenner Brows group and whatnot? Because you know what? It's not about me, it's not about just Shannon Brows group. It's about sharing and uniting as thrivers and being able to share our stories and have a platform for that, because cancer is not always a death sentence, and that's what I love about the story that you're going to hear from Jenny is because she had those same exact feelings and she came out even stronger. So welcome Jenny. Thank you for joining us.

Speaker 2: 2:01

Thank you, thanks for having me.

Speaker 1: 2:04

I'm so sorry.

Speaker 2: 2:04

I didn't talk so fast. What I'm glad you talked fast if I do.

Speaker 1: 2:11

I know, and it's so bad, I'm so sorry listeners. I try so hard to not talk so fast. That's like the New England to me and it's really, really bad. But when I try to talk slow I feel like I'm special and so blah, blah, blah. So are you kind?

Speaker 2: 2:28

of sending my friends high care.

Speaker 1: 2:31

Yeah, they're so cute. You're a little koala and what's that other little guy? A pop swap? Oh, so cute, so cute. So, jenny, tell us you are a breast cancer thriver and we spoke briefly about your story and I love is that you kind of have the same mentality as me, is like, okay, well, we have a diagnosis. Like let's get through this shit, you know, like let's go, you know we'll be right on. So tell me, when? When did you, did you discover a lump? When did you discover lump? How did that happen? Like, tell me about your diagnosis and all that.

Speaker 2: 3:03

I had a bed in July of 2021 and I kind of stretched and felt my armpit and I'm like honey, is this normally here? And he's like no, and immediately freaked out. We happened to be at our little beach house in Florida and, ironically, a girlfriend was coming down to join us who was a breast cancer survivor recently and I'm like I'm gonna have Jen and feel this. Her name is Shannon too.

Speaker 1: 3:25

Oh funny.

Speaker 2: 3:27

It wasn't me folks.

Speaker 1: 3:28

By the way, it was not me. Yeah, you weren't feeling my boobs.

Speaker 2: 3:33

So pretty immediately we found out that it was indeed cancer. And you know just the world when that comes with that. And, like I was telling you, Shannon, I, you know, kind of in my own little selfish world most days I think a lot of us are, and you know, things outside of my radar are outside of my radar, including breast cancer. I had never had a reason to think about breast cancer and I've seen all the pink ribbons and the pink walks and the, but I'm like, yeah, that's somebody else's problem and just never really tuned into it. And so when I was diagnosed I thought and my family thought, well, I'm probably going to die and I will definitely lose my boobs and I'm definitely lose my hair. And so it was just kind of a moment where, like, times stood still and my family freaked out at five adult sons and a very sweet, emotional husband and it was just like, okay, everybody calm down, I might die and I'm not dead yet. So can we not grieve?

Speaker 1: 4:36

though. Enjoy me now. What can we join me now? And join me now, yeah, yeah.

Speaker 2: 4:44

So the process was fascinating and I feel like starting with that kind of worst case scenario mindset really helped me, because during my first appointments, first thing she said was oh no, I don't think you're going to lose your boobs. I'm like I don't think I'm going to lose my boobs and then she said no, I don't think you're going to. First of all, she said you're not going to die.

Speaker 2: 5:06

Well, that's exactly what you're going to lose your hair, like, really, like, my biggest concern is I didn't want to look sick, I'm the breadwinner and I don't want people to think that I'm not working, like I couldn't have them think I was working and I intended to keep working, which I did, so anyways, it felt like during my diagnosis they started giving me things back, which was really empowering because I'm like, oh well, now it's not so bad and oh no, it's even less bad.

Speaker 2: 5:40

So just follow through the steps and you know, luckily with my career, I could be flexible, with a million appointments and and it really just I always say I hate to downplay the whole experience, but it just really wasn't that bad for me and I think I think, in short, all the positives were way more than the negatives for me in terms of personal growth, family growth, my ability to kind of mentor other ladies as they go through this. I mean, immediately you're connected with a bunch of other people in your same spot Facebook groups and local groups and it's it's such a strong community of women, like it's just, it's a really cool. I don't see it's a fun club to be a part of, but is it a fun club to be a part of you know like it's very supportive. The you know I mean it's. You're in a unique life for death situation.

Speaker 1: 6:34

You know so, anyways, you never want to be a part of with the best members. Yes for sure.

Speaker 2: 6:42

So I just literally I luckily my treatment was starting with surgery, which I don't know why, and then, actually the day before surgery was scheduled, they discovered another lump in my other breast, which I don't know why the hell. They weren't looking at my other boob this whole time, right, but all of a sudden a different cancer was, even a different makeup. So the you know, all of you listening would probably know it's, it was, you know, a different. I'll see what they are, but anyways, it's totally different cancer in the other room. Luckily it didn't change the schedule and we went ahead with surgery the very next day.

Speaker 2: 7:16

So I started treatment with surgery. So essentially, by the time I was going through chemo and radiation, I was already cancer free physically, like it was, it was taken out of me. So I think that that was a. I loved to start that way because I always feel like what does it feel like when you still have that cancer in you and you're going through one radiation? That would drive me nuts. So obviously I didn't choose it, I didn't, wasn't consulted on it, but I'm really, I really loved the way that that went in retrospect.

Speaker 2: 7:46

So I was in a line where left side was 2.7 centimeters ERPR positive and her to negative. A three centimeter tumor and one lymph node stage two B. And then right side was 1.1 centimeter ER positive PR, her to negative, stage one. So two different cancers, two different boobs same time, which is bizarre. Obviously, one was probably there longer, anyway. So now I'm two years post and I'm still yeah, I'm still taking the blood trizol, which is the oral chemo. Obviously, I have zero side effects like none. So, except in the lady department, I should say sorry, my phone is talking to us.

Speaker 1: 8:31

The sexual life Is your life.

Speaker 2: 8:37

So that's about it. I mean, I really just I hate to downplay the, the seriousness of it or the trauma of it, because there certainly was the one. The one time I cried was what? The second chemo, having done the cold capping, which meant I wasn't going to lose my hair, it fell out anyways and I'm going to clumps and the low part was face down in my sink. Well, my husband shaved my head and I'm like damn it, I didn't want to be bald, you know.

Speaker 2: 9:09

And then it turned out to be awesome being bald. Like, why can't we just fucking be bald? There was no, like you're get out of shower and you're like ready to go. Like it was winter. I just around a knit cap. I bought these cool hat hair things like baseball cap with long hair. It was awesome. I didn't get one in a baseball camp. I don't know. I'm going to be on the team bald women campaign because how come guys can do it Right? I was like I'll come, women can't have hair anywhere else on your whole body, but you got to have it here or right here here. Like, like, how do we shave it? Fuck it Everything anywhere else. Don't have it on your hoo-ha, don't have it on your arms or your jeep, but you have to have it here. So, anyways, that was fascinating concept. That's funny. It's like we're like q-tips we're up, ground up, this little fluff of hair on top of our head like whatever you know, and then Are we trying to stay warm, like why do we have it? It's weird.

Speaker 1: 10:10

So you say that because it, like for some women, like their hair defines them, you know for sure.

Speaker 2: 10:17

Well, think how much money we spend. Like look in my bathroom, honey, like all this shit, I wouldn't even need it back in there here. Like we've made a color to curl it, to style it, to perm it, to like how much money in our personal budget is spent on and we do it for each other, us women, like it's done. So I just cut mine all off again. It had all the way long I thought it was gonna be all silver. I wished it was all silver and it's not. So that's adorable, it's. I don't really care if it's adorable or not, it's so much easier. I mean, I'm trying not to look like too much, but that's so cute.

Speaker 1: 10:54

I know you say that you don't want to downplay your cancer diagnosis and your cancer journey and everybody's journey is totally different and I feel like you and I can relate in the sense of like, because I always say it's so happy I used to bubbly, how do you say so positive. I'm like well, it's a choice number one. Yeah, I choose happiness, I choose joy, I choose to be happy like because tomorrow's never promised and today's fucking amazing. You know what I mean. So let's make, let's make it great. So I, my diagnosis was not the same as yours. You said you were stage 2b. Oh yeah, to be on the left side Yep.

Speaker 2: 11:30

and then what were you on the right To be in one a?

Speaker 1: 11:35

and one a. So DC is, but it was a super high grade, so my rate of recurrence was super high, which is why I went for the double was active, because I wasn't interested in, you know, doing this whole dance again. Yeah, and I too only have like one. You know one, one reason for crying, and that's because my daughter was nine and at that point she's a little snuggle bunny and so when she would put her head on my chest I couldn't feel it, and so that was like the hardest part for me and like I still talk about so I'll probably get through this Really fast. I don't have to cry right now, but like that was hard because I'd go through and feature of her and so for me that was really super emotional because I'm there's still that attachment of like the mother-daughter you know what I mean. Like you there's so much I could kill it. Like I don't care if I have boobs or not. I mean I do that just part of us. It's like hair right, right, but Knowing that, like I fed her through my breasts and like we have a connection as a mother-daughter, and like she would like to just put her head on my chest and then when she would hug me. I couldn't like. I feel like they're gonna disconnect and that's what really. That's what makes me cry, that's what pisses me off about it. But I like to.

Speaker 1: 12:38

I like to do this podcast is to share other people's journeys, other opinions, because you know, even though you may have the same exact diagnosis, you're not gonna have the same exact treatment, which I always find interesting, right, because it always seems like doctors and the medical profession so like look at your diagnosis and then this is what we're gonna do to fix it. Like yeah, but like hi, I'm me, like you know what I mean, like there's a lot of different things that go along with that. So I find it interesting that you know, you did your your cool cat first and then you did your lump back to me and then you do the treatment, whereas some people do the treatment first it's trying to kind of minimize it and then they threw into treatment. So it's very interesting. I always like to hear different, different philosophies of you know how they, how they tackle a cancer. How do they find that? I lumped the day before the lump back to me.

Speaker 2: 13:23

I was like did anyone look at my other boob? Because it seems to me that we should look at my other boob like anyone, and so I mean I thought that we did kind of, but I felt like they were just kind of pushing that one aside, because I felt it in the other one I'm sure they looked at it, but it's really hard to see and it was way under against my breastbone.

Speaker 2: 13:43

But sure enough, it was fricking there. I'm like am I the doctor here? So I mean they said, oh, it would have probably been treated with the radiation and the chemo anyways. I'm like, yeah, but could we just get that lump out of there, like anyway? So that's how I just said kid, did you look? Could we look? So, and honestly, I'm not a driver that way in terms of my health. I trusted them to be doing what they were doing. But it just heard to me. I'm like did we really examine this other one? So they couldn't believe it. They're like and it's a different makeup, just a different cancer. So that's crazy.

Speaker 1: 14:15

Well, and then to the point. I'm always really pushing and really saying you need to be your own advocate for your own health, right, because no one else is going to do it for you and you would think that the doctor would check both bras because you want to have a baseline and just to confirm, like, ok, if you have one, like you said, maybe they did, maybe they didn't, who knows. But again to the point, be your own advocate, right, right for sure. Yes, we're going to take a quick break from our sponsor. We'll be right back and we're going to continue this conversation as to how you're coming up Ivy, and then we will wrap it up and people will be able to share with us how people can get in touch with you.

Speaker 2: 14:53

Right, thank you.

Speaker 3: 14:54

This podcast is sponsored by the Shannon Burroughs Real Estate Group, where we are committed to changing the world one smile at a time, in giving back to breast cancer and our communities. Did you know that Shannon Burroughs, our founder and lead realtor, is a breast cancer survivor? Shannon found her purpose at the intersection of passion and pain while navigating her own journey and wants to give back and help others. At the Shannon Burroughs Real Estate Group, we're dedicated to providing exceptional service to our clients while also making a positive impact in our community. For every home sold, a portion of our commission goes towards supporting breast cancer organizations to help women on a local level and be a resource through their journey.

Speaker 3: 15:35

We believe that everyone deserves a safe, comfortable and happy home, and we're here to help make that a reality. Whether you're buying, selling or investing in a real estate will be with you every step of the way, and when you're working with us, you will not only be supporting your own goals, but also helping others through their breast cancer. So, Shannon's the Shannon Burroughs Real Estate Group where you can trust that your dreams and values are in good hands, no matter where you live. We can help you. Visit our website at shananburroughscom or give us a call today at 561-494-6389 to learn more.

Speaker 1: 16:13

Here we are, welcome back. We have Jenny Swing here with us. She is an amazing thriver here who didn't take her diagnosis lightly, but she did come out thriving and say, ok well, we have a problem, fix it. Now let's move on. And she is probably one of the ones that absolutely was not opposed to losing her hair. So figure that one out right. I wasn't opposed to it, it happened.

Speaker 2: 16:36

I embraced it. How about that?

Speaker 1: 16:38

Yes, that's probably a better way to put it. So welcome back, jenny, now that we are two years cancer-free, congratulations. What are you doing? What are you doing with your journey? Are you utilized to help us move forward? Do you do walks? Do you get involved? What do you do?

Speaker 2: 16:57

I should say I don't do as much as I could or should. As in most parents of my life, I would say personally I'm busy appreciating my life and my relationships and my family and really focusing more on what matters than my career, which for 32 years that's all I've been is realtor Like. Honestly, I'm like a paper doll, just a realtor, because I've been the breadwinner. So I'm working on enriching my own life with hobbies and things. That is, how am I supposed to retire if all I am is Jenny the realtor? Right?

Speaker 2: 17:33

But as far as giving back, I stay really involved in the breast cancer Facebook groups locally and nationally and that's where I got most of my support and comfort and info was literally from breast cancer Facebook groups, which was perfect. No doctors in there, just real talk. And then I think I told you I have an interview or one of two training sessions tonight for ABCD, which is after a breast cancer diagnosis. To be a little I don't know what they call them peers or something where women who are first diagnosed can talk to somebody real and you mentioned them kind of through their whole journey.

Speaker 2: 18:13

So I'm excited about that, and then what I really love, which has nothing to do with it, but I'm for the last year. I had to put this off because I was just diagnosed when I was finally called after five years, as I'm a baby snuggler in the NICU for preemies.

Speaker 1: 18:29

So oh my gosh how does? That happen. You get on the waiting list.

Speaker 2: 18:35

You have been years on the waiting list. So, like I said, first there was COVID, so we couldn't do it then. And then I got called and diagnosed at like the first same week. I'm like, can I do it while I'm going through breast cancer treatment? They're like, yeah, no.

Speaker 1: 18:53

So anyway, that was like why I got this.

Speaker 2: 18:56

That was something to look forward to during my treatment. You know it's like come on, give me the babies. So yeah, that's been really fun, but that's been so fun. It's volunteer, but nothing to do with breast cancer, but I appreciate it, I know.

Speaker 1: 19:11

It's just like that's you back to the community, right? You're helping the little babies, For sure, yeah, for sure. The ABCD Mentoring or Ambassador, whatever it sounds really fun, sounds amazing.

Speaker 2: 19:22

Yeah, have you done it Somebody? Were you the one who did it Somebody?

Speaker 1: 19:25

else said, you did it Once you were telling me about that. I looked it up and I had a dark hole and I was like, oh my god, I could totally get in there. Stop, Shannon, stop.

Speaker 2: 19:34

Well, I even asked her if there was such a thing as being too positive with fresh diagnosis, because I'm like I'm not a doctor, I don't know. They might die, but I didn't die and so I don't know. It'll be interesting. I have two training sessions, so I'm sure I'll learn all of that.

Speaker 1: 19:51

That's fantastic. Well, I can't wait to hear all about that part of it, because that sounds pretty awesome. And just so the listeners know, you're in Madison, wisconsin, right yeah, and you're a realtor there and you service the.

Speaker 2: 20:06

Madison area. Yeah, that's the thing the Madison, middleton, verona, all the surrounding communities, but 32 years in the street Crazy how that goes, but that's good though.

Speaker 1: 20:23

So what is the best way for P2P to find you?

Speaker 2: 20:28

Jenny.

Speaker 1: 20:30

Pardon me, I didn't know if it was social media or email. That's the best way for them. Yeah, email is great.

Speaker 2: 20:35

Or yeah, email is great. Really it's because I'm transitioning to another company, like the Dr Bell. So Jenny at JennySwaincom is my email. It's Jenny with a Y, s-w-a-i-n, as in Nancy, yep.

Speaker 1: 20:52

Jenny Swain, jenny with a Y. There are so many, I don't even know what your age is, but there are. So I feel like that was the popular name growing up. Jenny and Kelly, those are the names I had in my school.

Speaker 2: 21:03

When my, there was always five or six other Jennys in my class and my, let's see, because it was the number one girl's name. But I also knew another, jennifer Lynn Meyer, which was my maiden name. I'm like, really Because, Meyer. You know, meyer is obviously common, but oh, funny.

Speaker 1: 21:23

So quick question I have to do a little like spitfire round at the end. If you don't mind, Nothing to be like worried about or anything, just super fun. What's your favorite color?

Speaker 2: 21:36

Red because of my company. Ok, and your? What's your favorite beverage? It used to be red wine, but I'm two months sober.

Speaker 1: 21:48

Oh good for you. Is that because cancer? Or just because you were like okay.

Speaker 2: 21:54

Way past time, but yeah. So now I would say my favorite beverage is like a ginger beer or something.

Speaker 1: 22:00

A ginger beer. Ooh, that was refreshing Even in the cold weather.

Speaker 2: 22:04

Sure so let's get up. Actually, we found we've been working on my husband quite too, but we have all these awesome NA options. Who knew? There's whole walls full in the liquor store now? But we found one that's like a gin and tonic. That's so good and I just pour it all the way up to the top with some ice and just sip off the top Tastes exactly like a cocktail. It's really good.

Speaker 1: 22:26

Well, that's good Favorite book.

Speaker 2: 22:30

Oh, my lord, Well, eat, pray, love, but I haven't read it in many, many years, and now I've had. Oh, how about Layla? Is that the name of it? Layla, colleen, hooper or Colleen? Is that what it's called? Layla? It's just like a thriller. I've been starting to read a lot more and listening to podcasts, as I'm not podcasts, but listening to books as I'm crafting, which I'm doing little stained glass, flowers and things. Oh nice, yeah, it's super fun. So I have a big studio set up in my house and, yeah, so I listen to books while I'm crafting, completely out of my whatever normal routine, and all of that is to help stop drinking too. You know, you got to change things up. You'll be busy.

Speaker 1: 23:10

Congratulations, and the last one is your favorite restaurant In Madison.

Speaker 2: 23:17

I don't know. My husbands are really good cooks so we rarely go out to eat Like, honestly, we got to eat and we're like, oh, we should have.

Speaker 1: 23:23

Yeah, yeah, right. Well, not only that, it's so expensive. Now, all right, favorite food or meal.

Speaker 2: 23:30

What's your favorite thing he cooks? He cooks something different every single night. I would say anything like colubi apary pasta or anything like that. I would say he makes so many yummy things, I don't know. Lucky you. Yeah, I know it's awesome.

Speaker 1: 23:52

And because he cooks, he also grocery shops. You have a maid. It is a total win. And one last question.

Speaker 2: 24:01

What's one piece of advice that you would give to listeners that are newly diagnosed? Have your questions ready. Okay, if they are variable. In most cases breast cancer treatment has come so far and look around, there's so many survivors. I mean, you wouldn't believe if you just opened your eyes. You wouldn't believe how many women you already know that have survived breast cancer.

Speaker 1: 24:29

Yeah, like you said, it's a club, and I always say it's a club you never want to be a part of, but it has the best members. It does yeah, it does Well. Thank you so much, jenny, and thank you listeners, thank you my resilient friends and a bit of a bustin of breast cancer. We trust that our journey through stories of triumph, resilience and growth has left you informed, uplifted and inspired. Remember, you're not alone fighting against breast cancer. If you or someone you know needs support, reach out to a healthcare professional, a breast cancer support organization or me. I'm always here to listen, chat and offer support.

Speaker 1: 24:58

Early detection is the key, so please prioritize your regular cancer trainings and if you're in the market for a new home, looking to sell or ready to invest, don't hesitate to contact me, your favorite fun, resilient Realtor and podcast host. Together, we can make your real estate dreams a reality while making a difference in the ongoing fight against breast cancer. If you or someone you know would like to share their journey as a guest on our podcast, reach out to us at smile at ShannonBroscom. Your stories matter and they have the power to inspire countless others. Thank you again for lending us your ears and for being a part of this community. We look forward to reconnecting with you next week on another episode of Bustin' Out of Breast Cancer, where, together, we'll continue to bust out of breast cancer and thrive. Until then, stay resilient, stay inspired and keep thriving. I'm Shannon Bros, your guide for resilience and strength. This is Bustin' Out of Breast Cancer. See you next week.