Author: Jessica Grono

Having breast cancer can lead to thousands of insecurities and emotional distress. When I learned that I had breast cancer, I felt like the clouds opened up and a brick house fell on top of me. These insecurities leave you feeling a bit overwhelmed and alone, but you are never alone. Breast cancer leaves behind a secret sisterhood of those who came before you or going through the cancer experience along with you. I want to share with you some of my insecurities as I went through breast cancer and am still adjusting to my new body. From the moment…

Did you know that people with disabilities can do pretty much the same as everyone else – but they might do it differently or need a little help? I know many of you might wonder why I use a wheelchair and what is my disability. Today I’m going to explain about my disability and you can ask me any questions about myself or disability. For example, if I tell my legs to be still, they will probably move. If I tell my hands to pick up something , it might take awhile and might drop it. So I use a…

Anxiety can trigger spasms in cerebral palsy. Every type of cerebral palsy is completely different than the other. Cerebral palsy is probably one of the most diverse disabilities that exist. My cerebral palsy is a complicated one, and it’s difficult to find information on it. I’d love to discover more people who have similar experiences to me as far as cerebral palsy. I know that I have a mixture of all types of cerebral palsy. Spastic cerebral palsy is when muscles are stiff and rigid. Athetoid or dyskinesia is when the muscles have involuntary movements. These movements make doing anything…

Employment in the disability world is a hot topic these days.  Currently, the unemployment rate is low because there are more jobs available. But for someone with a disability, finding gainful employment is a struggle. Too often employers look at a potential employee with a disability in a negative way. No matter how educated a person is, how much experience one has or ability – the focus of the employer is on the disability. I’m here to tell you that if you want something badly enough, never quit trying.  I have my certification in education and a bachelors of science.…

What is a bully? Can you ever imagine that you’re child could be a bully? Did you ever bully anyone? People with disabilities have a significant more higher rate at being bullied than those who do not have disabilities. Bullies are individuals who choose someone weaker or different to treat badly. A person with a disability is an unfortunate easy target because their differences is easily seen. I remember clearly my experiences being bullied.  Both happened during my school days, and it was a very complicated time. The topic of bullying wasn’t as prevalent as it is currently. Bullying was…

College brings forth all kinds of emotions. Excitement, fear, and anxiety are normal feelings for any person entering college. Students with disabilities are gaining access to higher education more than other years. Accessibility laws have greatly helped, but some students require more than just access to be successful. Some need attendant care services. Going to college is a must for many people with disabilities.  Manual labor isn’t possible for people with significant disabilities.  During high school, I knew I wanted to attend college. I researched colleges that had the most disability services.  I wanted to live as independent as I possible. …

The lumpectomy didn’t clear my scans of cancer. I really thought that the cancer would be gone after my lumpectomy.  After my attendant left, I took my iPad to accomplish work as my son took his nap.  I just started to write when my phone rang. The doctor on the other end didn’t sound so happy. There was discovery of more breast cancer cells. My oncologist explained to me that when they went in for the lumpectomy, they tried to get everything, but cancer remained.  The discovery of any cancer is scary, but especially when you thought it was all gone.  I felt…

When your daughter turns 12, something happens to a mother’s heart.  I remember the day she entered into the world- so tiny but yet powerful.  Although she grew, her powerful spirit just brightens each year. Our family tradition has been to open one gift in the morning.  This year I gave her a Twelve is Fabulous shirt.   I always wanted a daughter, but I never knew what it all meant.  We have fun, we help each other, and can be ourselves. Do we always see eye to eye? No.  But I have the utmost respect for her opinions as…

After learning that I had breast cancer in my left breast,  I needed to have a lumpectomy.  Shock is an understatement when I learned that I had cancer but now I needed another surgery.  My oncologist  felt confident that this would take care of the cancer, and I would need to take tamoxifen to prevent it returning. As much as I didn’t want to undergo another procedure, I wanted this saga to end.  I scheduled the procedure for the week before my son’s third birthday. Having breast cancer felt incredibly strange to me.  When I looked in the mirror, I…

The day of my biopsy had arrived! Believe it or not, I felt excited to get it over and done. At this point, I’ve had many mammograms, ultrasounds, and analysis from several doctors that it was time to get answers instead of guesses.  My husband and my mom took me to the hospital.  I’m glad that they could both make it because they have different expertise to assist me.  I couldn’t drink or eat anything past midnight. That sounds simple enough, but I tend to become sick when I don’t eat on time.  I would be okay though and handle…