Back in 2016, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. It was a shocking and scary time that has echoes, of course, even now to my psyche. But through all of that trauma, I had an incredible doctor. She is the perfect combination of intellect, warmth, talent and compassion, and she treats her job like it's her life's work. She had to throw the book at me because I had an aggressive type, but she was always positive, capable and optimistic. Something that I and my husband really, really needed at the time and in the years after.
I have had to go back many times just for check-ups. Initially, it was every 3 months; then that changed to every 6 months, and now it's only once a year that I get to see her. I don't like going to Texas Oncology, but I love getting to see her. I think she loves seeing me, too, because I'm healthy, strong and vibrant. I'm a success story for her and I imagine she needs to see people like me every once in a while.
One of the things that I love about being able to make jewelry is to create something just for someone that I know and care about. I got to give her some two-tone silver and gold green garnet earrings this past Monday and she even tried them on and said she loved them. It made my heart happy. She deserved the treat as her job is one of the hardest there is and she treats it so seriously.
I'll always be grateful for Dr. Hellerstedt.