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Jerri Burns was a hardworking, physically active mother. She
and her husband Landry were entrepreneurs running a car lot in Apopka.
She spent her time washing and detailing cars – even in the hot
summer sun. Life was satisfying for the pretty, petite 44-year old.
After expressing concerns about pelvic discomfort to her gynecologist
in early 2004, the doctor told her not to worry. A year later, the
doctor reiterated her lack of concern. In April 2005, Jerri’s symptoms
increased. Her finger became infected and antibiotics were not working.
She was fatigued, losing muscle mass and suffering from lower back
pain. Jerri tried a new doctor who performed blood work.
These tests resulted in a diagnosis that rocked Jerri’s world.
She had Mullerian Adenosarcoma, an extremely rare sarcoma, a cancer
that affects the body’s connective tissue. Jerri has the only diagnosed
case currently in the United States. The tumor in her pelvis was
large and aggressive. Immediate action needed to be taken – but
the cancer was so uncommon doctors were not certain of the proper
treatment.
“The doctors said that I was writing my own book, flying by the
seat of my pants in regard to choosing a treatment,” Jerri said.
In September 2005, Jerri underwent surgery that removed her uterus,
ovaries, fallopian tubes, lymph nodes and other cancer-ravaged parts
of the pelvic region. In addition, she underwent chemotherapy, radiation
and brachytherapy.
“I had anxiety because of the cancer,” she said. “Nobody in the
United States but me has this cancer. There is nobody I can compare
myself to.”
In fact, Jerri says there have been only 30 reported cases worldwide
over a 25-year period – and most ended in death. “You just hope
you’re different. We pray and believe that I am going to be the
first to survive,” she explains.
Jerri completed chemotherapy and radiation in January 2006. Now
age 45, her surgeries have brought on menopause, but her cancer
is in remission. However, she is not out of the woods yet. Doctors
do not have adequate information to determine accurately the chances
for a relapse of cancer.
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There are no support groups, or studies that can give her an
outlook on the future. She is alone in her fight against a mysterious
enemy. “Cancer is scary,” she says. “Somehow you have to find something
to calm yourself. I’m alone with the disease and the mood swings
and hot flashes.”
Most of the symptoms Jerri now feels are effects of menopause.
She suffers hot flashes, aches and pains and insomnia. Because of
the type cancer she had, Jerri is unable to take hormones to lessen
the effects.
To combat the symptoms – she was encouraged to join a gym and
chose Lifestyle Family Fitness’ Apopka location. There, she discovered
a passion for Pilates and yoga. Her relief and tranquility come
from participating in yogalates, Pilates and BODYFLOW® classes.
“I feel so relaxed after class,” she said. “I don’t feel any
pain the next day and seem to sleep better.” She is soothed by the
breathing techniques and movements learned in the classes. In addition
to yoga and Pilates, Jerri spends 35 minutes on the elliptical three
days per week.
She considers Lifestyle Family Fitness yoga instructor Lourdes
Cordero her saving grace. “What she does fits me perfectly,” she
explains. “Nothing hurts me; Lourdes shows me how to breathe properly
and walks around to make sure we are doing the proper movements.”
Through her exercise efforts and encouragement from the staff
at Lifestyle Family Fitness’ Apopka location, Jerri is getting her
strength back.
She decided to use her experiences to help other cancer victims.
Along with friend Lisa Gavoni, the women founded the Sarcoma Awareness
Foundation, a non-profit organization affiliated with Moffitt Cancer
Center. The organization works to raise money towards Sarcoma specific
research.
“Sarcoma specific research does not get much money, so we need
to do this kind of thing and maybe help find a cure,” she says.
Life for Jerri will never be the same. Her illness however has
inspired her to do good for others. The Sarcoma Awareness Foundation
will host the “Sarcoma Stroll at Ponce Inlet” on November 4, 2006
from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The event begins at the Inlet Harbor Marina
and Restaurant in Ponce Inlet, FL and features live music, great
food and prizes. All monies will go towards research to find a cure
for Sarcoma cancers.
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