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October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Andalusia resident Jacqueline Dorsey is one who advocates women to have mammograms on a frequent basis and help prevent breast cancer.

She was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer on April 30, 2024, at the age of 61.

“I believe in a higher power with that power being Jesus Christ. I have been cancer-free for two months and rang that bell on August 7. I feel rejuvenated and excited about life,” Dorsey said.

Dorsey has worked at Andalusia Health as a surgical technologist in the hospital’s operating room since 2002.

“My tumor was first detected through my yearly mammogram and ultrasound. Within 48 hours of the diagnosis, I was lying on the operating table. The outreach was beautiful, and my surgery was on May 2. I had a partial mastectomy with lymph node dissection. Seven weeks later, I started 33 radiation treatments,” she said.

She received a certificate of completion for radiation therapy treatment from Dr. Hejal Patel at Mission Oncology Partners on her final day.

Dorsey added that she was in disbelief when she first received the news she had tested positive for breast cancer.

“There is no history of breast cancer in my family. It felt like an elephant was sitting on my chest. I could not believe what the doctor was saying. At one point, I asked him if I did have breast cancer. I am still in shock to this day about the whole ordeal. I learned that life is very precious and can change at the drop of a hat.”

Dorsey expressed gratitude to several individuals for the love she received during her journey.

“I have been very blessed with the support that I have had. I have a loving husband and a loving daughter. I have friends and coworkers that I adore, and they adore me. My church family is awesome, too. Most of all, I have my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,” she said.

When she first began her radiation treatments, Dorsey said she was kept in the loop throughout the journey.

“I was well-informed and everything went well all things considered. The Sacred Heart Oncology staff at Andalusia Health was the best. There was a service offered through Blue Cross Blue Shield where a nurse would call once a month to check on you. My nurse’s name was Nettie, and she answered any questions I might have and also educated me about my medicine. I am truly blessed that I received such wonderful care during this whole ordeal and give all the glory to God for helping me overcome it,” Dorsey said.

She maintained a positive outlook during her treatments and did not encounter many obstacles.

“The only obstacle I faced was my breast being burnt during radiation treatment. They warned me about this and supplied me with A+D ointment to help it heal,” she said.

Dorsey offered heartfelt advice to other women who may be going through the same ordeal.

“The only advice I would give someone is to try and get a positive attitude. I believe a good attitude is the first process toward healing. I stayed positive and prayed throughout my journey and knew God was with me every step of the way. I would encourage everyone to take this month as an opportunity to educate yourselves to have conversations with loved ones, and to advocate for continued research and support. Let’s come together united in hope, courage, and determination so that one day breast cancer will be a thing of the past,” Dorsey said.

She is married to her husband of 22 years, Roy Dorsey, with a daughter, Brittany Schneider, and a grandson, Bryce Dorsey.