Emory Winship Patient Story: Living Strong with Stage IV Cancer

Emory Winship Cancer Institute patient Jessica Lucas, co-owner of Intown Pilates Atlanta and an actress, was diagnosed with breast cancer at 33. When doctors found it had spread to her liver, she went from early to late stage cancer in the blink of an eye. But over the past seven years—despite several surgeries, many rounds of chemo, and more than a hundred infusions—she has lived a vibrant, active life, defying the stereotype of chronically ill cancer patients. This is Jessicas story, with images by Emory photographer Kay Hinton, as told in her own words.

For more, see:

Jessica's Rules
http://www.emory.edu/EMORY_MAGAZINE/2009/summer/lucas-video.html

Emory Winship Cancer Institute
http://www.cancer.emory.edu

CancerQuest (Emory)
http://www.cancerquest.org

Category:

Education

Tags:

• emory university
• winship cancer center
• winship cancer institute
• patient
• breast cancer
• cancer survivor
• stage 4 cancer
• stage IV cancer
• pilates instructor
• Emory Magazine
• breast cancer survivor
• emory healthcare
• cancer patient
• jessica lucas
• intown pilates
• atlanta

[giraffefamily]

So proud of you baby sis! Thank you for making this inspirational piece.  The minis loved hearing your voice, seeing your pictures and even hearing Polo bark. Great example of who you are and strong you are, mentally and physically.

[sltwitness]

What a terrific attitude, and an asset to society. Her Pilates patients (and dog!) are very lucky. Jessica, you are in my prayers--congratulations for "living" your dream to start your studio.

[mmjloftus]

Jessica is an inspiration to all late-stage survivors. And Polo really is a once-in-a-lifetime dog!