A Wife, A Mother And Now A Breast Cancer Fighter

The birth of a baby is usually a very exciting time in a woman's life, but imagine being diagnosed with breast cancer nine months into your pregnancy. Six in the Morning anchor LeAnne Taylor reports

Friday, August 24th 2007, 8:25 am

By: News On 6

The birth of a baby is usually a very exciting time in a woman's life, but imagine being diagnosed with breast cancer nine months into your pregnancy. Six in the Morning anchor LeAnne Taylor reports that for Jill Stanfill, the diagnosis meant the start of a new chapter in her life and a new look as a breast cancer fighter.

Jill Stanfill is busy these days making bottles for her 10-week-old daughter Laney, while her 4-year-old daughter Peyton plays with her own toys. Added to that busy schedule is her chemotherapy.

"I normally feel really well for about two days and then it hits me, and then it not as horrible as I thought thank goodness,â€ said breast cancer patient Jill Stanfill. â€œI thought I was going to be laid up in bed but I'm able to take care of my children, and I do lots of things and I have lots of family and friends, and I have about two treatments left and I'm looking forward to getting on with the surgery."

Jill found out June 5, the lump in her breast was cancer; Laney was born six days later. Jill and her older sister Amber Quandel knew there was an increased risk of breast cancer since they both had a family history involving cancer. However, at the age of 31 and a new baby on the way, it did not seem possible, but Jill has adapted.

Jillâ€™s daughter Peyton understands what is happening and why mommy is now bald.

â€œI think she's pretty cute without hair. It's soft and poky," said the 4-year-old.

Jill is proud to show off her new look and says she really prefers hats to hair.

"And now I actually love it. It's nice and cool and I pretty much choose to go without it a lot of the time,â€ Stanfill said. â€œMost of the time I don't have anything, it's kind of nice."

Jill and her husband have a family and friends who support them. She says that support is what has helped them get through this difficult challenge.

"It's brought me perspective. You get caught up in the mundane, everyday life and I just don't take anything for granted now," Stanfill said.

Jill Stanfill hopes her new look and her struggle will encourage other women in the fight against breast cancer. She will be part of the Race For The Cure coming up in September, and even has her own team called Jogging for Jill involved in the event.

The Race For The Cure is September 15 at Tulsaâ€™s Cityplex Towers at 81st and Lewis. Saturday, August 25th is the deadline for team registration. If you want to create a team, you need to visit www.komentulsa.org. If you do not have a team and want to walk in the Race For The Cure, join LeAnne Taylorâ€™s team. Look for the pink banner at www.kotv.com.

Watch the video: Jogging For Jill