‘Shitty Titty’ group rallies around breast cancer victim

It wasn’t the kind of Christmas present Jodie Hunt ever expected to receive. And now she is faced with it forever altering her life.

At only 36 years old, Hunt discovered a lump on her breast just as she was taking off her bra around the holiday season last year. “It was large and hard,” she recalled.

After having a biopsy done in February, Hunt received the dreaded diagnosis of Stage 3 Triple Positive breast cancer. Since then, she has been undergoing 16 rounds of aggressive chemotherapy.

“It has altered my life in a pretty big way,” Hunt said. “Day to day things have been a challenge as I’m not feeling well and being myself. I feel I am lacking, but for a reason.”

Hunt characterizes the past few months as “total devastation.” She said the diagnosis has left her in complete shock and that she has cried a lot.

She has no cancer history in her family at all. “This is spontaneous breast cancer. Bad luck,” Hunt said.

Hunt has been forced to give up her role as a daycare provider, something she has been doing for the past seven years. She said she stopped daycare in May “when all my hair came out, so I figured it was time to quit.”

She added, “It has taken a good toll on my life.”

Besides stepping away from daycare, changes have also taken place on the home front for Hunt and her family, which includes husband Nate and children Aubrey, 18; Kaleigh, 13 and Nolan, 8. Aubrey has been called upon to do much of the driving and grocery shopping. Nate has taken over meal preparation.

“My kids have been fantastic,” Hunt says. “I couldn’t ask for better kids.”

She said the hardest part to this point has been getting sick from chemotherapy. “I’m still trying to recover from it and feel normal again,” said Hunt, noting she often feels tired, and her eating habits have dramatically changed.

Hunt is scheduled for a double mastectomy on Sept. 18 at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester. She will begin 15 rounds of daily radiation in November once she has recovered from surgery.

In addition to having a supportive family, Hunt has leaned on her best friend, Crystal Johnson, who is a registered nurse at St. Marys hospital in Rochester.

Fighting back tears, Johnson said: “It’s hard. It’s the most awful thing to watch your best friend go through. I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy.”

Johnson said she tries to be with Hunt every day. “I try not to drive her crazy, but I know I do,” she said, adding they became best friends when their daughters joined dance group in fourth grade. They have been heavily involved with Just for Kix in Owatonna.

Hunt’s precarious situation has led to the formation of the “Shitty Titty” committee led by Johnson. They are planning a benefit for Hunt on Saturday, Sept. 13 from 3-7 p.m. at the Eagles Club in Owatonna. The benefit will feature a spaghetti dinner, silent auction, 50/50 raffle, arts and crafts and bake sale.

Others serving on the “Shitty Titty” committee include: Ashley Shaner, Jamie Bock, Kendall DalBello, Wendy Martin, Jen Koziolek, Laura Vaith and Cassie Bonser.

Proceeds from the benefit will go directly to Hunt as she wages the battle for her life. Johnson said while Hunt has medical insurance, there are many other bills associated with the cancer treatment.

Hunt said she hopes her diagnosis at such a young age will  encourage all women to get a yearly mammogram, especially after 40.

“Do your breast exams,” Hunt said. “You need to be aware of your own self. It’s true that when it’s too late, it’s too late.”

She warned that it’s not wise to focus only on family history as a guideline for getting cancer. “It’s more common to have it spontaneous,” she said. “Be self aware,” she added.

For Hunt, the cancer battle has taught her with some important life lessons.

“Never take life for granted. The next day is no guarantee. Live life to the fullest,” she said.

Hunt is focused on staying positive in the months ahead.

“I want to get through surgery and treatment. I just pray it doesn’t come back.”

‘Shitty Titty’ Benefit

What: Cancer benefit for Jodie Hunt of Owatonna

When: Saturday, Sept. 13- 3-7 p.m.