Jayne’s Story

I’m Jayne Scarborough and I was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer five months ago.  I’m a runner and very active, so this diagnosis was a shock to me, as well as my friends and family.  From the beginning, however, my friends, family, and co-workers have shown endless support and kindness in so many different ways.  From the beginning I said that I was going to beat this despite the statistics, and I’m continuing to believe this with the help of my excellent medical care team, my faith, my family, and my friends.  Co-workers made Team Jayne Bracelets and so many of my friends are wearing them to races, to school, and to work.  My running friends adopted the name “Team Jayne” at their many events, and we all enjoy the camaraderie of being a part of a team and the support that comes with it.  We run/ run/walk/walk and have fellowship every Sunday at Riverwalk in Rock Hill- known for years now as Sunday Fundays. The group is bigger than ever, and I’m living life to the fullest.

During twelve weeks of chemotherapy, instead of going home and resting, I decided to turn those into “Chemo and Champagne Get-Togethers” and friends from near and far came to raise a glass to our friendships and the importance of living in the present. Chef Amy at the Flipside Café accommodated all of us and each week our numbers grew and we stayed later!  New and old friends came to celebrate life. Cancer sucks but when you are living with it you can take charge and realize that now friendships are sweeter;  the small things count, and each day is meaningful. 

When the chemo started taking its toll on my hair, friends hosted a head-shaving party and helped me celebrate taking control of my situation.  Cancer throws you curveballs, and you have to take control of your situation when you can.  Friends from all over sent me great hats, and I wear them all. 

A Fast Feet Friend (my running group) set up a Team Jayne for the Lunge Forward Race for Lung Cancer, and she told me I was a survivor from day one. I didn’t know but I like that.  We are all survivors of something!  At the end of each of my Caring Bridge summaries I ask my friends to tell someone they love them or do something positive for someone else- even a stranger.   At the end of the day, our connections to others are what sustains us and gives us hope.  Chef Amy gave me a bracelet that says Fate whispers to the warrior “you cannot withstand the storm” and the warrior whispers back, “I am the Storm.” I’m trying to live by these words.  We all have a story to tell and we can all find inspiration in each other as well as our friends and family.  We are all in this together.