My story began at age forty with my first mammogram.
My doctor saw something “suspicious” and encouraged me to see a surgeon. Two biopsies later, I received word that it was indeed breast cancer.
Thirty days after my diagnosis my sister-in-law, Laura, discovered that she had breast cancer as well. And so our journeys began.
I am grateful for the walk with a close friend who could share my fears and anxieties. Many hours were spent conversing about our unknown futures.
Laura was concerned over losing her hair and not being here for her parents, for she was an only child.
I was most fearful of not having the opportunity to be a mother to my five and ten year old. There was still so much I needed to teach them.
Our families were our rock during the battle, especially our mothers. Without their love, prayers and frequent reminders of how strong we really were, the journey would have been much more difficult.
Our faith and trust in God grew stronger day by day. Without that knowledge and hope in Him, the path would have been unbearable. Chemotherapy and radiation treatments zapped our energy and zeal for life.
After much guilt and questioning why Laura had to suffer so much and I so little has brought me to only one conclusion. Suffering is an act utilized by God to prepare his children for extraction from this world.
Laura and I both knew our healing would come. For me, God chose this life. For Laura, it was on the other side.
Lessons learned on the journey:
- I miss my eyebrows more than I do my breast;
- hair is so overrated;
- sisterhood is forever;
- and “I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.
Joshua 1:9
