I've just started down a path that I didn't anticipate being created for me.
I knew the statistics: One out eight women will develop breast cancer during their lifetimes. I thought I was part of the group that wouldn't be affected. And yes, I do have friends who are breast cancer survivors. But there was no history of breast cancer in my family.My mother had colon cancer, and I was more worried about developing colon cancer sometime in my life.
A few years ago, I got some of my friends together and we walked in a fundraiser in honor of an elementary school counselor who had helped our children over the years. She was going through a recurrence of cancer. She died a month later. We raised about $200 to go toward breast cancer research.
I'd like you to walk with me as I learn more about what I'll be facing and tell you how I learned that I had breast cancer. I know some of you are survivors or have wives or mothers or sisters who are survivors. I'd like to hear how you cope as well.
Comments (18)
I can't wait for the next installment.
Posted by Shari | February 28, 2007 11:37 PM
Posted on February 28, 2007 23:37
Sandra - My prayers continue to be with you and your family. I want to walk with you through this new challenge in your life. It is through your story and others survivors that may comfort the path that many of us may have to face tomorrow. Please stay strong. My mother had 4th stage Ovarian Cancer. Prayer and humor helped us smile through it all.
Peace and love to you!
Dottie
Posted by Dottie Archey | March 1, 2007 1:32 PM
Posted on March 1, 2007 13:32
Thank you for being open with your struggle. Positive thoughts to you.
Posted by CC | March 1, 2007 2:50 PM
Posted on March 1, 2007 14:50
Sandra,
My prayers are with you. I understand your journey as I am a four-year survivor of breast cancer. I, like you did not have a history of breast cancer in my family and was shocked by the diagnosis.
I had a tremendoues medical team and support system and was truly blessed by the best.
I am available whenever you may need to talk. I speak openly about my experience and was featured on the QVC Special and in the University of Pennsylvania'a annual report.
Keep the faith and God Bless you.
Posted by Karen | March 1, 2007 4:50 PM
Posted on March 1, 2007 16:50
Sandra, the way you described hearing the news from your doctor is how I felt the day in 1994 when my mom told me she had a lump on her breast. It felt like everything was in slow motion. After the biopsy tests revealed it was indeed cancer that was one of the few times I saw my dad cry. It was very scary. But she is healthy today and doing great. Good luck and I'm rooting for you!
Posted by Carlos | March 1, 2007 8:36 PM
Posted on March 1, 2007 20:36
Sandra,
I am a 1.5 year cancer survivor and I'm doing well. You must keep positive throughout this horrible experience, because that's what it really is. Keep strong, have faith and make sure you have a support system! I had my family, friends and coworkers that helped me through. But it was my husband and children and my positive attitude that helped me the most!
Posted by Lorelei McGlade | March 2, 2007 9:30 AM
Posted on March 2, 2007 09:30
Sandra, I will pray for you and your family. My grandmother was diagnosed with breast cancer a few months ago, underwent surgery and is now doing very well on medication. I will keep you in my thoughts, as you are and have been a constant inspiration to me.
Posted by Enjoli | March 2, 2007 9:34 AM
Posted on March 2, 2007 09:34
Dear Soror,
I was saddened when I heard your news.
I recently had my breast exam and held my breath when the doctor gave me my results, which were negative. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Take comfort in these words: John 11:4, Ps. 91:3
We'll understand it better by and by.
Much Delta love and support,
Soror Sandy G.
Posted by Sandra Gould | March 2, 2007 10:22 AM
Posted on March 2, 2007 10:22
Soror,
You and your family are in my prayers. Please keep us updated on your "journey' as we all live vicariously through you-as it could be us at some point and may very well have been us before. I hope those that visit your page will be inspired and empowered to take ownership of their health. Be blessed-See you soon.
Tiffany
Posted by Tiffany | March 2, 2007 11:49 AM
Posted on March 2, 2007 11:49
Hi Sandra:
Sorry you had to join the cancer sisters. My daughter
was dx when she was 31. We
just returned from the YSC
7th annual conf. in VA.
850 all under 40 yrs of age
www.youngsurvival.org
www.thecancerblog.com
Kristi Anastasi now Collins
writes on the cancer blog.
e-mail
yellowvlkswgn@hotmail.com
she is very involved &
knowledgeable about BC
Take care,
Patti Anastasi
Kristina's mom
Posted by patti anastasi | March 2, 2007 1:13 PM
Posted on March 2, 2007 13:13
Sandra
I read your blog with a great deal of interest. My mother and aunt both had breast cancer. Mom is 83 and was diagnosed in her thirties. I have had many procedures because I have cystic breast tissue. A friend was diagnosed two years ago and like you she caught it in the early stage. Today she is cancer free, healthy and very happy. I know the outcome will be the same for you. God bless and stay encouraged. I will be praying for you.
TTBOD
Posted by Liz | March 2, 2007 7:12 PM
Posted on March 2, 2007 19:12
keep the faith ! God is good all the time.
jfstreet
Posted by jfranklin | March 4, 2007 2:45 AM
Posted on March 4, 2007 02:45
Hiya "Sis",
As I told you I will be keeping you in my prayers. You will be my inspiration as I walk in the Atlanta Relay for Life this year. You are blessed to have so many people who love and are praying for you. Keep the faith, we are here for you.
Love,
Wayne,Rosie, Winston and Audine
Posted by Wayne Crosse | March 4, 2007 8:20 AM
Posted on March 4, 2007 08:20
Sandra, i just heard the other week while talking to Sanford about your incident with breast cancer. My prayers are with you and hope you have a quick recovery.
Posted by Greg Hodges | March 4, 2007 5:29 PM
Posted on March 4, 2007 17:29
Sandra, I am so happy that your diagnosis was at such an early stage. Just keep the faith and your believing that God is in charge will take you through every hurdle. I will keep you in my prayers.
Remember that all of your sisters are with you and available any time you need us.
Yours in Delta,
Soror Janet Upshur
Posted by Janet W. Upshur | March 5, 2007 11:13 AM
Posted on March 5, 2007 11:13
" It is the mind that makes the body".
Sojourner Truth
How many of us realizes that it's our mind not our genes,our lifestyle,or Mom's cooking that ultimately inspires or sabotages us.
When we are mentlly strong and committed,we can do anything. So how do we "bulk up" our minds? As with a muscle: by constant flexing with positive thoughts.
Sandra,
We just wanted you to know that you are contantly in our prayers and you're very much loved and respected. When we first heard about your illness, all of us got that scared feeling in the pit of my stomachs but that is long gone. Just reading your commentaries about your daily journey lends us to belief that your prayers and positives thougts will see you through this difficult time. Remember you are embraced by the Lord. Remain Strong and committed to getting well.
Love You,
Jimmy,Denise,Kia,& Shayla
Posted by Denise Johnson | March 5, 2007 3:05 PM
Posted on March 5, 2007 15:05
ovarian groups cancer
Posted by are ovarian cancer | April 4, 2007 6:54 AM
Posted on April 4, 2007 06:54
You can't have one foot either side of the fence if its made from barbed wire.
Posted by Jewell Voorhis | January 3, 2011 9:53 PM
Posted on January 3, 2011 21:53