“A New Chapter in My Life”
November 5, 2002 started as a normal day. It was a normal visit to the doctor, the usual doctor visit each year, then to the hospital for a mammogram. As I said, a normal day. I felt no aches or pains. As you know, there is about a week before you hear from your test—the mammogram. I had been in Boone Christmas shopping after work, and on the way home that night I received a phone call on my car phone that changed my life.
The call strangely was from my doctor. What a shock! “I am sorry to tell you,” he said, “but there is an abnormal report on your mammogram that needs immediate attention.”
Well, what do you say, thank you? Okay, what’s next, doctor? The appointment with a surgeon to do a biopsy to see if it is cancer? Oh no, not that “C” word! But the test came back, and it was cancer.
That day, my life changed in more ways than I could ever imagine. Yes, I had my time of questions and questioning God. What did I do to deserve this? Or why me, Lord? After long hours of talking and praying to God, it happened—God’s hand of grace, peace and comfort that only He can give was given to me. No more
questions, only answers from God. “Why not you? You are my child. I will never leave you. If I bring you to it, I will see you through it. Trust me.”
On January 14th of this year, Dr. Levine at the Baptist Hospital did my surgery. So, so many prayers from family, friends, church, and people I didn’t even know praying for me. Thank you, Jesus. Those prayers were answered. Only a three-inch incision to remove the cancer. My lymph nodes were negative. At the hospital that day, 14 friends, family members, and our pastor were there to give me support. God’s glory came down. Praise God.
After two weeks, I started radiation in Boone for six weeks. I started back to work for half a day, went to my treatment, and then came back to work to finish out the day. This was fine until the last week or so when I was a little more tired. My mother and husband would take me the last few days. My last treatment was called my graduation day. I had come to be very close to all the care people at Dr. Mack’s office—“God’s Little Angels;” I would call them. All of them were so nice and caring. Thank you Jesus, for people like this.
I am working full days four to five days a week. I am feeling wonderful. I feel as if nothing has happened. I praise God for each day of life. After something like cancer, your priorities are so different. Things are just things now. What counts most is what you and I can do for our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Thank you to my dear husband, my sweet mother, my two precious daughters, all my dearest friends, pastor, church family, and those people I didn’t even know for those prayers and support. God bless each one.
I am a survivor. Please make a point to have your mammogram regularly. Early detection is the hope.