A Milestone

Last week marked a milestone for me - 5 years of being cancer free!

The first time I had cancer was in 1986 when I was 24 years old and near the end of my pregnancy for Emilee. I found out I had Hodgkin's Disease at the beginning of my ninth month and after I delivered her, I began preparing for treatment which included surgery and radiation treatments nearly every day for about three months.

The second time I had cancer was in 2004 when I was 42years old and it came in the form of breast cancer this time. It was found in the early stages because I was high risk (with my past treatments - radiation to the chest area) and I see my doctors regularly (also had regular diagnostic mammos every year). This time I opted for an aggressive treatment: surgery (bilateral mastectomy) and reconstruction. And because the cancer was caught early and had not spread beyond the breast tissue I escaped the torture of chemo treatments.

So, it's been 5 years.

Again.

Last week I quietly celebrated this milestone, giving God the glory for His gift to me - another day, another year.

I also took some time to look through these - this basket holds the many wonderful cards and notes I received five years ago when I was going through this serious time in my life - cards and notes from friends and loved ones. Some friends were only there for that season in my life and others have a long history with me, but these little notes of love showed me I was loved and prayed for, some were sent with meals, or little gifts, and many came with scripture to lift my spirit just when I needed it most.

Don't ever underestimate the thoughtfulness of sending someone a card or note. I saved every one of them and there are often days when I read through them, feeling loved and encouraged all over again even when the circumstances of my life are different now. New battles, new challenges, and new changes.

Having cancer changed me in many ways. I'm not glad that I went through what I did, but I know that God used the circumstances of my experiences to teach me many things, to draw me into a deeper relationship with Him, and to help me to learn to love others the way that He does. I know God has a plan for me, to give me a hope and a future if I seek Him with my whole heart (Jer 29:11-13).

I'm anxious to see what He has in store for me. But for now, I celebrate the gift of today.

Comments

[Cindy (FarmgirlCyn)]

I celebrate with you. My mom was a breast cancer survivor. She has gone to be with the Lord 10 years now. (heart issues, NOT cancer)
Praise the Lord!

[Snow White]

Praise God! I celebrate with you too. My mom is an 8-year breast cancer survivor. She too cherishes the cards she's received from people who love and support her.

[dawn]

I didn't know this about you - you are a walking miracle. Both my MIL and her daughter, my SIL, are breast cancer survivors. It was hard times, but we are blessed they are still here and healthy. I am due for my mammo, so must get on the ball!

Isn't it cool that we can watch GA on line now??

[Anita M Hoffman]

Whew. Congratulations. Celebrations.

Also, when I pass "on sale"/garage sale stamps, I think, "I wonder if Denise has that one". Do you have a limit of stamps? Do you have a favorite manufacturer?

[Barb Hendrickson]

In my life, Denise, I have had many, m a n y, friends and family succumb to or suffer through this horrible disease. To hear your story is an amazing lift to my spirit today. There really is hope for those out there who may have had some form of cancer. Praise God for your amazing recoveries and life of survival! I know He is receiving glory for all He has done in your life and in the the lives you touch. Be blessed today.
barb