I am overwhelmed by the support I received after my last post. I want to thank each of you from the bottom of my heart for your messages, hugs, and prayers. Oh how I’ve missed hugs since pre-COVID days. Some of you have shared your journey with breast cancer. I pray that God will use me as an advocate, a voice for women battling breast cancer, early detection, earlier age for mammograms, etc. Next stop along my journey is a lumpectomy followed by a treatment plan determined by pathology report (will be determined after surgery).

Although I do my best every day to stay strong and positive, one thing that is difficult is the feeling of how normal the day to day can seem only to have a thought creep back into the mind reminding me of my diagnosis. I try to not allow those thoughts to take hold and focus on moving forward with the next task. Having small kids helps with this as we have so much to do after school- homework, soccer, dinner, and baths.

Letting go of things has also been a challenge. I am having to choose to let go of some things which I have normally been a part of (volunteer wise). My focus now is my health, my family and my job. I can’t stand the thought of disappointing someone with not being able to help but don’t really have a choice. The time I have with my family is precious and being able to rest after work is vital.

I pride myself in being positive and seeing the best in all circumstances. I do realize though that I’ve got to be realistic when it comes to what I’m facing. It’s not going to be easy. It’s okay to ask for help. It’s okay to feel a certain way some days. This too shall pass. I’m reading “Good to Great” by Jim Collins and one thing he said sticks out as it relates to my journey:

“You must maintain an unwavering faith that you can and will prevail in the end, regardless of difficulties, and at the same time have the discipline to confront the most brutal facts of your current reality, whatever they may be.”

I am also reminded of Martin Luther King Jr’s famous speech “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop.” Although the context of his speech is related to marches and the Civil Rights movement, I can relate to what he says at the end. It reminds me of a devotion I read the other day about going up a mountain with God by your side.

“Because I’ve been to the mountaintop. And I don’t mind. Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place. But I’m not concerned about that now. I just want to do God’s will. And He’s allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I’ve looked over. And I’ve seen the promised land.”

This journey is my mountain. I know that by making this climb, I will experience things I have never witnessed before and my appreciation for my life, family and church will be so much greater. I will be different but I will be so much better.

Thank you for your love and support. My cup runneth over!