As this is my last post for 2017, I wanted to share my thoughts for 2018:

Think about how you want to be remembered.  Act accordingly! 

Watch those around you.  Everyone is not in agreement!

Enjoy the life you have instead of trying to live someone else’s.  You’re good!

Negativity is in abundance.  Find positivity in every situation!  It’s a mindset!

Take a moment to “enjoy the view”.  God’s best view no matter where you sit!

You are your best advocate.  If you think you can, you will!

Everyone that is for you will be there through the sunny days and through the storms!

Integrity will take you further than nice things, a pretty face or your intellect.  Be real!

God wants you to depend on him.  Act accordingly!!!

Have fun.  Enjoy life’s crazy moments and laugh at yourself!

Thank God daily for waking you and do something worthy!

Each day was designed especially for you.  Live purposefully!

Excuses will hold you back.  Don’t make them, learn and grow from your mistakes!

Never let anyone tell you you can’t.  You are a warrior and you CAN!!!

Happy New Year!

 

When I was first diagnosed with breast cancer, I had so many questions. How did this happen, where did it come from, why me, could I have prevented this?  One of my best friends passed away from this disease, I have 2 close friends who are in remission and a cousin who continues to fight her battles! I now know definitively, that my dad is beginning his battle. He will have surgery January 10th to have his prostate removed. That best friend, her father has the same thing happen to him.

When I was diagnosed, my surgeon suggested I have genetic testing done to see if there was a risk factor in our family. We went and spoke with a counselor, gave as much family health information as possible on both sides, got swabbed and waited for results. When the results came back, I was found to have Lynch Syndrome, a gene mutation that puts me at a higher risk than the general population for breast, colon, uterine, and ovarian cancers. Was my mind even on my family genes and cancer? Absolutely not! I really thought it was arbitrary. But I soon found out there is a link between genetics and cancer, especially the link between fathers and daughters.

The link below explains further the correlation between women and breast cancer and their fathers and prostrate cancer. Please read and take any steps you can to know your status as they say.

http://www.breastcancer.org/research-news/prostate-cancer-related-to-bc-risk

My father and I are very close and this is just one more thing we share. We have grit, determination, and nothing can stop us!

My CANcer Wisdom to You: Live, Love, Laugh! But be informed!

A year ago, I had to muster up all that was in me to prepare our Thanksgiving meal. I had just finished a chemotherapy treatment, was exhausted, afraid, uncertain, but it was something I felt I had to do! My husband tried his best to make me sit down and relax, but I just couldn’t… not on THIS day. He finally gave in (…he knows when his wife sets her mind to do something, she’s going to do it!) He decided he would fry the turkey and let me have at it.  I had to explain that this was therapeutic for me, cooking for Thanksgiving is a normalcy and I didn’t want to give that up. I was so conflicted with my thoughts of would This be the last Thanksgiving… I quickly let THAT thought go, I won’t give in that easy! So I commenced to cooking! I took many breaks and drank lots of water.  Needless to say, my family was happy, well fed, and so appreciative, they did ALL the cleaning!

I reflect on last year as this year we are back to our traditions and feeling good. We are with family, cooking, laughing, listening to music, having fun.  No treatments, no doctors’ orders, no meal restrictions, just thankful!

Now that Thanksgiving is done, we have another season of joy and family gatherings. ”Tis the Season”! Well in this season, there have been some challenges, but I know my God is a healer. I am facing surgery tomorrow due to a diagnosis of Lynch Syndrome. Here we go, that roller coaster ride again… According to the CDC, Lynch Syndrome is a genetic disorder caused by inherited genetic alterations, or mutations that have a chance of being passed on from parents to children and if you have it, your closest family members including siblings and parents have a 50% chance of having the condition. Other close family members are also at risk. So you might ask, what does all this mean.  For me, it puts me at a higher risk then the general population of developing other cancers like colon, ovarian, and uterine cancer. Hence, surgery is recommended to eliminate the risk. Due to my diagnosis last year of breast cancer, surgery is necessary.  So tomorrow, I will embark on another chapter in my life, but I know my God is a healer! I know my God is real because not only did my husband hold our hands in a family prayer tonight but our son said his prayer for me as well. It touched my heart and was my confirmation that God is real.

I am so thankful for my colleagues as they celebrated with me today on this journey. My prayer circle, the hugs, fellowship and pre-get well gifts warmed my heart! I am comforted knowing many prayers are being lifted and my family is covered.

This roller coaster ride has dips and dives, steep hills I think I can’t climb, falls that frighten me and make my stomach turn. However, I hold my hands up, anticipate the ride and let the wind hit my face as I scream at times and laugh at others wondering if I would do it again. Honestly I can say, I learned a lot and have grown even more on this ride, and know that soon I will get off and tell someone about it!💗

My CANcer Wisdom: Sometimes you have to take risk and she ride the scariest rides. In the end, whatever doesn’t kill you makes you stronger!

Lynch Syndrome information taken from https://www.cdc.gov/features/lynchsyndrome/index.html