Time for Awareness


2006~ It’s so long ago now that I rarely think about it, but it’s not something you ever forget either. I was in Arizona, staying in a motel, with stacks of paperwork spread out over every available surface. I was trying to finalize all the legal paperwork for my father and my grandmother. They both died within two months of each other—in Arizona. 

I was in a pit of grief but legal work doesn’t wait. I was alone and over a thousand miles from home, which is where I really wanted to be, but first…I had to meet with bankers and lawyers. I’d written a list of what I had to do and it was taped to the mirror. Sigh.


As I tried to sleep that night, I wrapped my arms around myself in a hug. I really needed a hug. That’s when I felt the small lump. Yes, in my breast. That’s where Mom’s cancer had started— and she’d lost her battle fifteen years ago. Fear replaced my grief. 





When this happens, reach out. Don’t take this journey alone. I called my husband and he prayed. But when we hung up, he called others. Soon, my phone rang and it was a friend, a nurse, who counseled and consoled me. Then my sister called, and like usual, she made me laugh, which somehow helped. By the time my flight landed in Seattle, appointments had been made.


Biopsies, blood work, and surgery followed. But I’d purposely chosen a medical team that wouldn’t demand chemotherapy. I wanted to see if surgery alone would work. It required me to change what I ate, how I exercised, and a willingness to go through testing every 12 weeks. 


I did and I won. 


October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. I’ll be forever thankful that I had a family that surrounded me with love, friends who sent funny emails to make me laugh, lots of people praying, and a great team of doctors who were willing to listen. 


Most of all, I’m thankful God allowed me to live—my mom and many others haven’t. In honor of all those who have lost the battle, let’s be vigilant. And for all those who have battled and won—you are an inspiration and are survivors!!





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