(no subject)
A year ago today my Aunt Regi died after a very long and courageous battle with breast cancer. I miss her. Every year I participate in Relay for Life in recognition and memory of her and every other amazing woman who has so bravely fought this disease. If you'd like to help out, go here: www.acsevents.org/relay/in/iu/forest
The following is a speech my aunt gave at several American Cancer Society fundraisers. She added the update after her second diagnosis.
“I am a three year survivor of breast cancer. Cancer has not left me weaker. Quite the contrary. It has made me stronger. I now realize that I can handle a lot more than I ever thought I could. Cancer has not left me hopeless. It has made me a more vibrant, much more optimistic person. My sense of humor thrives. Cancer has not left me unhealthy. I was overweight most of my adult life, however I have now taken my health seriously and have lost 70 pounds and 10 dress sizes. My blood pressure and cholesterol levels are on the low side of healthy and I exercise at least 40 minutes 6-7 days a week.
I will not go back to my unhealthy lifestyle and I am a better person for it. I sleep like a baby each night. Cancer has not left me bitter, I now savor life and appreciate all of the blessings my heavenly Father has given me. I look at my spouse Craig with love and appreciation for all we've been through together, and my children with pride and hope for their futures. Cancer has not lessened the quality of life for me. While I live with the threat of cancer, I also realize that we all face threats and our own mortality everyday. Life is too short and much too precious to dwell on things that could happen or what might have been. I do not live in a fairy tale world ignoring or pretending that I never had cancer. I dodged a bullet, but now it's time to move on. I am a Reach to Recovery Volunteer for the American Cancer Society in hopes that I can help others deal with their diagnosis. I was fortunate enough to have had an angel enter my life after I was diagnosed. She was a 9 year survivor of breast cancer and she guided me gently through my emotions during treatment. If I can help another as she helped me, I would be most honored. I do not deceive myself. I know that cancer could come back into my life at any time and with a vengeance. But, I am a survivor, and I will take one day at a time.”
UPDATE OF THE STORY
“On July 27 of this year, exactly three years after my first breast cancer diagnosis, the cancer has metastasized to my lungs, bone, neck and brain. I am not giving up. I will fight this disease with every ounce of energy. I am so blessed with the support of family, friends, coworkers and even people I have never met. I am presently undergoing radiation and chemotherapy, hair is overrated. God continues to wrap His arms around me and guide me through this journey. He has a plan for me and I am His willing servant. Some days are cloudy and gray, but He is always there gently leading me through the storm.
‘Day by day, day by day...Oh, dear Lord three things I pray.
To see thee more clearly
Love thee more dearly
Follow thee more nearly
Day by day.’”
The following is a speech my aunt gave at several American Cancer Society fundraisers. She added the update after her second diagnosis.
“I am a three year survivor of breast cancer. Cancer has not left me weaker. Quite the contrary. It has made me stronger. I now realize that I can handle a lot more than I ever thought I could. Cancer has not left me hopeless. It has made me a more vibrant, much more optimistic person. My sense of humor thrives. Cancer has not left me unhealthy. I was overweight most of my adult life, however I have now taken my health seriously and have lost 70 pounds and 10 dress sizes. My blood pressure and cholesterol levels are on the low side of healthy and I exercise at least 40 minutes 6-7 days a week.
I will not go back to my unhealthy lifestyle and I am a better person for it. I sleep like a baby each night. Cancer has not left me bitter, I now savor life and appreciate all of the blessings my heavenly Father has given me. I look at my spouse Craig with love and appreciation for all we've been through together, and my children with pride and hope for their futures. Cancer has not lessened the quality of life for me. While I live with the threat of cancer, I also realize that we all face threats and our own mortality everyday. Life is too short and much too precious to dwell on things that could happen or what might have been. I do not live in a fairy tale world ignoring or pretending that I never had cancer. I dodged a bullet, but now it's time to move on. I am a Reach to Recovery Volunteer for the American Cancer Society in hopes that I can help others deal with their diagnosis. I was fortunate enough to have had an angel enter my life after I was diagnosed. She was a 9 year survivor of breast cancer and she guided me gently through my emotions during treatment. If I can help another as she helped me, I would be most honored. I do not deceive myself. I know that cancer could come back into my life at any time and with a vengeance. But, I am a survivor, and I will take one day at a time.”
UPDATE OF THE STORY
“On July 27 of this year, exactly three years after my first breast cancer diagnosis, the cancer has metastasized to my lungs, bone, neck and brain. I am not giving up. I will fight this disease with every ounce of energy. I am so blessed with the support of family, friends, coworkers and even people I have never met. I am presently undergoing radiation and chemotherapy, hair is overrated. God continues to wrap His arms around me and guide me through this journey. He has a plan for me and I am His willing servant. Some days are cloudy and gray, but He is always there gently leading me through the storm.
‘Day by day, day by day...Oh, dear Lord three things I pray.
To see thee more clearly
Love thee more dearly
Follow thee more nearly
Day by day.’”