Only three days after discovering a lump in my left breast, I was diagnosed with Stage-1 Aggressive Breast Cancer in two different areas of my left breast. On that day, February 13, 2013, I experienced many emotions, life-altering changes and had to make several difficult decisions. One of those bittersweet decisions was retiring from my role as a thirty year Family & Consumer Science Teacher in the middle of the school year; however, retirement was best for my health and family. I have never questioned "why me" or entertained a pity party. I did have bad days but my good days certainly outweighed the bad.
The ultimate goal for my Medical Team and me was finding the best treatments and procedures for me to have successful outcomes. After meeting with my Medical Team, I felt reassured and found PEACE with my decision to have a voluntary double mastectomy. That PEACE stayed with me throughout my journey and is still a part of me today. Taking one day at a time, staying positive, keeping a smile despite any aches and pain from the chemotherapy treatments has helped me keep the FAITH and PEACE. My journey has also been successful because of countless prayers, overwhelming positive encouragement, unselfish support, and most of all an abundance of outpouring love from family, friends and my community that continues on to this day.
Surgery was successful on Wednesday, August 28, 2013. I definitely felt at PEACE and woke up singing "What a Mighty God We Serve". The pathology report showed No Evidence of Cancer. God is truly Good, Awesome and Amazing! I am very THANKFUL and truly BLESSED. To God be the Glory! I view this Journey as a new chapter in my life, a bump in the road and a test of my FAITH. "Supporting the Fighters, Admiring the Survivors, Honoring the Taken and Never Giving up Hope"! "Can't Nothing Bring Me Down…My Level Is Too High...Because I Am HAPPY and at PEACE".
"Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass…It’s learning to dance in the rain."
Summerville, SC
