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Recently, I received a phone call at work that turned my world upside down. “Hello, yes this is she. What can I help you with?” The doctor on the other line proceedeth to tell me words that took my breath away. “I am calling to tell you about your lab results….they came back. I regret to tell you that you have Breast Cancer.” My heart felt like it was suspended in between pulses. My chest felt as though an elephant had sat on it. Hot tears began to well up in my eyes. I was at work so I gathered myself off of the phone and quickly ran outside to breath. I asked myself, “How could this be?” I eat right. I run 5ks and marathons. I don’t drink or smoke. I serve my country in military. What did I do to deserve this? You know all of the questions that run through your mind when you are given a bad diagnosis. In the months since that fateful day I have pondered much…will I beat (shhh don’t even want to fix my lips to say the “C” word). Cancer is a silent killer that creeps up one’s life and literally turns a person’s life upside down. My life has been filled with endless appointments, scans, biopsies, labwork, consults…ect ect ect….Each appointment further hurling me into a surreal reality that I have….well…
According to American Cancer Society- http://www.BreastCancer.org, 1 in 8 Women in the U.S. will develop invasive breast cancer(12% US population). That is astronomical.
Here are more Stats:
*Breast Cancer is more common occurence in African American women than Caucasian women. Other ethnic groups are significantly lower.
*About 85% of Breast cancers occurs in women who have no family history of breast cancer.
This was me. I had no history of breast cancer in my family. I was healthy. My genetic testing (BRCA1/BRCA2) testing was negative for predisposition to Breast Cancer…
A total “hit in the dark” against my life. I asked my doctor what could’ve caused Breast cancer. The doctor stated research still doesn’t point to one factor another. He stated the most significant risk factors were gender(being a woman) and age. Breast cancer can occur in women as early as 23 and as old as 88.
In the aftermath of receiving this diagnosis, I will fight. I shall live and not die.
I take no ownership of this cancer. It was never mine anyway. By my Lord’s Stripes I am already healed. This blog is to encourage you to fight for life no matter the circumstance. So here are some ways you can fight in the face of a life changing diagnosis:
- Breathe…take a breath, a pause, a seat and just breathe….answers come in the stillness
- Wherever your faith lies.…Know that God is real and he hears our prayers…so PRAY and BELIEVE God answers prayer because He surely does
- Research— Don’t let Cancer have you…YOU keep Cancer under your foot AT ALL TIMES. You control the narrative. Research and as a patient–you clearly explain what it is you are needing and desire with your care
- Rest...odd to think that during such a tumultous time that one should “rest” TRUST ME…Rest is health to your mind, body and soul….Stress is what actually causes Cancer to worsen
- Don’t go through this alone. Cultivate a support group of friends, family, caregivers, ect….Also, join support groups. The more you have the easier the navigation of your treatment
- Don’t listen to anyone who has NEVER been through Cancer...In the bible in the book of Job…Job had some “friends” who may have meant well but their words were death to Job’s faith…SURROUND yourself with those who are knowledgeable, loving, caring and supportive
- If at all seek a Nutritionist who would be able to advise on dietary changes and lifestyle changes to affirm a healthier lifestyle
- Be Positive, Be Hopeful and Full of Faith that all things are working for you good. As a man thinks–so is He or so will he be. Basically, you become what you think. Good thought life…good walk life. Negative though life–negative walk life. Stay BLESSED UP in mind and Spirit.
I could go on as I am walking this out DAILY. I will continue to come to the “Table” to share my journey with you all and hopefully inspire you all to NEVER give up when Life throws a curve ball.
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This is a blessing. You are The Healed!
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