Its been nearly 8 years now since I was diagnosed with, treated for, and cured of breast cancer. I feel so very very fortunate. I hear almost daily of women who struggle and die with this. Although I had stage 2 invasive ductal cancer with lymph node involvement, thanks to the skilled hands of an incredible surgeon, Dr. Steve Allgood at Mercy Hospital in Mason City, I came through without needing either chemo or radiation. I did take an estrogen suppressing drug for three years until I could no longer tolerate the side effects. But eight years later, here I am. I realized today that I have never really properly thanked my husband, who stood by me through the whole thing. He never complained, supported my decisions, did care things we wont talk about but did them without cringing or complaint. My good friends Kay and Neal Maclay were there constantly for me, as were the good people of Mason City, Iowa who knew me and provided constant support, love, and encouragement. I was one of the lucky ones. Unfortunately not so many are lucky like me. And breast cancer is one of those things that just makes you stop breathing for a moment when you are told you have it. If you know someone battling this disease, please take a moment to call them and tell them you love them. Bring them something to eat, or flowers, or a stuffed animal to hug. Clean their kitchen; take care of their pets or their kids if you know them that well. And most of all, LISTEN. Just be there and LISTEN. And hug each other, everyone you love. Because you never know who will get the unthinkable phone call. Thank you to everyone who got me through this.
Posted on: Sun, 18 May 2014 22:41:15 +0000
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