On this life journey there are endless ups and downs….whether we are “sick” or healthy. Last October, my month was jam packed with events and projects for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I was so excited to raise awareness and funds for charitable organizations but I started to feel really run down and weak in the midst of it all. I ended up getting sick and catching an infection mid month that landed me in the hospital for five days….This being the first time in the almost five years since my diagnosis that I’ve ever been hospitalized. It was a pretty severe infection but I was able to kick it quickly. During this time I also had a bad cough and was told I had Bronchitis.
After being discharged, the cough only worsened and I knew something wasn’t right….usually my intuition is pretty spot on. I’ve had Bronchitis before and this was a much harsher cough. I had a PET scan and the results indicated that cancer cells had invaded my lungs which was complicating my breathing and causing them to fill with fluid. I had several procedures done to drain my lungs on a weekly basis so that I was able to breathe.
Needless to say, the past months have been very trying but it really forced me to dive deep into my faith. Even though my circumstances didn’t look good and there were many days I didn’t feel good, I knew that if I kept believing that I would be ok….that I would be. I fell off the map during this time to focus on my healing. I really believe that the mind is one of the most powerful tools we have, so I put it to use and believed that this was a temporary “slippery slope” and that the new treatment I started would work and that I would soon be well.
I had a follow-up PET scan last week to see if the treatment was working and I finally got the news I have been longing for!!. In my oncologist’s words, “I’m substantially better!” This past week I’ve been over the moon….I’m feeling much better, my breathing issues have resolved and I’m just so elated and grateful….to say the least. It’s been a couple of years since I have received such good news, so it’s about time for a turnaround. I guess the old saying holds true….”Without darkness there can be no light.” I’m still taking the necessary down time to allow my body to continue healing even though it’s so hard for me to sit still. I share this personal story not for pity but rather to demonstrate the power of faith and how miraculous the human body is when we treat it lovingly and give it the support it needs to heal.
Now that I am in a much better place, I will start posting again as I haven’t been due to the circumstances…..So much to write about! Although challenging, so many HUGE blessings have transpired and I am so excited to share with you…..
With Love,
XO
You don’t know me but we have crossed paths in passing once before. I have always heard wonderful things about you and today, I know why.
I came across your blog today and I must admit that I am truly touched. Being a nurse, all I want to do is hug you and tell you how proud I am of all you have accomplished and congratulate you on this amazing news. I love that you tell your story by highlighting the victories. Because it’s your victories that will inspire, motivate, encourage both you and others to live their stories in grander ways. You are an absolute inspiration and I want you to remember how important it is to believe in yourself and all that you are. Know that there is something inside of you that is greater than any obstacle you may face today or tomorrow.
Courage, above all things is, is the first quality of a warrior. But, you are that and so so much more. Believe in the power of you, because I do.
xo
I too am truly touched by your most kind words. Messages such as these keep me inspired. Thank you so much for taking the time to write this message. I do hope our paths cross again. Thank you again. Lots of Love
That is such wonderful news. PTL! “Praise The Lord”. You are an inspiration and your faith is a true testament. May God continue to wrap his loving arms around you and give you strength.
You truly are a warrior!
Steph,
My favorite verse in life is be still and know that I am God….sometime on life’s journey this is hard to keep your feet and hands still. You give me hope in your fight for life. I will continue to pray for God’s will in your life.
Life is a journey, keep your faith it is the only thing we as humans have.