I heard the news. There I was walking out of MD Anderson trying to avoid all the people, cars and shuttles. It was 5:00pm. I stopped in my tracks as I listened to Dr. Alvarez tell me the news. I just stood there trying to be all normal acting but in fact I wanted to shout for joy and drop to my knees. Dr. Alavarez had received a few of the reports from the scans I had just finished. It was good news. Very good news. Several of the tumors were completely gone and all the remaining ones had shrunk. It was a miracle. Praise God!
Living with the knowledge that you have cancer is like being under a bad spell.
June 29, 2012, the spell was cast when I got the call from my oncologist. He called late Friday afternoon to confirm his suspicious. My breast cancer had returned to my lungs and bones.
For years, I’ve dreamed of writing a book. So when the flyer landed in my in-box seeking publicity from The City Wire for a writing workshop at The Writer’s Colony of Dairy Hollow, I immediately replied and registered to attend.
Palm Sunday began an unusual week of in-my-face reality checks. I have cancer. As the week progressed, I needed reassurance.
It was Sunday morning. I just knew already. I just felt it. A sister breast cancer warrior had ended her battle. She would hurt no more but her family and friends would be so sad. I don’t want to make anyone sad - ever. So the reality of our disease makes me sad because I can’t shield my loved ones from the pain of my possible untimely death. I prayed for peace.
…but I get up again.
You’re never going to keep me down!
You’ve heard this song. The real song lyrics are about a guy that gets drunk and dwells on the past. When I sing these words, it is more like a battle cry. I am verbalizing a determined attitude I developed during my first time fighting breast cancer in 2005.
Suffering with mouth sores, a side effect of my medicine Afinitor, is tough. It hurts!
Not being able to talk gives me that to think. I’ve had time to consider this fact: When I was diagnosed with breast cancer metastasis, I felt great no symptoms. Since then thanks to the medicine I have endured these side effects: Weight gain, weight loss, facial breakouts, mouth sores, bloody nose and a few other things I just can’t even mention publicly.
I always heard that cancer won’t kill you but the drugs will. I am beginning to think there is some truth to that saying.
Love is the best cancer side effect.
I have never felt more loved than the times I have been actively battling breast cancer. People have loved me through their words, acts of service, gifts, physical touch and time. The givers have felt good and their show of love has made me feel better.
Do you need a place to gain support, inspiration and insight for a cancer journey?
If so, let me suggest cancerwise.com
As of today, I am proud to join the list of cancerwise bloggers. Here is my first blog.
Getting a second opinion: Why it matters
By Cancerwise Blogger Donna Patricia Brown on February 6, 2013 9:30 AM
Doctors tell me that people who continue to work while fighting cancer tend to do better.
For the past six months, I have worked hard, played hard and prayed harder.
I am giving up cancer!! I am also going to get skinny, prepare more home cooked meals and talk less. Okay, maybe not.
What can I realistically champion so that 2013 will be the best year ever? Don’t we all ask that kind of question just before the dawn of a new year?
As I face 2013 with the label of stage 4 breast cancer patient, here are a few other questions that keep rolling around in my head:
