The reason...the result

                                                                           2012

Today

        

I started this blog in 2012 because I found it a means to get my story and updates out to family, friends and anyone that was going through breast cancer. What I didn't expect is what this has done for me. You see, this all started on this day, June 1st, in 2012. That is 13 years ago, today, that I was told that I had breast cancer and the start of my journey of treatment, heartache, struggles and then being a SURVIVOR! 13 YEARS. WOW. The fear of it returning is real, and always on my mind, but my faith in God, He keeps me straight. If that is the plan for me to have this struggle again, I'm not gonna lie, it will be heartbreaking, but I know my God has a bigger plan. But God, I am saying, I don't want it again!

He has used my story in so many ways, in opportunities for me to share my story of faith with others. It has opened doors. I have shared with the women ministries on my mission trips, with women's groups in churches and with my patients. Now, do I wish I had another way to open doors than have cancer be a part of my life, well, you betcha! But this is my story, and my story isn't over yet. 

But through it all, these struggles have made me stronger. And I hope my journey has helped others as well. What I didn't expect is that my blog is being read ALL OVER THE WORLD! I really didn't pay attention to the "stats" section in my administrator part of my blog. I guess being that I am the administrator, I should pay attention to this section more. Well,  I started to look at that, I found that people in other parts of the world, not just here, are looking at my blog. I hope they are reading it and not finding it too boring! I pray it is helping others, but isn't this so exciting!! 
People from Ireland, UK, Sweden, Israel, Singapore, Mexico, Germany are a few of the countries listed. I would have never imagined that my words would be used to help others like this. Now there isn't a lot of views, but that's ok. I am planting the seed of courage, confidence and I hope others will gain that in themselves.  

While I am not in the battle of cancer, I, as I am sure others, are in the battle of the mind. Anytime you experience a traumatic season in your life, it will follow you and your mind is your biggest enemy. My mind tells me a lot, every day. I sometimes talk to myself, and others will look at me like I am crazy. Well, I may be, but it is my crazy. My way to keep me positive and keep the joy in my life. So no, it isn't early dementia, even though that may be in my future, but I will tell you, IT ISN'T NOW!  So if you see me rocking it out in my car while driving, or singing while walking my dog, or just being a little quirky, it is good to let loose and experience joy and show that happiness! EXPRESS YOURSELF!    

I will never forget my experience with cancer, how it made me feel and the struggle to stay positive. What I learned was God was with me, always. He carried me and I trusted that. I put a smile on my face each day and that helped with my mind. I praised and thanked God for each day and giving me another one.

I hope my words and my everyday life experiences brings joy to someone. Even if it is just one, I know I have made a difference. 

Romans 5:3-4; "Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope."

Love to all,