With Strength: February 2014

Thursday, February 27, 2014

Happy 50th & 1st Birthday!

I was running a fever of 102!

Last year, on this very day, I completed the final course of treatment for my cancer and rang the bell at the radiation department at MD Anderson.

I had survived three months of Paclitaxel chemotherapy followed by three more months of Fluorouracil, Adriamycin, and Cyclophosphamide combination chemo, then surgery and 25 fractions of radiation therapy.

Ahhhh. Back when I was tiny!

Today is one year later and I am turning 50. But it is also my 1st birthday - of one full year of living past cancer treatments. According to my oncologist I am on a five-year plan - if I can remain cancer free for four more years I'll be considered a survivor.

So not only is it my milestone birthday, the big 5-0, it is also my 1st birthday as I begin to start counting again. I had thought I would feel old when I reached a half-century of living but I actually feel younger than I have in years. Happy 1st birthday to me!

What a great birthday gift. Thank you, Jesus!

Me and my Hubby after my 'All's Good For Now' diagnosis at MD Anderson yesterday.

About Me

I was diagnosed with cancer on May 29, 2012, from a biopsy on a fast growing lump under my left arm. The preliminary diagnosis was Metastatic Breast Cancer, but after going to MD Anderson in Houston the final diagnosis is a rare breast cancer that is manifesting itself only in the lymph nodes under my left arm.

In our family, my son has battled Crohn's disease for six years and my daughter was diagnosed with P.O.T.S. in July 2012. With so many medical needs in our family it's easy to ask why us? But who can know the mind of God? We either accept life as it is or rail against Him. We have a choice. I hope I make Him proud.