When I was asked to share my breast cancer journey in the chapel at the church where my hubby was serving as interim pastor, of course I said yes! The date was set. We promoted it for a few weeks and I was really looking forward to sharing. But I got sick in the middle of the night…the not-so-good (is there any “good”?) kind of sickness. 🤢 🤮 💩 Whatever I ate the night before came out with a vengeance. I was in no shape to go to church or share my story. It was all I could do to climb out of bed and make it to the porcelain bowl. My sweet husband stepped in and shared his perspective. He’s been so busy, but he did that for me. I’m sure his side of the story was entertaining as well, but I knew I would need to set the record straight and correct some of his antics 😂.
So, a few weeks later, we tried again. This time I was not sick. I was actually feeling really good. I was fully prepared, and I even figured out the Apple TV so I could share some “never-before-seen” pictures of my cancer journey. I showed them my 2013 smiling face just before surgery, and the portrait of me with the “crown” screwed onto my head from the Gamma Knife a little more than a year ago. I was smiling in that one as well, but right after my doctor took it and showed me the picture, I broke into tears. Reality bites…
That’s how it is on this journey. It’s not a straight, uphill or downhill ride. It’s a supersonic roller coaster with surprise twists, sharp turns, sudden drops, and steep inclines. Sometimes it makes you want to scream, and other times you can’t help but laugh. It can be gut-wrenching and emotionally draining, while at the same time we often forget we are living with a serious illness. We just go on living.
I sometimes wonder how long the ride will last, but then that moment passes and life goes on.
We had a great turnout. The chapel was full…standing room only. I shared my journey, explained a few things about breast cancer and different types, provided some tips for caregivers, and most of all gave God the glory for my currently stable body. It was a great day. (My only regret is that I did not get a picture to remember the day. Hard to believe, I know! I did not take a picture.) 😃 😂
That is but a small and insignificant consequence of being fully on and fully present. Living life abundantly means glorifying God with my life, living each day to the fullest, engaging with people, and being mindful of how my life may impact those around me. I have since had several people come up to me and share how much they learned that they didn’t already know, how it helped them, and how it will help them to help others. Women have asked me questions which helps them to make better choices about their own health. A few people bought books, and others are probably reading this blog as soon as I hit the “Publish” button. I feel like this speaking gig was a success on many levels, and it gives me encouragement to continue to do more. If I can help even one person by sharing my journey, it is worth it.
Á la prochaine…until next time!