Stories of Hope – Page 24 – The Metastatic Breast Cancer Journey

April 9, 2016May 7, 2016

I Am a Warrior!

Judy A. Hataway

My Story

I was just recouping from adrenal cancer in June 2013 and I decided it was time to get my mammogram. I was surprised to be diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast. Two cancers in one year! How could I muster the strength to go through this again? But I did. I proceeded with the prescribed treatment. I had chemotherapy, a lumpectomy, radiation, and later breast reconstruction. I fought like a warrior. It was challenging and very difficult at times, but I got through it.

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April 8, 2016May 7, 2016

What About Me?

Anonymous

My Story

Ever since my diagnosis of cancer it seems like I have become even more self-absorbed than usual. I was sharing this with a friend when she shared a funny story by Joyce Meyer, a minister and conference speaker. Joyce would wake up in the morning with a lot of negativity. She would rehearse how bad she had it. That sounded familiar. I was intrigued by this story, so I looked her up on YouTube.

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April 7, 2016May 7, 2016

Act As If

Anonymous

“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” ~Mark 11:24

My Story

From the time I can remember, “acting as if your prayers had already been answered” was my mantra. Since childhood, visualizing a positive outcome and working toward it was my goal. Once I set my mind in that direction, the fear always dissolved because God was in the plan and I believed.

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April 6, 2016May 8, 2016

Radiation Treatment

Anonymous

My Story

The one treatment I had feared the most was radiation. I pictured all kinds of negative images: a loud machine, a sterile cold room, rushed preoccupied staff, pain during the treatment, debilitating side effects during treatment that would hinder my ability to work and take care of my family, and long-term side effects.

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April 5, 2016May 14, 2016

Helga

Lucinda West

My Story

The name Helga means holy or blessed, and in a way, I was blessed to slip into a cancellation slot with the physical therapist while I was already in the building. Her time is in high demand and we were having trouble synchronizing our schedules. That’s not why I call her Helga. I did not feel blessed by the time she finished with me. Helga is the wife of Hagar the Horrible in the once popular cartoon strips. Helga is the founder of the Hufflepuff house in the Harry Potter series. Helga is the name I assign to women who inflict pain instead of pleasure.

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