The Metastatic Breast Cancer Journey
Stories of Hope with Action Items for Survival
“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” ~Mark 11:24
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.
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.
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.