survivor stories

LotsofFaith

I am two treatments into chemo. I have had a lumpectomy. I am having menopausal symptoms that are hard to deal with. I need to hear stories of survival and encouragment! I am in the process of divorcing my husband of 11 years and I have two children ages 7 and 5. Can anyone relate?

MicheleW

I can completely relate to your challenges.  I too ended an 11 year relationship at the onset of my chemo treatments, with two children ages 4 and 10 at the time.  I started out with the lumpectomy but ended up having a mastectomy and complete breast reconstruction when they weren't able to get clear margins. The physical and mental effects of menopause were brutal!  My anger and resentment of my circumstances completely consumed me in the beginning, but I then found solice in "journaling" my thoughts and feelings, which proved to be quite therapeutic. Additionally, I found a faith based support system by joining a local church and discovered that many there could also relate to my circumstances. I was encourged to submit excerpts of my writings, which were published locally and nationally and I found myself at many venues speaking to women who were just like me, which I still do today. I know now that God saved me for a reason.  Though I didn't realize it at the time, God had to remove the relationship that I held so dear, for so long in order for me to concentrate on my healing and walk successfully through this cancer journey.  It has been five years now and I have a wonderful relationship with my children, a rewarding aspect of giving back and a social life that includes companiship with a man that accepts me for who I am, physically and mentally.  There is life after a cancer diagnosis and when you are ready, it will come to you as well.  Stay encouraged!