I was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 42. My husband and daughter were the most awesome caregivers anyone could ask for during such a difficult time. Everyone that I had ever known with cancer had passed away, so I was scared. My daughter was only 15 years old. She was always a mature young lady, but she grew up very quickly. She always made sure I was as comfortable as I could be. She took such good care of me and is still my biggest supporter. When things looked rough she was my rock. I had trouble focusing during my chemo treatments and I was a big reader, so my husband got me some audio books. My daughter would get them ready for me and while I lay in bed listening to the books, she would lay beside me for support.
I used to have pity parties when I would go to the oncologist for my chemo treatments, asking "why me?", because we had no family history. But during one visit a lady walked in with her 15 year old daughter, who was the one with cancer. Watching that sweet young lady have to go through chemo, made me realize that I needed to ask "why not me?" instead. I thanked God for giving me cancer and not my sweet daughter. From that day forward I became stronger and stronger, praying for continued strength.
While going through chemo and radiation I was so sick. I used to tell my husband and daughter not to expect me to ever go through this again, if the cancer came back. After all treatments were done and I have recovered, being cancer free for almost 12 years now, I have told them I would do it again and again, if necessary because now I not only want to be here for my husband and daughter, but now my grandsons, too! Loving life everyday!
Shepherdsville, KY
