I am a ten year survivor of breast cancer. In August of 2003 I was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. In February of 2009 I was diagnosed with advanced breast cancer. The cancer spread to my bones (spine, skull and pelvis). I had a Kyhoplasty on my spine. It relieved most of the pain in my back, but not all. I am not on any strong pain medication. When I have pain, I sit down and support my back and this relieves the pain. I have been on 5 different chemotherapies since 2009. I stay on each treatment until it stops working. The treatment has caused neuropathy which causes me to walk with a cane. (I am blessed to be able to walk). The experience has not been easy but I am surviving with support from my family, church family and friends. I know that I just have to hold on to God’s unchanging hand because he is in charge. I pray that the Lord will continue to bless me and bless my Doctors with wisdom and knowledge. All of us who suffer from cancer must keep on staying strong. Stopping is not an option until the Lord says so. We all have trials and tribulations' life is not with trials. Stay strong and keep the faith.

Ernestine Hicks
Lebanon, VA