Able to Drive Again.

Scripture of the Day:

Deuteronomy 4:39

            Therefore know this day and consider it in y our heart, that the Lord Himself is God in heaven above and the earth beneath, there is no other.

April 22, 2011

I drove my car to the vet to pick up Angel’s records. It’s been almost a month since I've driven. I wanted someone to know where I was. So I called Mark’s and Tuesday answered. She asked me to call back when I got home. It occurred to me how sweet that was. It didn't hurt to steer. But I hadn't had any Motrin yet.  I did take some when I got back.  Its 2:00 and I've only had one dose.

November 27, 2013

I remember being able to do things that I took for granted. It was frustrating not to be able or allowed to drive. I was so proud of myself. Angel was one of our Cocker Spaniels and our vet wasn't that far away. But I was so glad to be driving again.

If you are making this journey as I am, may God bless you with his healing touch. I know he loves you. 

Special Needs: Adoption Journey of an Older Couple this book is by my brother-in-law. He and my sister have adopted 3 special needs children after their own had grown. If you are considering or know someone considering adoption, consider a special needs child. They need forever homes. too.

Please get your Mammogram

Scripture of the Day:

Deuteronomy 4:39

            Therefore know this day and consider it in y our heart, that the Lord Himself is God in heaven above and the earth beneath, there is no other.

April 21,2011

I had the worst nightmare a couple of nights ago. I still remember all of it. I have refused to share it with anyone that knows I had a nightmare. David knew right away. I cried for myself over this. I will not ever forget this one. How could we conceivably dream about doing something that we would never do in real life? 

People are still sending me cards. I have gotten 3 this week.

November 26, 2013

I still don't want to share this dream. But you may have dreams of your own with the stress and the medications and such. Understand that they are normal. Unless you dream regularly, they should go away. Mine did. If you are not reading this as a breast cancer survivor or patient, please get your mammogram. 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. I looked over at my Facebook page and realized that out of all the people available for me to chat with, two will be diagnosed with breast cancer based on that statistic. Get your mammogram because early detection will save your life.

If you are making this journey as I am, may God bless you with his healing touch. I know He loves you.

Special Needs: Adoption Journeys of an Older Couple This book is by my brother-in-law. He and my sister have adopted 3 special needs children. If you or someone you know are considering adoption, please consider a special needs child. They need forever homes, too.

Little Steps in Getting Well

Scripture of the Day:

Luke 9:1 (NLT)

            One day Jesus called together his twelve disciples and gave them power and authority over all demons and to heal all diseases.

April 18, 2011

It’s been 3 weeks since the surgery. It doesn't seem that long. And the sensations have changed. My weight has gone up and down since then. Right now, I’m down 2 ½ lbs. I was starting to use less pain killers, but there are new sensations. I don’t know what to think about it. The itching I understand, even the pins and needles. But it feels like someone shortened my muscle under my right arm. I am finally getting feeling back there. I’m able to cross-stitch and making a big dent in my angel. David is back to work with full days. I can’t get comfortable to sleep. There’s still enough to feel like I’m cutting off circulation if I hold arms too snug to my body. I so wish this was over. I'm still having weird dreams. All I remember are snippets of them.

Some may disagree, but Shiloh and Gracie are fighting and I think it’s over me. Shiloh’s attitude toward me has changed since I got home from the hospital. She’s much more attentive to me. So is Gracie. Whenever they get into it, Shiloh is trying to herd Gracie away from me and Gracie isn't having any part of it. Since I have months of recovery and at least one more surgery, this can’t go on.

Another thing… there are some changes. Last summer, I wasn't metabolizing vitamin D. My white blood cell count was up. I haven’t been able to grow fingernails for a couple of years. The last several times I've been to the doctor, my blood pressure has been between 135/150 over 85/95. My pulse was always around 90-95. Since my surgery, my blood pressure is consistently at 112/70 with a pulse rate of 77 (the pulse of a 13 year old female). And fingernails are growing!!!

November 25, 2013

If you're looking for the silver lining, think about all the things that was going wrong with your health before your breast cancer diagnosis. I'm fairly certain that all of us had clues that something was at least different if not wrong. If you haven't had your surgery yet, you may notice that some of those issues will disappear as you recover. Back then, I was on 10,000 mg. of Vitamin D a week. Now they won't let me take any. They don't want me to over dose on that or Calcium. And after 2 1/2 years my blood pressure is still at the 120/80 range and my blood pressure remains in the upper 70s and very low 80s. My fingernails, and I keep them quite long, are still not growing the way I want. Maybe that just goes with age. I am about to turn 61. 

I have a sister that has adopted 3 special needs children. Savannah is from Viet Nam and came to us with a heart murmur she has since grown out of. There is Christian who mother abused substances. He is an African-American and is legally blind. Marlee is a child of Puerto Rican decent. She has tubular sclerosis. My brother-in-law has written a book about adoption as an older couple. He is my age and she is almost 50. They also have their own children that they gave birth to and are now adults. The following is the link to his book if you or someone you know is interested in adoption, especially if you are a little older than the usual adoptive parents.

Special Needs: Adoption Journeys of an Older Couple

If you are making this journey as I am, may God bless you with his healing touch. I know He loves you

Getting Ready add a new doctor, My Oncologist

Scripture of the Day:

Luke 8:43-48 (NLT)

            A woman in the crowd had suffered for twelve years with constant bleeding, and she could find no cure. Coming up behind Jesus, she touched the fringe of his robe.  Immediately the bleeding stopped. “Who touched me” Jesus asked. Everyone denied it and Peter said, Master, this whole crowd is pressing against you. But Jesus said, “Someone deliberately touched me, for I felt healing power go out from me.” When the woman realized that she could stay hidden, she began to tremble and fell to her knees in front of him. The whole crowd heard her explain why she had touched him and that she had been immediately healed. 

“Daughter, “He said to her, “Your faith has made you well. Go in peace.”

April 13, 2011

Dr. Wilson said that I was healing as expected and not to feel bad that I get so tired still. I am taking fewer and fewer pain meds. She is putting in the referral for an oncologist. I’m supposed to call Tricare (our insurance) Friday or Monday to get that appointment set up. At least, I have the “put this on, open if front” thing done. I wear shirts that button. Those paper shirts are so cold

I guess I will have more decisions to make when I see the oncologist.  It’s been 2 ½ months and I’ve already made so many life changing decisions. David went back to work today. I’m here alone all day for the first time. It’s ok. David just called me. He and his boss decided he’d just do ½ days the rest of this week. I’m sort of surprised. I haven’t felt particularly upset to be here alone. But, I’m very happy he’s coming home.

November 22, 2013

I'm remembering that it was harder on David to return to work than it was on me. I was feeling pretty good. But he was still worried. That has not changed in 2 1/2 years. He still worries. I look at him funny and he wants to know what's wrong. I wish he wouldn't worry so much. That remark about being done with the "put this one, open in front" and being done. Yeah. Not. Every time I go for any kind of check up it's still, "Put this on, open in front." It was the most common request during all of this and still is. 

If you are making this journey as I am, may God bless you with his healing touch. I know He loves you.

If you need ideas to keep you busy, may this site will help:

Teeny Tots Treasures - this site has crafts and other things that may interest children.

Twins Fighting Breast Cancer

Scripture of the Day: 

Matthew 13:15 (NLT)

“For the hearts of these people are hardened, and their ears cannot hear, and they have closed their eyes so that they cannot see, and their ears cannot hear and their hearts cannot understand, and they cannot turn to me and let me heal them.”  (Don’t be one of these and miss out on the rewards of loving Christ).

 In honor of Breast Cancer month in October, the White House uses pink lights. I have to go and see this one year. I don't live that far away.

November 21, 2013

I have to break from the norm here just a bit. I wanted to share a story that I saw on facebook. It's of these twin sisters that both were diagnosed with breast cancer. It had to be so hard for this for their parents and each other and their spouses. But they look like they are doing really well. I want to share their story. Please follow the link below. 

Twins Battling Breast Cancer I hope this gives you hope and courage.

If you are making this journey as I am, may God bless you with his healing touch. I know he loves you.

Teeny Tots Treasures 

Keep the Faith

Scripture of the Day:

Jeremiah 17:14 (NLT)

O Lord, if you heal, I will truly be healed; if you save me, I will truly be saved. My praises are for you alone.

April 10, 2011

Not a day goes by that someone doesn't tell me that they've said a prayer. Joyce said she mention me in church this morning. Skyped with Emily. We let her know we wouldn't come to Germany this year. Want to be 100%. I don’t want to end up in a hospital in Ramstein, Germany.

November 20, 2013

It was really  hard to decide not to go to Germany. But I couldn't fly. They were worried about my circulation and sitting for such a long period. I was having to be careful not to sit to long in case a blood clot would grow and stay in a dangerous position. Moving around prevents that. I know that this is hard if you are going through this, but keep the faith. This too shall pass.

If you are making this journey as I am, may God bless you with his healing touch. I know he loves you.

If you need something to do, try making some crafts. It keeps you occupied and pride in the finished accomplishment. Here are some ideas:

Teeny Tots Treasures 

Getting Through the Bad Days.

Hope is some extraordinary spiritual grace that God gives us to control our fears.

~Vincent McNabb

 

 

 

April 9, 2011

 

Today has not been a great day. I missed Brittany’s wedding (my niece). I’ve been in tears on and off all day. Evan and Jess sent me a beautiful card. We went to see the St. Jude home. We weren’t impressed. I’ve read and cross-stitched. But I’m so tired of not being normal. No sex, never comfortable – sitting, standing, walking, lying down, writing.  I watch people doing what I once took for granted. I get so tired so easily. I am on less pain killers than usual today, though. Did RSVP to Michael’s (nephew) wedding invitation with a yes. I hope I can go.

Just read on Facebook. Joyce says a prayer for me every day at 1100 P.M. I’ll have to pause and let it come to me new. How neat is that?

November 19, 2013

There were so many things that I missed because of this disease. We were planning to visit Germany to see our daughter, Emily stationed with her husband there. We didn't get to go. But I have survived to go to Germany 3 times to see our new and youngest grandchild, Luke.  

I did and suggest to any other survivor, breast cancer or other, keep busy. It will help you get through. Don't sit around feeling sorry for yourself if you can help it. But if you do have a pitty party, and I did, be able to forgive yourself and try again. Knowing that my cousin, Joyce says a prayer for me every day at 11:00 is such a wonderful and strong connection for the day. I'll have to ask her if she still does that even now, 2 1/2 years later.

If you are making this journey as I am, may God bless you with his healing touch. I know he loves you.

 

 

Being Intimate

Scripture of the Day:

Isaiah 38:20 (NLT)

Think of it – the Lord is ready to heal me! I will sing His praise every day of my life with instruments in the Temple of the Lord

 

 

April 8, 2011

 

I was reading a book yesterday. They described a sex scene. I got so horny. For 2 people that were going at it 2-5 times a week, we haven’t had any in 2 weeks. The doctor says I’m doing well, but I still can’t look at myself. I asked David the other day why it didn’t seem to bother him to examine me. He said because he loves me. So will we ever have sex again?

I got cards from Kim and Maureen today. We went to the have the dogs groomed. We stopped at the thrift store. I found a Romanian Crystal Bowl for $25. I found it online for $75.

Emily got a Breast Cancer Ribbon Tattoo. Johnnie called and let me know it was on Facebook. She also said that Lilly has a hernia. I’ll have to rethink this.

November 18, 2013

Reading what I wrote, I had to think about weather to publish it or not. It seems a little crass. But it is the truth.  It's still hard even now. I just don't feel like I once did about myself. At that time, April 8th, it had only been a few days. My scars were horrible. Maybe it will help you to know that my scars don't look nearly as bad after 2 1/2 years and yes, my husband and I did have sex again. And even as I was going through this, life went on. Lilly the little puppy I was going to get ended up not healthy. It was a disappointment.

If you are making this journey as I am, may God bless you with his healing touch. I know he loves you.

Get out of the House.

Scripture of the Day:

 

Proverbs 3:8 (NLT)

            Then you will have healing for your body and strength for your bones.

 

April 7, 2011

Today’s out will be to Portsmouth Naval Hospital. I’m kind of nervous. And again this morning, I can’t get warm.

November 15, 2013

If you haven't read any of my other posts, after surgery, we tried to get out of the house every day. It was our way to keep my spirits up. My outing this day was back to the hospital for a check-up. Those kinds of things take on a whole new meaning when this happens to you. A lot of things take on a whole new meaning, now. Sometimes, I feel like I'm crying "wolf". But knowing what I know now, I just can't ignore anything. If something else turns out to be wrong with me, I want to find out early! Early detection of the breast cancer saved my life. If you have not done so, please talk to your doctor about scheduling you next mammogram.

If you are making this journey as I am, may God bless you with his healing touch. I know he loves you.

 

Botanical Gardens Trip and Improvement

Scripture of the Day:

Psalm 107:20 (NLT)

He sent out His word and healed them, snatching them from the door of death.

 

April 6, 2011

We went to Botanical Gardens today to see the eagles. Their new nest isn’t as easy to see as last year. We did see one of the eagles flying around. It was a pretty walk. But I was exhausted in no time. I’ve been so cold all day.

Karen called wanting help with an IEP. I was sure I printed all the necessary documents and put them in the folder. Oh. Well.

I’m feeling better daily, though. I’ve taken less pain killers today than so far.

Evan called. He’s really moving forward with this fund-raising idea. He’s talked to Relay for Life and will talk to Susan B. Komen. His band will donate 100% of their money from a concert and is talking to other bands. I am amazed at him. He’s really into this!

November 14, 2013

I was so proud of my son and my niece. They both jumped into the Relay for Life, Race for the Cure kind of thing with both feet. They ended up with hundreds of dollars in donations for Susan G. Komen or Relay for Life.

Recognize the Stages of Grief.

Scripture of the Day:

 

Psalm 103: 1-5 (NLT)

Let all that I am praise the Lord; with all my whole heart I will praise His name. Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things that He does for me. He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies. He fills my life with good things. He renews my youth like the eagle’s.

 

April 5, 2011

 

 

David and I took Shiloh (our Cocker Spaniel) to the vet, I would’ve not have been able to do that alone. I can’t possibly drive. I think the grief stages are stepping up.  Denial, anger, acceptance, bargaining, and depression are the stages. Well, anger and depression since yesterday. I watched people shopping for plants, pushing carts, picking up flowers. I had to depend on David to do all of that. I even had to ask for a stool to sit while David checked out. The same this morning. I could hear people talking in the back (of what?) and doing what comes naturally and I can’t!! I can’t stand for long periods. I’m taking pain killers 4 times a day. Put that with this running nose, occasional cough, and sneezing that hurts along with it and it’s so depressing and makes me so angry.

When the mail came, I had another card this time from SPED North and a $50 Boston Market Gift Card. I just bawled again. I’ve often felt that I didn’t belong at PA. I felt like UI was on the outside looking in. But with the way they’ve stepped up, I’ve been wrong.

The grandkids were here. They are exhausting. It’s frustrating when Jacob wanted me to pick him up. I couldn’t make him understand why I couldn’t. But some laughter took place that hasn’t for a while.

 

November 13, 2013

This not going to be an easy time, right after your surgery. You'll feel everything that I described back in 2011. What I haven't mentioned yet is that I am also a Navy wife. The stages of grief: denial, anger, acceptance, bargaining and depression, are all natural feelings. Navy wives or spouses go through the same thing when their husbands or wives leave for a 6 month deployment. I was trained to help those left behind to get through it. It helped me to remember these things and you as a new survivor also need to recognize the stages. Look to those that have stepped up to help you through this and be grateful for them. And the scripture is right. God can and will heal you.

 

If you are making this journey as I am, may God bless you with his healing touch. I know he loves you.

 

 

 

 

Do What the Doctor Tells You. You'll be Glad You Did

Scripture of the Day:

III John 2: 2

Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.

 

April 4, 2011

I got more get well cards today. One from Hope Combs – the West Building nurse and the other from the West building faculty and staff that included a $50.00 gift certificate to Farm Fresh. I am continually amazed and the kindness and generosity.

I forgot to mention that on Monday before I went into surgery, they did a nuclear imaging test. This involved 4 shots into my nipple. What hurt like hell was what they injected into me. It was awful and made me feel like I made the right decision in having both removed. As miserable as I am. I’d hate to go through that and this again for the other breast at a later date. I’m glad I went with the double.

Today hasn’t been as great. We bought flowers, but I couldn’t pick up flowers to see what kind of care they needed. They were too heavy. This is frustrating. My oxygen exchange is improving and yesterday’s PT was better than the day before. Today my right triceps aches. I’m afraid of anything that resembles swelling. But I did write and type more than ever. I can fell tension in writing this. I still have today’s PT to do.

November 12, 2013

Once you have completed your surgery it is not over. I was limited to how much I could lift and how long I could stand. I had Physical Therapy that I had to do daily to get the range of motion back in my arms. I couldn't lift them over my head. Do what the doctor tells you, even if you hate it. I hated the PT. But I have full range now. My husband and I decided that we would get out daily. He was able to take most of the 6 weeks off me. This kept me from getting too depressed and wanting to hide at home. So when it discusses getting flowers, it was spring and we were going to plant new flowers in our yard. It was frustrating that I could only watch and "supervise". But they were beautiful.

 

If you are making this journey as I am, may God bless you with his healing touch. I know he loves you.

 

 

 

How My Surgery Went

Scripture of the Day:

 

Luke 4:40

Now when the sun was setting, all they had sick with divers diseases  brought them unto him, and he laid his hands on them and healed them.

April 3, 2011

 

 

The nicest place to be is in someone’s thoughts!

The safest place to be is in someone’s prayers!

And the best place to be is in God’s Hands!

Joyce Cook Fox posted this on Facebook for me today. What a wonderful thought. And Butch just called me. He’s been praying all week he said and told me were still related and that he still loves me (as a sister-in-law). I came home from the hospital on Tuesday. But Wednesday was not a great day. I couldn’t get up and down off the couch or in and out of bed by myself. I don’t really remember too much of it. And Tuesday and Wednesday night, I couldn’t get out of bed and go to the bathroom without help. Then Thursday morning, David was helping me go to the bathroom and draining the tubes I had to wear for a few days, when I passed out. After that the drainage tube on one side doubled and that scared David. He helped me back to bed and gave me toast and apples to eat and helped me get dressed and we went back to the hospital. They admitted me with pneumonia and incredible nausea. Evan and Emily came to see me that night. They both got to see things that maybe they didn’t want to. But neither left the room when people started working on me. It became a joke, the number of different people that came to look at me…I think we hit 23 different people: nurses, interns, students, doctors, lab techs, food servers (hey, we didn’t count them). That adds 6 to that number. (grin). On Friday morning, it was a completely different picture. David couldn’t believe the difference when he got there. I couldn’t get into the bed without him helping to arrange myself in the middle or getting myself farther up the bed. By the time he got there Friday, I was doing it on my own without anyone’s help. Just before we got to come home Friday, Dr. Wilson came and told me that there was no cancer in the lymph nodes and none in the left breast and they got it all in the right breast. I just bawled. I came home to flowers from Mark and Susan, Gwyndra, Myke, the special education department and Mom. Of course, I already had some from Precious and David.

Emily flew home yesterday and I went to the airport to see her off. Today, I went to see Lilly, my puppy. She’s gotten so big. So I can say that I’ve been getting out of the house. I hate PT. I’m doing it though. But I get so tired. I don’t know if I’ve forgotten anything that I’d have wanted to make sure to write down or not. I have so many well wished on facebook.

Oh yes. I’ve had strange dreams. Most I can’t remember, but one I do. I have Emily’s toys all through my house and I can’t figure out why. She’s grown. But she won’t let me give them to Jess’s mom for her store. Then the next thing I know, there are 3 pools in my back yard. One is for swimming, another is full of beautiful flowers and the last has mud pouring into it from our house. And our house was not Jacqueline Ave or Stony Creek. It was really strange.

I wasn’t allowed to shower or bath until last night (April 2). David showered with me to help me wash my hair. What a wonderful feeling…clean with clean hair.

I’ve spent more time today writing on the computer. My right arm hurts.

My friend Megan at school told me that they just diagnosed her sister with breast cancer. What an awful feeling. I’ll never forget how that felt or what I was doing when I found out.

They kept wanting to take my blood in the hospital. They were checking my blood sugar. I even got some insulin, even though I’m not diabetic. Any way, it got so they couldn’t get a vein. It was so annoying and painful.

I’m off all the narcotics. Ibuprofen and Tylenol are pain killers of choice. One is metabolized by the kidney and one by the liver.  Anyway, pain is worse tonight. I wonder if I over did the PT.

November 11, 2013

It was a very scary time after the surgery. I couldn't even get centered in the bed by myself. Someone had to practically pick me up and place me there. I remember I had these things on my legs that kept filling and then leaking air. They were awful, but they kept the blood circulating in my legs.  If you  are about to go through this, you should be able to move around normal after the anesthesia wears off. If you can't, you may want to go back and have them take a look. Over night they had me on such a strong antibiotic that by the next morning I was myself again. What a relief.

If you are making this journey as I am, may God bless you with his healing touch. I know he loves you.

 

 

 

Spending the Day Before with Family

 

Scripture of the Day:

Matthew 8: 16

And when evening was come, they brought unto Him many that were possessed devils: and he cast out the spirits with His word; and healed all that were sick.

 

March 27, 2011

We went to Golden Corral and had breakfast with Evan, Jess and the kids. It was hard to keep from crying. We were there almost 2 hours which is unusual for us. I couldn’t zip my coat and started crying and that was it. I just bawled. Now I’m looking forward to going to the airport for Emily. I’m going to have to “pack”. The bras I was supposed to get never came. I also ordered a breast collar leash for Lilly that I picked out yesterday.

I couldn’t help but notice Evan’s wedding ring today and tears came to my eyes. Dad wore that ring for 35 years. Evan and Jess celebrate their 10 year anniversary on April 9^th.

We bought Emily her birthday present…a kindle, since she’s going to be here and sent Brian’s via pay pal.

 

November 7, 2013

As you can see, I visited and spent time with my family. Evan is our youngest son. He and his wife Jessica have 3 kids, Hailey, Evan Michael and Jacob. The grandkids don't really understand what's happening. We've tried to play it down. It was so important to me to notice that Evan was and still does wear my father's wedding band. My dad is in my cheering section in heaven, rooting me on. It was really good to have Emily back home also. I was emotional all day, I remember. I mean as it states, I even cried because I couldn't zip my coat?

If you are making this journey as I am, may God bless you with his healing touch. I know he loves you.

 

 

 

 

What I Went Through before Surgery

Scripture of the Day:

Matthew 8:7

            And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him.

 

March 26, 2011

I slept lousy last night. It doesn’t help that I can’t take Nyquil for allergies. I haven’t been able to take anything since Wednesday. Special bras were supposed to come either yesterday or today. I hope it’s today. I get the most wonderful hug every morning. I wondered to David if I’ll be able to get them afterward, He said maybe, especially if I’m on drugs. Emily sent a text. She’s flying in at 6:30 PM tomorrow, right here to Norfolk. We don’t have to go to Baltimore to get her like we did in the past.

Mark and Susan gave me, rather lent me some flannel button up shirts since I probably can’t wear my warm pull over stuff because I won’t be allowed to raise y hands over my head at first. But I do need a new winter coat. The down is all sideways in this coat. Maybe, they’ll be on sale since its spring. I’m glad it’s happening in the spring when there’s renewed life and hope.

And life goes on…just emptied my closet of my favorite pull over shirts and sweatshirts since I can’t wear them for a while. This leads to a Salvation Army run. There’s lots of room in my closet now.

I picked out Lilly’s Second Chance. She looks so much like Ebony.

Aunt Nita just called me. I bawled, so much family reaching out to me before Monday. How wonderful.

We played Euchre with Mark and Susan. It was the first time this year. It was a good way to spend Saturday night.

November 6, 2013

You may not realize, but before major surgery, you cannot take certain over the counter medications like pain killers, or Nyquil. These are blood thinners and they don't want your blood doing that while your on the table. I understand why, but it makes it difficult if you have a head ache or stuffy nose.

It's pretty sad that you're concerned about whether or not you'll be able to hug people. Up until this point, hugs were getting me through in some ways. It was good to be able to laugh about it in that I'd have painkillers that would help me not feel when I'm giving or getting hugs.

Until the breast cancer came along, I bred Cocker Spaniels. Lilly's Second Chance was to be a new mama dog for me. She was my second Lilly. The first that I bought died of parvo, well before I was diagnosed. Lilly's Second Chance was a granddaughter to my male cocker spaniel, Tucker.

My Aunt Nita is a breast cancer survivor also. I also have an aunt-in-law that is a breast cancer survivor.

If you are making this journey as I am, may God bless you with his healing touch. I know he loves you.