The day this picture was taken I was given my diagnosis that the lump I found on March 2, 2014 was indeed breast cancer. I had no idea that my husband had arranged with all my kids so that they would be there for this surprise family photo. It was just supposed to be for our church directory. That day was one of the happiest days of my life, 2 words "it's cancer" wasn't going to steal my joy. I got to go with my daughter and see my grandson kicking around, ninja style. Then visited my son in law at work to show him the ultrasound pictures. Then we got these portraits done. Then I got to enjoy a rare occasion...having dinner with all my kids at the same time. We had so much fun laughing and enjoying each other. This day is definitely one of my favorite memories.
I was told that I would have to start chemo immediately and had a port put in. Chemo scared me more than the cancer. I asked everybody I knew to pray for NO CHEMO or RADIATION. When I finally saw my oncologist for the first time she decided to run the oncotype test...probably because I was triple positive. It came back under 18 which determined that chemo would not work for my tumor. On May 21st I had a bilateral nipple sparing mastectomy and on Sept 24th I had reconstruction. I am now cancer free and on tamoxifen for the next 5-7 yrs. I am grateful for the doctors that God put in my path and the prayer warriors that prayed without ceasing. When I found the lump my husband asked for an alter call to pray over me and God told me I would be OK & I am.
Sevierville, TN
