It's time I tell my story.
Today in church, the Pastor asked something like – “What is something that God has told you to do (His Spirit has spoken to your Spirit) and you are holding back from doing it because of what people might think?” I have held back long enough … so here I go.
For the past year, I have kept a secret very close to myself, my church, my close immediate family, and a few very close friends and prayer warriors. I am now ready to share my story – with the hope that it will encourage, prevent, and help others who may one day face the same diagnosis I did.
In June 2021, I had a routine, annual mammogram. At that appointment, I was told that something was not quite right, and I needed a biopsy of three or four different spots, all in my right breast. In July 2021, the biopsies were completed, and my doctor called me with the results. (Nothing like being in Sam’s club when the doctor calls!) Our world was shaken.
What is something that God has told you to do and you are holding back from doing because of what people might think?
Invasive Inductive Carcinoma. CANCER.
Why God?
How can this be happening?
Cancer was not part of the plan!
Immediately my thought was “Why God?” and “How can this be happening?” I was getting ready to host a baby shower for our first grandbaby! I was also working toward selling our business and the workload was overwhelming!
Cancer was not part of the plan! Cancer started to take up most of my time, energy, and resources. Very quickly, I ordered all the books on Amazon (I speed read them all) and I watched about every video on YouTube. I contacted everyone I knew that had been through this diagnosis. My doctor referred me to a medical breast surgeon. My husband and I met with him, and he explained the complexities of the surgery. He said I was Stage 1. We both heard him say that – and in that moment we were relieved. Stage 1. That’s good. Right? But he went on to say how the mass was in one area, and I had these other areas of DCIS (basically stage 0) which were more spread out and difficult to reach. He really wasn’t sure if a lumpectomy would be enough. He really wanted me to consider a mastectomy. We left the appointment with more questions than answers. That was a Thursday. The next two days I researched everything I could find.
By the grace of God, two days later, Saturday, we had an appointment at an alternative cancer clinic in Tempe. They boasted a very high cure rate. The doctor encouraged us to get a second surgical opinion. We did.
On August 10, 2021, I had a lumpectomy and one lymph node removed.
After that, I went on to do an internal procedure of radiation (brachytherapy) for five days, twice a day. I also continued treatments at the alternative cancer clinic with nutritional IVs three days a week for six months, and now continue with one IV each month.
Fast forward one year now.
On August 16, 2022, I had ultrasounds done and am happy to be one year cancer-free! Praise God!
Since the time of my diagnosis, I have continued to learn and research everything I can about health, healing, and cancer. I have developed a stronger and amazing faith and love in the one true God; my Healer, Comforter, and Savior. I have a deep belief that I was led to understand nutrition from a whole different perspective to help other people. I was touched by the verses in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4.
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God." 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NIV)
I learned that nutrition is one of the most significant keys to prevention of disease and the road to healing. I was taught nutritional concepts, was encouraged to exercise, sleep, pray, reduce stress, and LIVE a whole new way! God’s fingerprints and timing throughout this journey has been incredible to see. Isaiah 23:18 also a verse that kept speaking to me through it all!
"Yet her profit and her earnings will be set apart for the Lord; they will not be stored up or hoarded. Her profits will go to those who live before the Lord, for abundant food and fine clothes." Isaiah 23:18 (NIV)
For now, I would like to encourage you all to LIVE LIFE WELL. Life is short. We say it. We know it – but we don’t really face it until tragedy comes. We don’t know what tomorrow brings, but one thing is for certain – death does come – to us all. No one will escape death, but we can choose where to spend eternal life! If you do not know Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior, please reach out. I would love to help introduce you to Him. He is the ONLY way to Heaven.
"Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." John 14:6 (NIV)
I’m looking forward to sharing what I have learned nutritionally with everyone in hopes that you and your family will live healthier lives on this side of eternity!
Be Healthy and Blessed!
(Picture: I’m getting my nutritional IV on my 51st birthday- this is one of the greatest gifts I was given!)