10.05.2008

Breast Cancer Awareness Month-We are all survivors

It is once again Breast Cancer Awareness month. This is a special time for us to be able to celebrate the lives of these brave warriors, our heroes who we call cancer survivors. Cancer survivors are not just those that have been diagnosed with cancer, they are also the family and friends of those who have struggled in this battle first hand. 
I became a cancer survivor 3 years ago when my mother was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, which is cancer of the bone marrow. At that time I had no idea of the struggle and strife that was to come in her days to follow. As my mother began treatment, she became so weak that some days she couldn't even get out of the bed or do much for herself at all. Many times I would find myself at her bedside in the hospital where she would 
sleep for days and when awake would find herself completely disoriented.
She lost her appetite, the color in her skin, the feeling in her toes, at some point her hair and all of her energy. She lost her independence, which probably frustrated her the most. She lost so much. However, she never lost the most important thing. She never lost her will to live. She never lost HOPE.
I watched in amazement as I witnessed  my mother fight everyday for her life. She fought relentlessly, no matter how tired she was. My mother became my hero and a huge inspiration to all of us. I am so proud of her.
What I realized is that all was not lost. What my mother found within herself was an inner strength that she didn't even know existed . What she found was unconditional love and support from those who stood by her side in her courageous battle. She found herself and found others by her side.
This past week I was filled with joy to hear that my mother's cancer count is now so low that it is virtually undetected.  After a long three years, she has finished with her chemotherapy and the suffering. I am immensely grateful for her healing. She has won in her fight against cancer and she is a cancer survivor.
You see we are all cancer survivors. The spouses, children, cousins, aunts, uncles and friends that have fought so hard to help a loved one survive are cancer survivors also. For we too fight cancer each and every day. It is our love and support that helps these strong warriors to fight back and realize that all is not lost.
This month reminds us to celebrate and honor the lives of breast cancer survivors. Those who are here with us, those who have past and those who have stood by and supported a loved one in their fight against cancer. 
VICTORY!!!!
"You're in the midst of war: a battle between the limits of a crowd seeking the surrender of your dreams and the power of your true vision to create and contribute. It is the fight between those who will tell you what you cannot do, and that part of you knows and has always known that we are more than our environment; and that a dream, backed by an unrelenting will to attain it, is truly a reality with an imminent arrival." Anthony Robbins

3 comments:

fateensgirl said...

This is Doona Ruth I am so glad to hear of your mom's healing. That is absolutely awesome. God just keeps on impressing me with His Power and I am so inspired by this. Thank you for sharing

Raims said...

Your mother's survival story is so inspiring and uplifting. I've definitely dealt with watching loved ones battle this disease so, I'm always proud to participate and show support during Breast Cancer Awareness month.

Many blessings to you and your family.

Anonymous said...

I can write alot but I am not sure that I will say much of anything that has not already been said or heard. Hence, I smile. :)

By the way, last week I was at the store and the cashier asked if I wanted to make a $1 donation to breast cancer research. I told myself that I would not make a donation, but after my bill was $14 even and I gave $15, I really felt bad. I did not need the $1, so I gave it to the cashier.

Today, after reading your post, I returned to that store to make an additional donation. When I did, the cashier just smiled. It was awesome to see such a smile.

While I cannot say for certain, I can only imagine that the cashier experienced a similar struggle to yours and possibly (but hopefully not) your mom's.

One day, we will beat this mystery called cancer but until then, what I have learned is that all that is needed is for people to occasionally change their minds about that $1 (and possibly more for those who can afford it). :)