Patient Quotes

I just want to say to others to stay strong and hold onto your FAITH!

I am not alone.

Quote from the movie The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel: “Everything will be all right in the end … and if it is not all right … it is not yet the end.”

Do not be afraid of tomorrow; for God is already there.
I am a 1½ year breast cancer survivor!

My Walk with Cancer
I contributed to the cancer walks long before I was ever diagnosed. I did so in memory of two aunts, one the sister of my mother, the other a sister of my father; both of whom lost their battle. I contribute and walk now in support of myself, my daughter, my sisters and all women who are potential SURVIVORS! Cancer has taught me to be grateful! Life is precious – I am a survivor! That is a lot to be thankful for. My participation in the NC study was my effort to assure other women a brighter, healthier future. It will be so because we will find a cure for cancer!

To God be the glory, no matter what I was facing during my breast cancer I knew God was with me and he would never leave me. A Bible verse that meant a lot to me during this time: “Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” I Thess 5.16
What an awesome God I serve, so I give God the gloryin everything!

I was blessed to have my faith in God, my family, friends and co-workers from Sampson and Duplin County Schools to go through my experience of breast cancer. My husband and my children helped to have cancer with endurance and strength.

I am a 66-year-old woman. I was diagnosed with cancer in July 2011. The cancer was removed August 2011 and has not returned. Thanks be to God for not allowing the cancer to return.

I feel like my journey is ongoing. But I am still here, by the grace of god and my 4 angels. I would like to thank my husband, 2 children, and a special cousin who came and sat with me during chemo. I would also like to thank the nurses and doctors who were always nice and patient.

Being diagnosed with breast cancer is such a shock and a very scary time in your life. So, it meant so much to me to be touched by so many friends, family and even strangers whose kindnesses helped me get through my surgeries and treatments.
One thing in particular that stands out is that I received several prayer shawls. They warmed and comforted me and I knew just how much time went into knitting them. So, when friends at my church asked if I would start a shawl ministry, l said, “Yes!” This was a way for me to give back for those very tangible ways I was thought of and prayed for.

Tonight I want to rally the troops one more time, to help me celebrate getting past this challenging year and to thank everyone who helped me get through it. I could not have gotten through this without a little help from my friends. It is because of all of you, I could summon the strength to breathe through the IV and needle insertions, surgeries, and pain I had to endure. I felt a little less helpless having someone to lean on when I couldn’t handle some day-to-day tasks, like taking care of Sir Jackie and getting around after my ankle injury and mastectomy surgery.
Earlier this week, I got my port taken out which makes me officially not a cancer patient anymore, but don’t start calling me a breast cancer survivor. That label always bothered me, I guess because it makes me feel more like a war veteran and less of a woman. The doctors removed my natural breasts and gave me hormone therapy to lessen my estrogen levels. I don’t need a label to make me feel even less of a woman. I just want to pick up the pieces and move forward as best I can hopefully with a new perspective that some things that I was so afraid of just aren’t that scary anymore. Maybe I will be more open now, less afraid to let people in, and even more particular letting men in, boys aren’t as scary as cancer! They can’t hurt me, at least no way near as much as cancer did this year. Maybe thinking this way, I will have a little more fun in the process. This past year, I joked that when I wore my wig, I was really my wicked twin Shawna, who flirts with the boys and got lots of attention. I have ditched the wig as my hair has grown back, but hopefully not the attitude. She taught me a lot and watching men react to her taught me the most. Hopefully I will come away with her fearlessness and sassiness as I move on with my life. I have been through a lot this year and I want to thank a few very special people who helped me through…
Sue, Julia, Christa, Andrew, Amy, Rich, Cathy, Julie Y, Ann, Doug, John, Andrea, Tammy, Judy, Katie, Cass, Taulbee, Doug, Lida, Mark, Beth, and others. For all the words of support and encouragement – Thanks, and love you all!

During my journey, I learned how to trust in the Lord God Almighty. As I went to each appointment, consultation, treatment, surgery, etc., I held onto the word of God. Psalm 91 was my comfort prayer:
Those who dwell in the shelter of the most high will find the rest in the shadow of the almighty.
This I will say of the Lord: “He is my refuge and
My fortress, my God in whom I trust.”
For he will shield you with his wings. He will shelter you with his feathers. His faithful promises are your armour and protection. And by his stripes, I am healed.
AMEN