Lisa K

Tell us about your survivor journey
Having breast cancer was certainly a learning process for me. Up until being diagnosed I was a very healthy person. I hardly ever took any medication and worked out at the gym, plus road my bike for miles. Once the diagnosis came my husband and I where shocked. I admit I never once question “why me”? I always tend to look at trials in life as “why not me”? It’s just my turn, I guess. As my normal, quiet world turned in a moment to a chaotic world wind of doctors appointments, tests, MRIs etc I realized how much I needed to put my faith in God. At that point I made a decision to open an album on my facebook page that would reflect 1 or more daily blessings that I would focus on in this journey. It’s easy to focus on the negative in life. It’s MUCH MORE of a challenge to be positive in a bad situation. After all the test and MRIs it was determined that I had stage 2 cancer both in my breast and lymph node, with a grade of 3.

You learn a lot when going through something new. One of the first things I learned was what a “grade 3” meant. They said my cancer cells where dividing and multiplying at a fast rate. Because of this I would need chemo and radiation after surgery was completed. So surgery to remove the cancer took place in August and by October I started a 5 month Chemo regiment. For a person that hardly ever took medication I knew chemo would be an experience. It was very hard for me to willingly sit in that chemo chair and let them pipe me full of all those drugs….one of which they called the “red devil”. But I knew that many had gone before me and done these drugs and they were now survivors. So with my husband by my side and a lot of family and friends praying for me, in I went. As each treatment passed I became sick and have many of the side effects that the chemo drugs give. I had to start taking other medications at home to counteract the side effects of the chemo drugs. Then had to take other medications to counteract the counteracting drugs. It became a vicious cycle. Through it all I focused on my blessings. I was blessed to have my husband, and a amazing support system by my side. I created events like PCCG “pre Chemo Coffee Gathering” where I invited many to have coffee with me before I started Chemo. I was so very blessed with the show of support at the various coffee gatherings. I had friends winterize my gardens, others who made me meals or cleaned my home when I was too weak to do so myself. Sometimes the blessings came in the form of a song, or something I read, laughter between friends or an amazing sunset. And then there was the medical staff and my team of doctors. I was so very thankful for their knowledge and compassion through this whole event in my life.

After chemo I then started 34 treatments of radiation. Physically I didn’t do too bad. Sure I suffered some burns but I felt it was much harder on me emotionally. Watching that volt door close behind the staff everyday was very difficult. I’m not claustrophobic but the feeling of being shut off from the world behind this incredibly large and thick door plays on your mind. Once again trying to find a blessing within my situation was my approach. I had the staff laughing when I told them that I realized if the apocalypse were to occur I’d be safe in here.

After everything was over and life was ready to resume, I realized that those daily, and sometimes moment to moment blessings that helped me through the past year was Gods way of revealing Himself to me through others and through His creation. And that I am truly blessed throughout my life whether it’s fun times or challenging times. So I approach each day as a new and exciting day filled with wonderful things ahead, I just need to look for them as I looked for the blessings in my cancer journey.

What has been the biggest source of support through your journey?
my husband, family and friends

What are some lessons you have learned throughout your survivor journey?
To always look for a blessing because they are there you just have to find them.

Do you have any advice for a newly diagnosed survivor? What would that advice be and why?
You are NOT alone in this.

In the space below, feel free to add any additional information like extra stories, lessons to live by, meaningful life quotes, advice or unique factors that contribute to your survivor journey.
Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”