My breast cancer journey is part of a larger spiritual journey that began when I was young. I grew up in a time when churches did not live up to the commandment to love one another. I decided that my profession of faith would be with service not words. I wanted to live my faith.

When Gabe was old enough to start school, I was led to the Montessori method of teaching. Part of our training was to read the New Testament and note Jesus’s words about children. This spiritual approach to teaching offered an outlet for my belief that the best way to follow Jesus was through teaching. Jesus admonished us to love and care for each other. What a gift to take into the teaching profession!

When the decision to follow this ideal is made, the gifts of love, compassion, and patience follow sometimes slowly! Beautifully, others who are dedicated to making His love the center of their lives begin to build a community. At MD Anderson I found medical professionals who had decided to turn their lives over to this power of love and healing. They support their patients with hope and compassion. They have trained for years to help people when they are fighting for their lives. This healing community became my happy place. Next my friends and family who decided to upend their usual life to love and support me were putting their faith and beliefs into action. My WISD family offered support that defies understanding. Their service to me guided by their faith carried me financially, physically, and spiritually. Their prayers transformed my intense personality to PEACE. The churches in the area who prayed for me wrapped me in a chrysalis of love and peace.

This experience could have been shattering. With the community of His love, I emerged with a deeper understanding of the power of this love. If we can learn with the same love, forgiveness, and compassion Jesus modeled for us, all things are possible.

P.S. My child and grandchild were secure and happy during this time. I didn’t have the same worries as my younger friends who had to worry about who would care for their children. Their journey was far more intense.

The other day my big sister had to bring me down a notch.

Hashtag humbled – you know what I mean?

I’m glad. That’s what big sisters are for. That’s what someone who truly cares about your well-being is for.

That’s like Jesus.

Now, am I gonna give you the nitty gritty private details of what went down? Nope. Well, maybe if I see you on a daily basis and you just really want to know the tea.

Here’s the deal sweet friends, let people put you in your place. Let them be real and raw and honest. Let them be genuine. She wasn’t rude. She wasn’t ugly or mean – she was love in its truest form. She was my sister. And she was right.

“The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.” Proverbs 12:15

You have breast cancer…
I have participated in breast cancer awareness events many times, but had no clue what I really needed to be aware of! In 2012, God was about to show me. My ministry was about to expand to waiting rooms, standing in line, waiting for an elevator…to people from all over the world looking for hope and healing.

In June, I had my annual “female” exam with Pap and Mammogram. I never had bad results before, but both came back abnormal. The doctor promptly removed the bad cells on my cervix. I showed him how my right breast dimpled (a sign of cancer) when I raised my arm. The doctor said he would redo the mammogram in six months (January).

I became very familiar with my small breasts, examining them for lumps. (It didn’t take me long.) In September, I called my doctor when I could feel something I described as being the shape of a small grub worm under my right nipple where the dimple was. The doctor ordered an ultrasound, during which the radiologist called the doctor to order a biopsy. The biopsy was scheduled and performed on October 1.

“You have breast cancer“, the nurse told me on October 4. She said I needed to see the doctor to discuss my treatment plan and to bring my husband. I immediately went cold and numb. I was in disbelief. What would be next?

Have you ever felt that way? It doesn’t have to be a cancer diagnosis, but something happens that you are just left stunned? What is next? What am I supposed to do? I think this was how God guarded my heart and mind and helped me cope with news at first. 

During the doctor visit, he said my breast cancer was the best kind to have because it is very treatable. We disagreed on where I should receive treatment and argued pros and cons. I ended up at MD Anderson where I wanted and was re-screened.

The cancer was Stage IIIc, because it had spread outside the milk ducts to both my underarm and neck lymph nodes. My oncologist said it would not have been good if I had waited until January. She discovered I have the BRCA2 gene mutation, which increases risk of breast and ovarian cancers. She wanted to start chemotherapy ASAP. 

However, more tests revealed a tumor in my right kidney. The urologist said 85% of those are malignant. So, we prayed for me to be in the 15%. On Thanksgiving eve, Joy called me from MD Anderson saying I could start chemotherapy the next week. The kidney tumor was benign! God is so good!

God cares for the little stuff, too. My son was graduating from the university exactly three weeks after my first treatment. I just wanted my hair for the ceremony. My hair started falling out the day after!

Is dying the worst thing that could happen to me? That is a hard question for some. For me, physical suffering would be bad! Since I am a child of God, death is the fulfillment of His promise that I will be with Him and live for eternity. I just hope I sing better in heaven!

While I am alive, I will tell anyone about my Jesus! God has expanded my ministry to anywhere my foot carries me. He can and continues to use my life events like surviving breast cancer, losing a kidney, showing off my grandbaby, getting burned, or losing my job for His glory!

John 16 shows me Jesus’ love and concern for His disciples before He dies on the cross. Jesus talks about when they scatter, He will be alone, but God is with Him. He said this for their peace of mind. He also tells them they will experience trouble, tribulation, and suffering in the world, but to be courageous because He has overcome or conquered the world.

Isn’t it something how Jesus is telling them to be courageous right before He suffers and dies??? I know I am never alone because the Holy Spirit lives within me. God gave me such peace and purpose through this scripture and others.

I have no problem letting everyone know to be familiar with your “Bobs” and if you feel or see lumps, bumps or wrinkles where they ought not be, TELL YOUR DOCTOR and insist on getting it checked out.

Praise God with a smile on your face. I can always find someone worse off that needs hope and healing.

James 5:14-15
1 Peter 5:7
Philippians 4:6-13
James 1:2-4
John 16:16-33
Romans 8:18-28
Jeremiah 29:11-13

I’ll never forget that moment — walking into the grocery store with my sweet momma. I was 17 years old, and she was 42. The Walmart employee stood in the door, “Hello, how are you?” My mom replied, “I’m doing well. How are you?” Like she always did. The thing that was different about this time is that I knew she really wasn’t “well” in that moment. It would be simple to say her life was falling apart. Yet, she held it together.

A week prior to this moment she received the phone call that yes, she indeed did have breast cancer. With five children depending on her, a loving husband, and being the glue to our family, many would agree she could have said, “I’m not good. My life is perhaps crumbling.” Yet, she replied “I’m well. How are you?”

It was in this moment that I learned how differently everyone copes. But most importantly – people face private battles daily that we just don’t have any idea about. Treat them with grace. Treat them with love. They may have just received the worst news of their life. Jesus walked with people, and we should walk with them too.

I remember just getting home from school – I was wrapping up my junior year when my mom came into my bedroom to tell me the news. Through her words she promoted comfort and faith. That’s when it hit me – everything was going to be okay. If she can be strong, I can be strong. I firmly believe this set the mood of this season for her.

⁃ It’s how we decide to fight.

⁃ It’s how we decide to take on each day even when our world is crashing down.

⁃ It’s if we decide to trust where the Lord has us in this moment. Even when we are unaware of tomorrow.

She decided from the day she received the phone call that she was going to fight. She decided she was going to trust in the only one who knows the journey.

The Gospel is not only the greatest love story, but the greatest story of restoration, forgiveness, and hope. Hebrews 6:19 shares with us, “We have this hope that is an anchor for the soul. It is firm, and secure.”

I am thankful for the hope of the cross. Life hurts. This world is not meant to be beautiful. Cling to the Gospel. Cling to the hope – even when the storms of this world come.

Today my mom is healthy and able to be the very best Momma, Wife, and Grandma. She didn’t know what the road looked like for her. None of us know what’s ahead of us. She did know that she was going to cling to the hope of the cross. Her story is powerful because she could have given up. She could have used it to make her weak, but she didn’t. It built her faith, hope, and trust in the Lord.

Lastly, I am thankful that my mom scheduled regular mammogram checks. It might have saved her life, and it could save yours, too.

In 2007, the “breast cancer” diagnosis was not a total surprise.  My mom and sister had it, so it was not totally ‘out of the blue’ but it rocked my world.  The news that the cell type was highly metastatic left me broken and afraid. The treatment plan of yearlong chemo, then radiation, was horrifying!  

At that news, I skipped right over the denial stage of grief and landed with both feet in ANGER.  I told God that this wasn’t right!  “I have plans Lord! I want to lead and teach women’s Bible Study plus I have a new grandbaby to love!”  What about MY plans God?!  I was mad and I was LOUD about it!  

If you want to hear God laugh, tell Him about your plans!  My plans changed. But Jesus was always there and walked me through breast cancer simply fine.  Nothing is too hard for God.  He healed my brokenness. Today, I thank Him for my gains.  My faith muscle needed exercise to be strong!  If I was going to teach women, I needed to know what Jesus’ peace feels like.  It’s AWESOME!  If you aren’t living in His peace today ask God for it.  He freely gives.  I am more than a survivor of breast cancer.  I am an overcomer by the blood of the Lamb and the word of my testimony.

Yesterday a friend asked me to close my eyes and picture where Jesus is. I could see Jesus, right by my side where He always has been.  What love!  Jesus has one hand on my shoulder and the other ready to go firmly over my mouth when needed.  What a great friend He is!  What amazing plans God has for our lives.  His plans are good, and He has the Words of eternal life.  

Jesus loves you more than you can imagine!  He knows you and generously gives comfort, guidance, and peace.  All gifts from a loving God!

Regarding what happened with MY plans during those treatment years – they changed a bit but my commitment to serve God did not waver. I made it through because He gave me His strength.  Was it all easy?  NO!  “But God”.

Those Words in the Bible are important to me.  When life is overwhelming, and we just can’t do it, God shows up and shows off.

My plans to serve God enlarged from the church to the treatment waiting rooms.  There is no greater opportunity to share the message of God’s love and power than at the hospital.  

Breast cancer is no longer a death sentence as medical advancements are phenomenal, but Our Healer is Jesus Christ alone.  That’s the God we worship. He is not the God of brokenness, but the God of wholeness. He cures. He restores. He resurrects. That is why He is Jehovah Rapha, “the God who heals.”

“He is not the God of brokenness, but the God of wholeness. He cures. He restores. He resurrects.” Michael Youssef, Leading the Way.

Don’t forget who Jesus is.

When you start steering that struggle bus – and you will – licensed or not.

When you are crushed and consumed by all the things – trying to claw your way out of a cave.

When you’re just too tired – too tired to take one more step.

When it’s been one thing after another. After another. After another.

Don’t forget who Jesus is.

Don’t forget what Jesus did.

Don’t forget what He has said.

Remember the walls that came falling down.

Remember the waves that no longer crashed.

Remember the man no longer crippled.

Remember the stone.

The one that was rolled away.

Remember.

Don’t forget who Jesus is.

Alpha and Omega.

Mighty Counselor.

Way Maker.

Miracle Worker.

8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and for ever. Hebrews 13:8

In 2016, I got the dreaded call that no one wants to get. The call that confirmed I had breast cancer.

The day I was going to Houston for my first surgery, I was a nervous wreck. Having surgery was bad enough, but I wouldn’t know if the cancer had spread until after surgery. I couldn’t eat, I couldn’t sleep, all I could think about was the dreaded C word, and needing to be there to raise my two young sons.

My parents were driving me to Houston and I was in the back seat reading my Bible. I was praying God would give me a sign that everything was going to be ok, but I didn’t know where to look. I remember as we were getting into Houston I could see the skyscrapers in the city. That made me even more terrified because we were almost at the hospital. I looked out the window and I saw a truck beside us on the freeway. On the back of the truck it said Jeremiah 29:11. I’ve gone to church all of my life, but I’m ashamed to say that I’ve never really memorized scripture, so I quickly turned to it in my Bible. God had given me the exact words I needed to calm my fears. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

This is now my favorite Bible verse. This verse made me realize that even through hard times, God will be with me. This does not mean that we will be spared pain, suffering, or hardship. The next year and a half I dealt with 5 surgeries, too many procedures to list, chemo and radiation, and as if that is not enough, I was also going through a divorce. Any of those things in and of itself would be too hard for me to handle alone, but not too hard for God. I’m not going to lie and say it was always easy, but with God’s help I made it through, and I learned many great lessons in the process.

A lot of blessings came out of that time in my life. My dad decided to go to the doctor because I had cancer, and they found out he too had cancer, so they were able to catch it in time to remove it. God sent me a loving Christian husband towards the end of that year and a half that took care of me and was with me through chemo and radiation. God gave me parents that were with me at every single doctor’s appointment and everything in between. He also gave me the best family and friends a girl could ask for, they prayed for me and helped me in ways I didn’t even know I needed. Most of all, my relationship with God grew. God has a reason for allowing things to happen. We may never understand, but we simply have to trust him.

The day my doctor called in 2016, I was thinking it was the worst day of my life. Thinking back to that day now, it was not the worst day of my life, it was probably one of the best days of my life. It actually was a blessing from God, so that my dad and I could become cancer free. Even through all of the bad times, God has always been so good to me!

In 2016, I got the dreaded call that no one wants to get. The call that confirmed I had breast cancer.

The day I was going to Houston for my first surgery, I was a nervous wreck. Having surgery was bad enough, but I wouldn’t know if the cancer had spread until after surgery. I couldn’t eat, I couldn’t sleep, all I could think about was the dreaded C word, and needing to be there to raise my two young sons.

My parents were driving me to Houston and I was in the back seat reading my Bible. I was praying God would give me a sign that everything was going to be ok, but I didn’t know where to look. I remember as we were getting into Houston I could see the skyscrapers in the city. That made me even more terrified because we were almost at the hospital. I looked out the window and I saw a truck beside us on the freeway. On the back of the truck it said Jeremiah 29:11. I’ve gone to church all of my life, but I’m ashamed to say that I’ve never really memorized scripture, so I quickly turned to it in my Bible. God had given me the exact words I needed to calm my fears. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

This is now my favorite Bible verse. This verse made me realize that even through hard times, God will be with me. This does not mean that we will be spared pain, suffering, or hardship. The next year and a half I dealt with 5 surgeries, too many procedures to list, chemo and radiation, and as if that is not enough, I was also going through a divorce. Any of those things in and of itself would be too hard for me to handle alone, but not too hard for God. I’m not going to lie and say it was always easy, but with God’s help I made it through, and I learned many great lessons in the process.

A lot of blessings came out of that time in my life. My dad decided to go to the doctor because I had cancer, and they found out he too had cancer, so they were able to catch it in time to remove it. God sent me a loving Christian husband towards the end of that year and a half that took care of me and was with me through chemo and radiation. God gave me parents that were with me at every single doctor’s appointment and everything in between. He also gave me the best family and friends a girl could ask for, they prayed for me and helped me in ways I didn’t even know I needed. Most of all, my relationship with God grew. God has a reason for allowing things to happen. We may never understand, but we simply have to trust him.

The day my doctor called in 2016, I was thinking it was the worst day of my life. Thinking back to that day now, it was not the worst day of my life, it was probably one of the best days of my life. It actually was a blessing from God, so that my dad and I could become cancer free. Even through all of the bad times, God has always been so good to me!