Female in Motion

If you ever need me, I'm here for you. I never want anyone to go through a cancer journey, but if you hear your doctor say you have it, call me. I mean it. Cancer is not a death sentence any more, but it sure is scary. There are tough decisions that have to be made. Your life will change. The petty things will fall away, and the cream will rise to the top. Your friends and family will gather around you, if you allow them. Help and support are things you will need. Take care of your health, while you have it. Get checkups, have tests, eat right, rest and exercise. It works. I have made this promise before, and I will say it again. If you have never had a mammogram, or are afraid to have one, I will go with you, hold your hand, talk you through it, and take you out to lunch afterward. It's a promise.  I pray God spares all the burden of cancer, but if you have it, don't despair. God is faithful. You can do this. *** Female in Motion Health Update: The first mon...

  Psalm 118:24 (KJV) This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. When I was a kid, there was a radio presenter named Paul Harvey. He had a very distinct tone and cadence in his voice. Mr. Harvey provided interesting social commentary, and at the end would always say "...and now you know the rest of the story. Good day!" My "rest of the story" is unfolding as I write. Breast cancer treatment was over for me in April 2013. It took six months after that to find my new normal. I went into a bit of a funk, guilty over my survival. When I emerged, something new struck me. Every day is a gift. Some days, the box contains socks or underwear. Others are new shoes or a cute dress. Then there are the rarest of days, the diamond ring. When you look at each new day God gives you as a beautifully wrapped present, it changes how you approach it. I am grateful for sunrises, children's smiles, paid claims and hugs from The Hubster. ...

I like to tell people I had a very mild case of breast cancer. It makes me feel a teensy bit better about not being more sick. I had it too easy. Side effects for my type of treatment were mild: very little nausea, a few radiation burns, neuropathy. I actually gained some weight, due to all the steroids they loaded with my chemo doses. The guilt didn't start until I was done fighting cancer. Others have it so much tougher than I did; people with lung, colon and liver cancer. They really suffered. In addition, nobody wears cute t-shirts and has fun runs for liver cancer, it's just not "sexy." Attention equals money, in cancer terms. And so, I feel guilty. For not being more sick. For not suffering more. For surviving. Guilt is not from God. It serves no purpose. It's not helpful. I'm not guilty. I am a survivor. By the grace of God. *** Female in Motion Health Update: I'm freezing at work, so I'm taking a small space heater to w...

It's October and that means it's Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Since I have a bit of personal experience on this topic, I will share insights and maybe some secrets, too. Here are ten ways this disease made my life better. Friends: I had no idea how many people truly cared about me, until I was diagnosed with cancer. Every week, a stack of encouraging cards arrived in the mail, and sweet phone calls and emails by the dozens. I am so blessed! Hair: I've always fussed over my hair. It seems to have a mind of its own. After the initial shock of losing it, I considered the six months of baldness as a hair vacation. What a relief not to have to worry about how my hair would come out! Strength: When the rubber meets the road, you never really know how you'll react to a hard situation. I am not naturally a strong person, but I am a good soldier, so I looked to God for guidance and stayed close to Him. This has stuck with me as I move forward in my life. How hard is...