Warning: This story might be laced with a few grammar slips (sorry, teachers!), simple biblical references (sorry, pastors!), and some poor humor (sorry, everyone else!).
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I want to share my journey – an adventure through cancer, Christ, and the many wild twists in between.
March 4th, 5:03 PM: “The news isn’t what we hoped for.”
That was the call. The moment when my life took a sharp detour and launched me into an unforgettable chapter.
PART 1: The Unknown
Talking to God: Asking Then Thanking
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6
The first few months were overwhelming. As a natural planner, having my life thrown into chaos was unsettling. Questions bombarded me: How bad is it? What’s the prognosis? Can I keep working? How do I even tell people? The list was endless. For me, waiting without a plan is harder than the news itself – once I have a strategy, I can adapt.
In those early days, my prayers were frequent, scattered through daily life. Instead of formal prayers crammed into mornings or evenings, I was constantly talking to God on the go – while driving, working, or trying to sleep. I asked for strength, peace, and patience, not just for myself but for my family. My biggest concern was them: how to tell my teenage daughters their mom had cancer, and how my parents, as parents themselves, would feel hearing their daughter had cancer. Then, there was my husband – the ultimate “Mr. Fix-It.” He can solve 99% of our problems, but cancer was something he couldn’t fix, and that was tough for both of us.
I have four core families in my life – biological, friends, community, and faith. I wanted my faith family’s prayers, but I wasn’t ready to go public with my diagnosis. I spoke with Rebecca, a Stephen Minister at church, about my situation. I asked if there was an “underground prayer network.” She laughed and said they don’t call it that, but yes, they could gather prayers confidentially. I’m forever grateful to Rebecca for keeping it quiet while still connecting me to the spiritual support I needed. I felt the strength of my church community without hearing my name in every Sunday’s prayer request list.
The beginning was hard, not just for me but for everyone who cared about me. My husband – an incredible partner – took time to adjust. We had some challenging days learning how to communicate through this, but with faith and patience, we made it through. These days, he’s earned a gold star six out of seven days a week, and just the other day, he told me, “It took me a while, but I realized I needed to meet you where you were at.” I’m so thankful we got there – many couples don’t.
Oh, and one more thing – I decided I detest the word “cancer.” Instead, I renamed my tumor “The Mischief Maker.” It felt more appropriate for something that thought it could cause trouble but wouldn’t win.
After a few months of uncertainty, we finally had a plan in place. I had my team of doctors, and we all agreed – this wasn’t going to be the thing that did me in. The plan was clear: 16 rounds of chemo, surgery, and radiation, all wrapped up by March 2025 (and yes I have project plans and calendars with every date marked down). April 4th, the day I began medication, became known as ‘Fight Day.” Chemo-sabe (as I call it) would start on July 24th – this allowed me to continue with some plans I had in place.
The months between April and July were filled with joy. I made incredible memories with my family and friends, traveling to Africa, Europe (twice!), and Vegas. My friends are amazing, and each one wanted to share a final beer with me before treatment. When you’re known for your love of Bud Light – aka the sweet nectar of God -people really take that last beer seriously. Those months became a celebration of life with lots of laughter, and while I was open about my diagnosis, it was also a chance for people to ask questions, gain awareness, and learn about something that can feel taboo.
PART 2: Beating the Mischief Maker
God’s All In: The Thankful Phase
to be continued…..Read Part 2 here.