trevajeanice

April 7, 2011 is the day that will be forever etched in my mind.  It was the day that confirmed my suspicions about an unwelcomed guest who nestled upon my chest and mutated at an alarming speed.  Wow!  What do I do?  Do I tell the kids now before we board a plane in two days or wait until we return from vacation?  Do I ignore the disease and pray that it goes away?  Do I prepare to meet my Maker and make sure all of my affairs are in order?

I walked out of the breast center, sat in my car and started to dial family and friends’ cell phone numbers.  Through grateful intervention, I was able to reach each person bypassing voicemail to tell my news.  I was exhausted from discussion and overall shock.  Upon arrival at home, I made a vow that I was not ready to see neither of my parents at this time because I have a lot of living to do.  The kids need me and most importantly, I need myself.  I continuously pray to God each day that he will grant my request.

Medical tests, inquiries and observations a month later, led up to surgery date.  May 31st signaled the end of the month but a new beginning for me.  Have a I mourned the loss of what is supposed to set woman apart from men?  What is supposed to be the nourishment for newborns? 

No.

If living meant losing, then I will be forever okay with that.  Modern technology does a good job with immediate reconstruction (which actually happens over a period of time that can take a year…)

My self-esteem has it highs and sometimes lows but still I rise to the occasion to live, love, and definitely laugh.  I welcome visitors to my home as I recuperate, I am learning to play tennis once a week with a survivor group (Tennis for Life), I take my daughter to instructional track and tennis on a weekly basis, and I look forward to returning to work with a vengeance. 

I am approaching the 8 weeks’ mark of survivorship and I believe that breast cancer is a mind over matter disease.  If your mind is right, it will help you navigate the trials and tribulations that your body has to go through in dealing with possible chemotherapy, radiation, and hormonal treatments.  I am bracing for come what may because I want to share my thoughts and feelings with you all for the years to come.  I am feeling happy to be able to blog but sometimes sad because the label I wear is certainly a game-changer in life and that just sucks…

Still I rise.  And thankful for it. 

I ask that those of you who are reading this, take the time to hug a survivor, let them know you care, and share your comments on this blog.  Let’s express ourselves and let others know that Pink rules!

Much success in living and loving,

Treva Jeanice