Wednesday, March 1, 2017

Beating the Beast

Some of my friends already know what's been going on with me lately, but for those who don't, I thought I'd post about why I'll be taking a break from blogging.

Last month I went in for a mammogram, and a few days later I got "the call." It was definitely not one I expected. No one in my family has ever had breast cancer, so I thought I was immune. Shows how wrong I was. Several additional tests confirmed the diagnosis.

Last week I had my first chemo treatment, and it threw me for a loop. I'm not going to go into all the details of my treatment plan, but I've quickly learned that Cancer and Chemo aren't for Sissies!

I've found peace and comfort from family and friends and church members who are providing physical and moral sustenance and praying for me every day.  I'm also encouraged by the kindness of strangers who are including me in their prayers. Every kindness and prayer I've received has been a grace-filled blessing.

Today was a rough day, but this evening I'm feeling strong enough to blog. I'm not posting this for pity so please don't feel like you have to leave a comment, but if you're inclined to prayer, that would be a welcome gift!

I hope to get back to writing and blogging from time to time when I'm feeling better and beat this beast!

14 comments:

  1. Donna--I will certainly keep you in my prayers. (And you know about prayers that are said in Irish churches... They have extra strong powers.)

    I once heard a woman with breast cancer talk about how the movie "Kill Bill" fit into her survival. She watched that movie (apparently over and over) and imagined that "Bill" or whoever was being stalked/killed was her cancer. She became more fierce in her battle... and won.

    I'm not saying you have to choose a Tarantino movie (or whoever was responsible for "Kill Bill")... Perhaps you could think of a different one?

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  2. Oh, Donna, sending love and prayers for healing your way with (((hugs))). You're a brave and strong woman; I have faith that all will be well. One of my sister's had breast cancer almost thirty years ago--she was the first and only one in my family as far back as we know. She's in her mid-seventies now and still going strong.

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  3. I am so sorry to hear this! I will send prayers and positive thoughts your way. Please take care!

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  4. I'm keeping you in my prayers and sending warm, fuzzy vibes as well.

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  5. Hang in there! My mom had it, drove herself 60 miles round-trip to radiation for a while, and beat it. You are in my thoughts.

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  6. Oh Donna. That was not good news at all. I am so sorry. Please know that I WILL be praying for you and hoping for the very, very best. Hugs. Susan

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  7. Donna, as you know, I continue to send prayers and love. You got this!

    Pat
    www.patwahler.com

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  8. You know I am with you...praying for easy chemo.

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  9. DONNA, you are in my daily prayers.

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  10. Donna, you have such a dear heart and ferocious spirit - in the best, strongest way! Beat the Beast! God has you in the palm of his hand, and we have your back.

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  11. Donna, I'm so sorry to hear this. You are in my prayers.

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  12. Thanks to everyone for your kind words of encouragement and prayers.

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  13. Donna, prayers going up for you and your family. My favorite Bible verse is Philippians 4:6. Don't worry about anything, pray about everything. You got this, and so does God!

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  14. Donna: I just saw on Facebook so came here to see if there was more news. First good for you for getting a mammogram and for sharing your journey. I feel like things are much less scary when we share them with others. Second: you are in my thoughts. You will always be dear to me even though we don't get to spend much time together any more. Hugs to you, Walt, and the kids.

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