From Stage 2 breast cancer to Stage 4 incurable metastatic breast cancer—and the life, faith, love and lessons in between.
I was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer. I was frightened, overwhelmed and faced decisions I never expected to make. At that time, I chose not to have chemotherapy. Later, my cancer progressed and I was diagnosed with Stage 4 incurable metastatic breast cancer.
I do not share that choice to tell another woman what she should do. I share it because it is part of my truth.
I live with the consequences of my decisions, but I do not live with regret. What I wish I had understood more deeply was how important it is to ask every question, discuss every fear, understand the benefits and risks of treatment, seek a second opinion when needed, and stay connected to qualified medical care.
My cancer journey affected my mobility profoundly. There were days when I could not simply get up and walk. My world became filled with a bed, walkers, wheelchairs, help from the people I loved, and small goals that once would have seemed ordinary.
Those small steps mattered. Standing. Trying again. Going outside. Accepting help. Learning that progress does not always announce itself dramatically.
My husband became part of this journey in a way neither of us expected. Cancer does not leave a marriage, family or friendship untouched. Support did not mean having the right words. Sometimes it meant being there, pushing the wheelchair, remembering the appointment, listening, praying, or simply staying.
Those words are part of my reality. They are not the only words that describe my life. I am still a wife, a woman of faith, a friend, a person who laughs, loves, rests, worries, hopes and makes plans.
I created Still Here, Still Healing because I wanted another woman to find somewhere soft to land after hearing the word cancer.
Please remember: this is my personal story. It is not medical advice. Your diagnosis, treatment and circumstances are your own, and treatment decisions should be made with qualified healthcare professionals.
Sometimes the next step is enough.
