I have two friends who were recently diagnosed with cancer. Both women are like me. They are in their 30s with small children and husbands and jobs and with the previous notion that cancer would not happen to them. But for reasons unknown, it did happen. And now they are both embarking on the journey that began for me almost one year ago.
We are on common ground, in some ways. Our lives are thrown out of balance and we share the same disbelief and fear and worry. We all fight to keep life as normal as possible, while managing appointments and tests and treatments and families and emotions. We question our strength and learn that we can handle more than we ever imagined. We are all survivors.
But our individual paths are different. While one friend has breast cancer like me, our diseases are very different. Our tumors were different sizes and in different locations. Our staging is different. Our treatments are not exactly the same. My other friend, who learned of her diagnosis just two days ago, has renal cancer. She will have her right kidney removed in a few weeks and will find out then what treatment path she will follow.
I am so sad that my friends have to travel this bumpy road. But I am confident they will reach the end of the road safely and with a beautiful perspective on life. I am thankful they are in my life so I can draw from their strength. I am in good company.
Jacki Donaldson
Jane on 9/19/2005 at 5:56 am said:
So often we think we’re the only one facing a difficult road … and then someone else’s heartache hits close to home. Your friends will benefit from your experience and wisdom, Jacki ! Though I don’t know you ladies, I’ll be praying for you. Love, Jane
Renee on 9/19/2005 at 8:21 am said:
I wish someone knew the truth about why so many young women are being diagnosed… are we just fortunate to recognize this disease at such early stages now… or is there some exposure in our environments that didn’t exist 50 years ago?
For certain though, the side affect of all these diagnoses is a community of strong, powerful and determined women. A group with such a impenetrable bond that I “pity-the-fool” who would try to impose upon them!
I pray each of you have the strength, the poise, the support and success that Jacki has!
Love,
Renee
Amy on 9/19/2005 at 7:24 pm said:
Jacki,
You are my inspiration. I pray that I have half the srength, courage, and perseverance you do. We will make it through this and on my one year anniversary of this dreaded diagnosis we will meet at the beach and let our wonderful children play together. We will celebrate our freedom from all of this. Cancer sucks but the changes it has brought to our lives are a blessing-we get to see all the wonderful friends and family that love us without having to die. We truly are the lucky ones. Without breast cancer I wouldn’t have met you-I am blessed.Thank you Jacki!!!!!
Love , Amy
Gay Snyder on 9/24/2005 at 8:13 pm said:
Hi Jacki – have been thinking about you and praying for you. I know your friends who have been diagnosed with cancer will learn so much from you, and you will be such an inspiration for them. Good luck on your walk in October – you will do a great job!! Take care of yourself and know I am always thinking about you. Love, Gay (April’s Aunt!)