There are three blogs I read regularly — all three written by women with breast cancer. Adriene was diagnosed at about the same time as me, and is recovering from a mastectomy and reconstruction and chemotherapy. Her hair is short and dark now like mine and I follow her progress because it’s similar to mine and because she is a beautiful writer and photographer. Sandee, another woman and mom of three is undergoing chemotherapy regularly to manage breast cancer that has spread to various parts of her body over the span of several years. As chemo takes a toll on her daily life, she continues to fight and to inspire others through her words. And Dori, a mom of two who has been battling breast cancer and its spread, has just welcomed hospice into her home as she has chosen to stop the constant chemotherapy that is robbing her of a quality life. She is brave and courageous and her spirit is powerful and touching and uplifting.
Visiting with these women through their journals is motivating and encouraging. It allows me to find meaning in my own personal struggles and triumphs. It helps me harness the power that cancer has over me and the fear it instills in me. It helps me to live in the moment. To enjoy every moment. To be thankful for every moment.
Thank you Adriene, Sandee, & Dori.
Jacki Donaldson