Happy family, fighting cancer
She has two little girls, a really great boyfriend, a job she loves, and a bunch of loving friends and family.
She also has breast cancer.
Tina is just 33 years old, and she is embarking on the fight of her life.
It all started just two weeks ago, and already, she’s navigating the maze of mammogram, ultrasound, biopsy, MRI, meetings with surgeons, and more. She’s asking lots of questions, shopping for wigs, and figuring out the madness that, sadly, so many women must encounter. The good news: she’s doing it all with a spunky attitude, and a whole lot of support.
Ah, support — it’s what makes her most emotional, she told me.
I understand.
The love and concern that pours out of people is nothing short of overwhelming. In part, I think it’s what helps us survive such a dreaded disease. Writes Tina on her Facebook page:
Just wanted to thank all my friends and family for showing your support with all the pink ribbons and encouraging words. I have such an amazing support system.
The pink ribbons? Her friends are using them as their Facebook profile pictures, and so Tina’s page is like a quilt of pink, nuzzling her and keeping her secure on her journey.
My prediction: Tina is going to be just fine. Even better if we all send our well wishes her way!
Nancy Cook on 8/5/2010 at 3:35 pm said:
Yay Tina! Sending well wishes from a fellow recently diagnosed, experiencing the craziness here in Massachusetts.
Jacki – a dear friend of mine sent me your feature in Coping Magazine about your blog and your cancer journey. I have been blogging since 2005 and since diagnosis started my own blog about the experience. It has been healing for me as it has been for you and for others that you feature here. Here is a link to my blog – please stop by and check it out.
http://nancycancerjourney.blogspot.com/
Bless you for all you are doing in sharing your story and the success stories of others for support and encouragement to all cancer
survivors.
Nancy
Rosies on 8/6/2010 at 1:40 am said:
Hi Tina, thank you for sharing your story. I’m sure you will be fine too. The support of your family and friends is the most important thing. I recently has two cases of cancer and thankfully now in remission. I realised that community support was so important that I got my son to help me build a community website to encourage more discussion and support for cancer sufferers. Feel free to visit and say ‘hi’ or share your story on my site or just watch my videos of my experiences. Again, best wishes to you and your family. If you want to drop by my site, it’s Http://www.rosiescancerfund.com
Regards, Rosie
Liz Guthrie on 8/7/2010 at 12:46 am said:
Hi Tina. I’m so glad you have the support of family and friends. I noticed you have a loving boyfriend too, and wanted to tell you about Wish Upon a Wedding. We are a nonprofit that provides weddings and vow renewals for couples like you facing life threatening illness. You may be interested in our services. Check it out at http://www.wishuponawedding.org Best wishes to you. Liz
Fitz on 8/9/2010 at 1:29 pm said:
Jacki,
You are such an incredible advocate for other women fighting cancer. You make so many feel so much stronger, so much better. I’m always impressed by your consideration and eloquence. Tina – I hope your healing process is quick and painless. My thoughts are with you!
Jacki on 8/9/2010 at 1:31 pm said:
And Fitz, you are such a great cheerleader! Thank you.
Susan Stofira on 8/11/2010 at 7:12 pm said:
Tina is my sister, we are less than 2 years apart in age. I can’t believe that she is going through this but at the same time she is able to show everyone the strength and determination she has within. I want to help her every step of the way even if it’s just sitting in the same room with her not saying a word but being there for her. I have always been drawn to keeping families together because we have strength in numbers. God is also a big part of our family, he is our leader. Best wishes to the other ladies on the same journey as Tina. May God give all of you strength, determination, support and courage. Tina you are my one and only sister and I will do anything in my power to make your journey easier. I love you with all my heart, little sis.
Your big sis,
Susan
Jeanine on 8/11/2010 at 10:55 pm said:
Loved the caption on the picture… happy family, fighting cancer! That is what it is all about. Remembering that we keep going forward everyday and we are mothers wanting things to be normal and happy for our kids. As a 39 yr old survivor, I will be thinking about you Tina.
Check out my new foundation designed to keep family at the core of cancer recovery by providing free retreats for breast cancer patients and their families. We are also in the running for 50K as part of the Pepsi project for the month of September.
Adam on 8/16/2010 at 3:35 am said:
This massage is for Tina, whatever we are going through in life, it will never last so hang in there, you can get some inspiration about how to cope and maybe wish cancer away, I don’t know but you should have a look at stories of people who have get over much worse such as Morris Goodman .
Wish you all the best
Heather Neuweg on 8/24/2010 at 12:59 am said:
I googled breast cancer awareness and found your story. My mom had breast cancer in her thirties as well and is now 55 and has been cancer free for many years. We were even blessed with my littler sister shortly there after. Because Breast Cancer was touched my life as well as many other friends/families, I wanted to share that Scentsy Wickless Candles has come out with a Love Life Hope Breast Cancer Awareness warmer and proceeds to go the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
want to spread awareness while helping another foundation raise money and what better than being able to have a safe wickless candle in return. Warmer is available September 1st, email me or check out my website for more information and lets help spread more PINK AWARENESS!
I wish you and many others well and will keep you all in my thoughts!
goosh on 9/20/2010 at 3:20 pm said:
What an inspiring family. You all are in my prayers!