The True Meaning of Love

After I was diagnosed with Stage 2 Breast Cancer, I knew my life would change. I had no idea how drastic the changes were going to be. It was hard because you hear different horror stories, in reality; everyone's body is different so the reaction to chemotherapy and radiation will differ. I found this out the hard way. Things that I expected to happen didn't. They had the opposite effect on me. My doctors called me "highly sensitive."

Through everything; surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, my husband was there through it all. It was just him and I on this journey, no one else. He cooked and cleaned, worked and brought me to some of my chemotherapy treatments, all with a supportive attitude. He has helped me out of bed and helped me walk more times than I can possibly count. He has been my rock. On my weak days, there was none of that, he listened patiently and held me when I cried. He always told me I was the strong one as I drew from my inner strength, but he was also a great source of my strength.

It was hard because my mom was dying of Breast Cancer as I was going through my treatments. She passed away January 9, 2012. She had fought the fight for over 20 years. My husband was there through it all, helping hold me up during the toughest part of my life. That is what true love is.

What I learned from it all is this. You have to be pro-active. Get your mammograms done and do your self-exams. I found my lump. The most important thing is that through the years since my mom was diagnosed to when I was, the technology has changed. More and more doctors are on the same page as far as your treatment plan goes.

Attitude is everything. Get out of bed when you don't feel like it, even if it's only a little bit. Your body needs the circulation. Focus on one positive thing or thought every day and carry that thought with you throughout the day. Write in a journal, it helps get all your feelings out.

Cancer patients have such passion for life, and especially for each other. There is a bond; there are tears, but mostly hugs. Some are from complete strangers who have fought that same fight. So, never give up and always lend your support to others. Loving my life! Eight months of treatment done, four more months to go.

In my case my love was my husband. It might be different for you. It could be a family member, a friend, a new friend, etc. But one thing is for sure, they will be in your heart forever. I will make it! So will you! Never give up the fight!