Lacing Up
Tomorrow morning, I will be running in the Komen 5K Breast Cancer Race For The Cure.
There are several of us going from the Health & Athletic Center (that's where I work, that's my weight room). I have a very special interest in this race as I was diagnosed with breast cancer about 8 years ago. I discovered the lump myself. I was very sore and thought that the lump was from working chest muscles harder and differently after attending a Group Exercise convention just a few days earlier.
After seeing all of the doctors, I got the diagnosis--Stage I in the ducts, cancer. I elected to have a bilateral masectomy, chemo, (no radiation) and no other oral drugs. It was one of the hardest periods of my life, but one of the most rewarding. It brought me to a place of contentment and trust in my Heavenly Father, as nothing else ever has or probably will. I remember praying that God would send me encouragement "every day", so that I could make it through the ordeal. And that's exactly what He did. Letters, flowers, meals brought in, phone calls, acts of kindness--some from people that I didn't even know, sustained and uplifted me in an unexplainable--you had to be there sort of way. I am so thankful and grateful that God has given me 8 years and still counting, since the diagnosis. I cherish and celebrate every birthday--never complaining about getting older, because I know about the alternative (I've danced at that door and it is sobering and real.) I will polish off my running shoes, dress warm (with layers), and eat a little cereal with milk before I go. I am not planning on winning the race, but I hope to finish in under 30 minutes (a 5K is about 3.1 miles). I'll report back tomorrow.
There are several of us going from the Health & Athletic Center (that's where I work, that's my weight room). I have a very special interest in this race as I was diagnosed with breast cancer about 8 years ago. I discovered the lump myself. I was very sore and thought that the lump was from working chest muscles harder and differently after attending a Group Exercise convention just a few days earlier.
After seeing all of the doctors, I got the diagnosis--Stage I in the ducts, cancer. I elected to have a bilateral masectomy, chemo, (no radiation) and no other oral drugs. It was one of the hardest periods of my life, but one of the most rewarding. It brought me to a place of contentment and trust in my Heavenly Father, as nothing else ever has or probably will. I remember praying that God would send me encouragement "every day", so that I could make it through the ordeal. And that's exactly what He did. Letters, flowers, meals brought in, phone calls, acts of kindness--some from people that I didn't even know, sustained and uplifted me in an unexplainable--you had to be there sort of way. I am so thankful and grateful that God has given me 8 years and still counting, since the diagnosis. I cherish and celebrate every birthday--never complaining about getting older, because I know about the alternative (I've danced at that door and it is sobering and real.) I will polish off my running shoes, dress warm (with layers), and eat a little cereal with milk before I go. I am not planning on winning the race, but I hope to finish in under 30 minutes (a 5K is about 3.1 miles). I'll report back tomorrow.
posted by Joyce at 9:11 PM
2 Comments:
Wow, Joyce! I didn't know this. God is so merciful and good. I hope the race went well for you! I have 3 close relatives who have been affected by breast cancer (2 aunts and grandmother). It's a subject near and dear to my heart.
Don't know if you'll still get this comment on a previous blog but I'm going to give it a try!
I was one of those that prayed for you during your breast cancer battle and recovery. I LOVE your positive attitude! I was in JOY at the time and looked for you every week, just to see your smile = )
I have your blog on my daily reading list now so I have to see your smiling face in my mind but I'm SO glad that I can keep up with you! We moved to Houston last July so I can't look for you at church anymore. We may have been introduced once but I'm sure you wouldn't remember me.
Any-hoo...I'm a fellow runner and REALLY enjoy hearing about that aspect of your life...I ran the 13.1k in Dorothy's Dash one year and paced a friend in the 5k the next so I have 2 long sleeved race shirts that I wear all the time and relive those memories. Glad you were able to participate too!
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