My Breast Cancer Journey

I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer (Stage 2) in November 2018.   

I am currently cancer free-after 6 heavy rounds of chemotherapy, a lumpectomy and 38 rounds of radiation.   

I am currently (April 2020) halfway through 14 additional rounds of maintenance chemotherapy.  

2019 to present has been surreal to say the least.  Difficult – Yes….  BUT God met me faithfully at every turn.   

Below is the first Blog Post I wrote after diagnosis.  I have been beyond blessed by family, friends and God every single step of the way and find myself counting it ALL Joy just to live another day and take another breath.

My Pink Path

Life is a funny thing.

But lately I’m not laughing. 

I’ve been completely taken by surprise by this whole breast cancer episode – and certainly it’s not the way I suspected things would go.  

I’ve decided that I am prideful.  And arrogant. Ironically, two things I was proudly never accused of… (ha!)

You see, I remember one of my first responses to my breast cancer diagnosis so vividly and looking back am embarrassed at how far I was from reality.  

I was talking with a close friend and telling her that I was going to be okay – that a little chemo and then a surgery would make things as good as new.    

And then, I remember how strongly I felt it as I said it, I told her that I knew the Lord would use this whole situation for good.  That He always has a good plan and that I knew in my heart that it was going to be for good.   

I told her that I believed He had given me a mission for these few months – to prove Him to others.  To prove that there is joy in the journey (as I’ve written over and over) and that God can create good out of bad and use all things for His purpose.   And I still believe that…. 

You see, I thought I was going to Encourage YOU through this journey.  

But so very quickly, God changed my perspective – as He most often does.   

I thought I would smile my way through and remind you daily that God never leaves. That He never fails.   That there can be purpose in YOUR pain and to look to Him to find fullness and joy on whatever road you’re walking.   

I have walked that and talked that for most of my life – I just knew it was now my opportunity to share it. 

But God . . . 

Those two words came right back at me unexpectedly-   But God has done a different thing.  Something I never expected. 

God has taken my circumstance and BLESSED ME. 
Encouraged ME.  Taught ME.  

Some days I sit almost dumbfounded at how I soak in the love and prayers poured out on my behalf.    People I’ve known for years and some I don’t know at all – all covering me with all they have to give.   

It’s Nothing Short Of Amazing.   

I’ve only been on this trek a couple months and my whole life has been thrown upside down.  Some of the best and worst moments of my life have taken place since November – it’s been a lot to swallow.  

But if I’ve learned anything thus far, I would have to say that it’s the fact the God will not be put in a box with a swift quote or even our best intention.   His plans are so much deeper and always better.

 

 I thought I would shine for Him as I bravely and joyfully walked My Pink Path.  

The truth is He’s carried me down a road too steep and sent an Army to hold me up. 

My heart is full as my legs give way.

Yes, there is joy in the journey.  I still fully believe.   But the walk is sweeter and the burden lightened as I open myself to His plan and His purpose without that preconceived notion that I know where we’re going. I haven’t a clue.  

But I do know I’ve never felt His presence closer as pride gives way to rest. When I am weak ~ He is strong.

So Thank You Friends- I am forever grateful as His Grace and your love and prayers light the way down My Pink Path💕

– Barbi xo

 

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