31 Days of Pink: Acceptance

"Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed."

                                                                                                                                 1 Peter 4:12-13

I am a girly girl for sure, and I guess I am just destined to wear pink! When I pledged Phi Mu at the University of Alabama, our colors  were pink and white. When I found out I was having a girl, I went straight for the pink smocked dress. When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I was not so excited about sporting pink, in the beginning days, anyway. Maybe because it meant the diagnosis was true or  probably more that I preferred my drab black, gray, and tan attire every day?  I have to say that now, I proudly wear my color, pink ribbon pin and have the pink lipstick to match!

What changed in the days to follow was that I accepted the diagnosis in my spirit before my mind could comprehend the extent of it. I accepted it in faith that God would absolutely heal me, knowing in my heart and soul, that the acceptance would, absolutely require a process.
So, what that looked like was a double mastectomy seven days after diagnosis, a port placement at two and half weeks, twelve chemo therapy treatments  at three weeks and a year of Herceptin target therapy for HER2 Positive Breast Cancer. What it also looked like was a total life adjustment! Acceptance and Adjustments are my themes this month, for my life as a whole, really, from then until now and hereafter. They are cyclical, happening over and over. Learning to adjust my life, when the unthinkables happen (not just cancer), is all credited to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The truth truly sets you free. "Yes Lord, walking in the way of your truth, we wait eagerly for you, for your name and renown are the desires of our souls." Isaiah 26:8  

Acceptance of what is, 

has been the hardest lesson

 and the greatest freedom.

As I write these next thirty-one days, I want to share what has helped me along the path of survivorship. There are so many ways you can help your friends and family going through this process! I get calls and text all the time asking what the best ways are to minister to cancer patients. It is my prayer that I can provide you with insight, tips and ideas from both a patient and a caregiver perspective! It is time to do this. It has been on my heart for some time now. I also plan to include some of my caringbridge and written journal entries, along the way, that were my greatest life lessons. So, reflecting back and looking ahead!


On Day One, I honor this brave young breast cancer, Rebecca Hall!! As I was about to start the new year and hit that five year mark, I heard about her diagnosis and soon after got a call from her. It was really amazing how the Lord had us connected by her sister, Amanda (sweet friend:)) and also through our jobs. I had called on the doctor's office where she worked while wearing my scarf and probably wearing this same hairdo in her sweet picture! And we texted and called one another, as she too, went through the process. It was hard for me even think about what she had ahead of her (each and every step) but I knew she could do it and she did!!!Praise God for her healing, for this wife and Mommy of two year old, Charlie!! In every picture she always has this beautiful smile! I celebrate your recovery and restoration, Rebecca!

Rebecca is ready to celebrate this October!

Blessings,
Suzanne

"I am the LORD, the God of all mankind. Is there anything too hard for me?" Jeremiah 32:27