My life took an unexpected turn when cancer entered the picture. As a young wife of three years and a mother to a beautiful one-year-old girl, the diagnosis was a shock. Cancer, a word that carried so much fear, became my reality. With no family history of the disease that I was aware of, it was something I had never anticipated, yet it quickly became the defining challenge for me and my young family. Our lives transformed, marked by physical, emotional, mental, and financial trials, but amidst these hardships, we also discovered unexpected blessings.
I vividly recall sitting in the doctor’s office after learning I had colon cancer. A crucial decision loomed: would I confront this “C” beast head-on, or succumb to it? My heart knew that fighting was the only path, though I couldn’t fully grasp the magnitude or duration of the battle ahead.
For a year, I underwent chemotherapy, sustained by the unwavering support of my husband, family, and friends, and driven by the needs of my little girl who needed her mom. What was I meant to learn from this ordeal? I discovered that my value as a mother wasn’t tied to having long, thick hair or eyelashes. Story time and cuddly naps were just as precious, even on days when chemo left me feeling terribly ill. Just as I thought the chapter was closed after a year and 52 chemo treatments, cancer resurfaced. This marked the beginning of years of continuous battles. Through more treatments, enduring sickness and exhaustion, my resolve to fight for myself and my family never wavered. I learned a vital lesson: self-pity offered no solace, while maintaining a positive attitude significantly improved my outlook and strength. By focusing on gratitude, I navigated those difficult months and eventually achieved remission, proudly claiming victory over cancer. However, life had more in store.
Having always dreamed of a large family, growing up in one myself, it was devastating to hear from doctors that I wouldn’t be able to have more children. Initially heartbroken and defeated, I remembered my previous victory against cancer and decided not to abandon my dream of a bigger family. Thus began another fight – this time through adoption. We navigated years of adoption agencies, opening our hearts to 15 foster children, loving them as our own for however long they stayed with us. After years of dedication and love, we were blessed with four wonderful sons, expanding our family beyond my dreams and filling our lives with joy.
Then, twenty years after my last chemo treatment, symptoms emerged, leading me back to the doctor’s office with the news that cancer was back. The same type, same location. Call it stubbornness, but my spirit remained unbroken. The question of “why me?” was irrelevant; my focus shifted to “how” I would win this next battle. And win I would. A grueling 17.5-hour surgery revealed uterine cancer as well. Following this, six more months of intense chemotherapy led to yet another victory. A year later, a minor surgery addressed a fifth cancer diagnosis in a lymph node. By this point, I had consciously chosen to find positives in every situation, and avoiding chemo this time was definitely a win!
By then, I felt I had learned all I could from cancer and was ready to move on. But my journey wasn’t over. Six months ago, the words “You have cancer” echoed once more. This time felt different. The physical fight continued, but the emotional and mental toll was significantly heavier. This phase has profoundly deepened my understanding of mental health struggles, fostering immense empathy and love for everyone. I continue to prioritize positivity, finding gratitude in both small and large moments. The unwavering support from my loving family, friends, and community remains my bedrock. I am committed to fighting on, fueled by the abundance of life I still have to live.
Throughout all these battles, I have never been alone. My incredible family has been my constant support, fighting alongside me every step of the way. The communities I’ve been a part of have showered me with love and support in countless ways. I am profoundly grateful for the lessons learned, particularly the importance of service. Having been on the receiving end of so much kindness, I eagerly anticipate the day I can fully reciprocate and pay forward these acts of service, helping others in need. That is my next dream, and I will fight until it becomes reality! In the meantime, my son, serving an LDS mission in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, inspires me daily with his example of service. I am truly blessed to be part of such a caring community that embodies mutual support and has taught me invaluable lessons throughout my trials.
