October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. While the leaves are turning orange, our country is turning pink as a reminder that breast cancer is a killer that affects one in eight women.

I have had my own battle with breast cancer. I simply could not pass up this opportunity to put in a plug for mammograms, since having one saved my life.

On Monday, May 26, 2011, I was just back from a wonderful once-in-a-lifetime-20^th-anniversary-second-honeymoon cruise to Bermuda with my sweetheart. Things at work were quite busy from my being away, and I picked up the phone to cancel my mammogram that was scheduled for the next day. Then something, actually someone—my awesome God, told me not to cancel. I am so glad I did not because it started me on a journey that saved my life.

I was called back in a few days and told that I needed to come back in for another mammogram, which led to an ultrasound and a biopsy. The place in my right breast was hard. There was no liquid for them to extract in the biopsy. Then the news … the next morning they called me and told me I had breast cancer. I think I was as prepared as you can be, I just had a feeling. … you know … God ALWAYS gives us grace for where we are.

My battle began. Double mastectomies, followed by two additional surgeries, and the onset of a chronic painful nerve illness.  Cancer has taken a lot from me and my family, but through it all, God has given us a lot more.

It is true that I don’t have the health I had before cancer (or the body for that matter). I’m not able to do many things I could do before.  Every day my family lives with me living with pain.  Let me tell you, I know that’s no picnic for them.  It’s hard to be Ms. Rosie Sunshine when you are hurting and some days I know I fail miserably at that role.

But what we have gained through the experience is a jolt of reality of how important family is, how important time together is, how fragile life is, and more than anything else a deeper knowledge of God’s love for us, His amazing grace, His tender mercy and His endless provisions.

When we can’t pray, Jesus prays for us.

When it’s hard for us, His yoke is easy.

When our heart is heavy, His burden is light.

Simply said, “When we can’t, He can.”

Here I am over 6 years later, and, Praise God, I am still cancer free! He can, and He did heal me!

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If you haven’t experienced cancer, I pray you never get that bad news.  Because I love you, I have to say this:

-Give yourself monthly breast exams: http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-self-exam

-Pay attention to cancer risks in your family and if you need to have early testing, please do it …

-And if you are due for a mammogram (age 45 under new guidelines, or 40 if you prefer), get it scheduled … then listen to that still soft voice and don’t cancel … it might just save your life!

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Dear Lord: We thank you that cancer starts with a little c, and Christ starts with a Big C. We humbly pray for all those who are fighting cancer. Give them the hope and courage they need each day. Comfort them in their pain and bless them with healing. Strengthen their families, friends, and caregivers. Thank You that by the stripes of Christ, we are healed. Amen

Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you. 1 Peter 5:7

Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits—who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion. Psalm 103:2-4

Have you been affected by cancer? Or has someone you love been affected by cancer? Please share your experiences, thoughts and comments.

Thank you for reading and sharing my blogpost. May God bring comfort and healing from this terrible disease called cancer.