What are my #REASONS2STANDUP? Tonight is the #StandUp2Cancer telecast. According to a live interview today on Facebook with Katie Couric, this is an effort of collaboration among scientist and not one of competition. She was seen with a colon cancer patient and Dr. William Nelson, Director of the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins. This is a night to support and honor all those facing cancer.
I was actually told about this movement from my oldest son soon after my second cancer diagnosis in May of 2014. I have to say I was a bit misty-eyed when I received a text from him asking me if I was following the group on Facebook.
This is my #REASON2STANDUP! Two years ago, we were in doubt if I would ever see his then unborn son, my grandson. Two years ago, I watched my youngest son describe my 2nd diagnosis as a “mind-bending roller coaster ride of emotions”. They had both been through this twelve years previously and it wasn’t any easier going through it as adult men when I was diagnosed the second time. My #REASON2STANDUP is the love and support from my daughter-in-law who joined the ranks of #TeamCoutee to get me through my second diagnosis and move on to my successful Diep flap breast reconstruction.
My #REASON2STANDUP is the unwavering love of my husband who stood by my side through mastectomy and on to breast reconstruction. Watching and supporting your wife through two major surgeries in one year is not for the faint of heart.
My #REASON2STANDUP is the love of family and friends, my parents, sisters, their family and the multitude of friends who lifted me up on my darkest days with flowers, food, phone calls, texts, and an amazing array of beautiful warm gifts. There was the beautiful wrap given to me by my dear friend and fellow breast cancer survivor to keep me warm after my mastectomy. Thank you Susan! I hope you dance! My niece is featured in the photo holding the “Stand Up for Cancer” sign. She was at the World Series last year in New York cheering for our team, the Royals, when I received this photo text from her. My soul mate!!
And finally, my #REASON2STANDUP is what I fondly refer to as my “breast cancer community”, members of the Journey Facebook group. These men and women, who have cried, endured physical and emotional pain, feared the unknown, laughed, joked and sneered in the face of breast cancer are the very community that fuels my work each and every day. I have had the fortune to meet some in person but those I have not seem to be right there in the same room when we get through the good times and bad of breast cancer in this support group.
It’s not easy to have any kind of cancer and not everyone has a #REASON2STANDUP. For those who do not, we stand up for you.
I am grateful for all of those who give me my #REASON2STANDUP!!
I STANDUP2CANCER BECAUSE I AM A 5 YEAR BREAST CANCER SURVIVOR…. PRAISE GOD FOR ALL THE RESEARCH AND TRAILS GOING ON TO FIND A CURE, AND TO ALL WHO DONATE TO MAKE IT A REALITY!! WE CAN DO THIS!!
That is wonderful news that you are a 5 year survivor! Best wishes for continued health!!
#reasons2standup My mother was the strongest woman I knew. She was the rock in a rocky life full of being a single mother of three and trying to scrape by. So much of scraping by she didn’t even know inside cervical cancer was about to affect her and all around her. I remember that last summer with my mom. The sickness took 3 months and it will forever be in my memory. She still had that smile though. She never let us see her cry. I want to stand up to cancer because she didn’t get that chance to see us grow up. I lost her at the age of ten and it’s now been 15 years of missing her. I love and miss you mom!
Amber, I’m so sorry for your loss but what a beautiful tribute to your mom and why you have a #reason2standup!! Thanks for your comment!
I myself is fighting cancer. And I will beat cancer. It will not survive, but I WILL SAY IT’S THE TUFFEST THING I HAVE HAD TO EDURE. AND I WILL SURVIVE
I like your attitude, Patricia! I’m pulling for you all the way!
Last year in May I got the diagnosis,
You have breast cancer. Like many of you my world seemed to stop…
When I could collect my thoughts & emotions, it was not hard to choose radical mass. I had invasive lobular cancer… I was fortunate to b able to try
Reconstruction during mass…
Unfortunately, 72 days later I had only 5% healing…. I was in great pain from my necrosis & infection…. October to remove implants … Dead breast tissue removed… I can now look at my chest
I am thankful my husband has been supportive & accepting….
For now I choose to live without reconstruction… It is a very emotional decision. Prayers for all of you as we fight to win victory over cancer💕
Tammy, I am very sorry you have been through so much. Failed reconstruction is a difficult thing to go through whether it is implants or autologous, using your own tissue, like I did. Let me know if you decide that autologous reconstruction might be a consideration in the future. I can provide excellent resources and plastic surgeons, many of whom have fixed prior failed attempts at reconstruction. Now you need to take time to heal and enjoy your life to its fullest. It is important to do that and there is no rush to make any further decisions because all of the decisions are very emotional. Take care, Tammy, and thanks for your heartfelt comment! ~Terri