6 Years This Week

[Mary Jo]

Dear "Sisters" ~

6 years ago this week (June 24, 2005 - Friday afternoon @ 3:00 p.m.) my ob/gyn called to tell me I had breast cancer. I will never forget that day as long as I live. I was home alone when I received the call and remember how it felt as if my world had been changed forever. I remember feeling as if I'd never laugh or smile again.

After I hung up the phone I sat down on the bed in our spare bedroom. I remember praying and saying to God that if I ever needed Him, it was now. I also asked Him to use whatever it was I would go through for His glory. I remember praying the verse from Romans (8:28 to be exact) often. That verse says "for we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him.". I was sure at that time I was going to die.

Here I am 6 years later.......bilateral mastectomies, 8 cycles of bi-weekly chemo, 1 year of every 3rd week herceptin, 25 radiation treatments AND at my 3 year cancerversary had bilateral DIEP. I am healthy and happier than ever. Yes, my life has been forever changed and yes, God did work it all for good. Not just because I survived (because eventually something will take my life) but because I have learned the truly important things in life. Loving......serving and praising Him. Nothing else matters.

May His Peace be with each of you.

Mary Jo

[krisvell]

MaryJo;
I am so happy for you. You have reason to celebrate and whop it up big! Enjoy,
Hugs,
Kris....

[KDR]

MaryJo,
A happy milestone! Yippee!
Karen

[suzan w]

Great news, Mary Jo, I well remember when you forst came to this board...same time as I did!!! I remember because I love your name!!! My Godmother was named Mary Josephine and we always called her Mary Jo!! 6 years, can you believe it??? I have had so many blessings in my life over the past 6 years it is overwhelming!! I am filled with hope and gratitude. Keep it up and so will I!!! XOX Suzan W

[Elizabethtx]

Another happy story! Keep it up stay positive and thank you for all the joy and hope you bring the rest of us!

[snolan]

Your post is very inspirational. I just pasted my 1st cancerversary and look forward to being able to post many more. Congrats.

[caya]

Congrats to you too Mary Jo on the big # 6
Wishing for many more cancerversaries for you:)

all the best
caya

[Jackie07]

Congratulations! [So we are 'counting' from the diagnosis day! Actually, the day we are informed of the cancer diagnosis. :)]

[BonnieR]

What a wonderful cause for celebration!

[chrisy]

BeAutiflu news. And beautiful perspective

[Jean]

Mary Jo,
Welcome to the 6th year club!
I think most of us felt the same way when we heard the dr. say ..."your biopsey came back positive for breast cancer." Those words are dreaded by every woman.

Hopefully with all the media and press women are more aware to have regular mamograms, be aware of what their breasts should feel like and not ignore any changes.

We have come a long way....
Hugs,
Jean

[Becky]

Dear Mary Jo

Congratulations on 6 years of survivorship! I feel like I know you so well and remember when you first came on the board. I agree with everything you said - life is good.

Go celebrate and enjoy your family.

[Sheila]

Beautifully said Mary Jo......congratulations of the 6 year mark....we certainly know know that not only each year, but each day is a milestone!

[tricia keegan]

Hi Maryjo,

Delighted to share your good news and also to know you, Suzan and I are so closely linked with our dx, it'll be six years for me July 4th and did'nt think I'd make it!!!

Huge congratulations on your very special day !!!!:) xx

[sassy]

Big congrats Mary Jo! We came here about the same time--I have always appreciated your positive and uplifting attitude. Many more years to celebrate!

[Ceesun]

Beautiful and a big congrats to you! Ceesun

[DonnaD]

We celebrate with you Mary Jo! So happy for you.

I think we all remember the time and place when we rec'd the news that changed our lives forever.

Your "sister"
DonnaD

[Marlys]

Dearest Mary Jo,
Us 6 year olds ain't so stupid, are we? Look how well we have survived. And I must give lots of credit to you and your cheerful caring. I love what you have to say and you always seem so upbeat. I, too, believe God has his hand on us and leads us through the righ spots. Here's to the next 6 years!!!!(or more!!!)
Love & hugs,
Marlys

[janieR]

Mary Jo,

I am so very happy for you.

Janie

[Sandra in GA]

Mary Jo,
What a beautifully written post! I am so happy for you and all the others reaching the six year mark this year! Keep up the good works!
Hugs,
Sandra

[ginnyg898]

Mary Jo:

Such an amazing post..congratulations and thanks for giving those of us facing the future after the end of treatment hope :)

[chicagoetc]

Congrats, Mary Jo! This is good news indeed.

Melanie

[Joan M]

Mary Jo,

Congratulations on reaching 6 years! Wishing you many, many more years!

Joan

[7andcounting]

Mary Jo,

Congrats!!!!!! Romans 8:28 sums it all up! Praise God that this pain is not wasted, but used for our good. If we have a proper perspective we would realize we are spoiled that God gives us this chance to wake up and realize what is really important in life.....in light of eternity.

I'm so happy for you!!!

Joyce