In The Pink: Internet Resources

My Story

I am an elementary school librarian, mother of two teen boys and married to a wonderful husband who also happens to be a Combat Engineer. I was raised by my grandparents, my Granny in particular. Some say I look very much like her. I know we favor in a lot of ways, not including looks. My family has always had a history of high blood pressure, high cholesterol and heart disease. Being diagnosed with breast cancer, caught me totally by surprise.

Over the last twelve months I have read a lot of Joel Osteen. One of things he advocates is that when you are challenged, you should find away to help others. Having financial difficulty, mow the lawn for a single mom for free, buy a cup of coffee for a homeless person - that sort of thing. When I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer in November 2010, I wondered just what could I do to help others in the same situation. I'm a librarian, so I don't have the financial resources to help (though I will be participating in efforts to raise funds for research and to provide mammograms for women who might not be able to afford them) and I was at a loss as to how I could help someone else. Then it hit me. Once I shared my diagnosis with others, women - some I barely knew, took the time to share their struggles and successes with breast cancer. Those words of encouragement from women who knew exactly what I am going through meant a great deal.

At first I was hesitant to start this blog (and not because I currently have three other blogs going). I was afraid it would seem as though I was seeking attention. Then I thought, attention is just what this disease and many other diseases need. If I share my story, maybe it will bring comfort to another woman going through the same challenges. Though I'm currently an elementary librarian, I do have fantastic training as a reference librarian. I can share information about research, resources, diets, etc with others and maybe in the process I can do a little good.

I hope you will bear with me on what my doctor assures me is not a speed race, but a marathon. I'd love to hear your thoughts on what you are going through and how I or someone else can help. And know that this blog is not just for those with cancer, but family members as well. Cancer (or any disease for that matter) doesn't hurt just the person who has it, but it is painful for the friends and family as well. This is a fight that is won when we all fight together.

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