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as told by Sue Fox
 When last year’s Stayin’ in the Pink letter came in the mail, it was the push I needed to schedule a mammogram. I was excited at the possibility of winning one of the prizes. I had discovered a lump in my left breast a few months earlier, but my doctor did not seem too concerned about it because I have had lumps before. I made my appointment for what I thought was going to be a routine mammogram. I ended up having not only a mammogram, but also ultrasound, which led to a biopsy and the life-changing news that I had cancer. Never in my life did I think that I would be diagnosed with breast cancer. I was in shock!
This was the beginning of my cancer journey. I needed a mastectomy because my tumor was so large. During surgery, they discovered I had invasive cells and my lymph nodes were involved, so both chemotherapy and radiation were recommended. I did not have time for any of this. My son had just become engaged and was planning a fall wedding. I was to go on a mission trip to New York during
my 50th birthday. My daughter was going to be a senior in the fall, and I wanted to be the best sports mom I could. It seemed God had other plans for me.
With the help of many caring and dedicated people, I was able to accomplish everything I had planned. My last radiation treatment was two days before my son’s wedding.
I believe everything happens for a purpose, and receiving the letter that prompted me to schedule my mammogram when I did has made me realize how important it is to take better care of my health. One of God’s greatest blessings is good health, and not until it was temporarily taken away did I realize what a gift it is. I had prayed that I would have the opportunity to help encourage others to get a
routine mammogram and, if needed, help them on their journey. That’s why I agreed to share my story. And if even one woman has a mammogram she might not have had without reading this message, then I will have fulfilled my mission.
God allowed me to survive breast cancer. I don’t look at life the same anymore. I look at each day as a blessing and am thankful for it.
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