10/19/2010

She Speaks

This is a repost of today's post on PattiKen and the Muses - Home Away From Home.  I don't normally do this, but this one is important enough to make an exception.

Besides, I'm a proud Mama. ;-)

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You have all read my posts in which I told you about my daughter Lisa and her fight against breast cancer.  She is The Superhero I wrote about.

Today, she speaks for herself.   These are her words.


Mine Is Not To Ask Why

This month, a little more than most, I think about what I have been through, what I have lost, and what I have gained. I never ask, “why me?” I am always grateful it was me. I had my mother’s strength and my father’s stubbornness to get me through it. Someone else may not have been a lucky as I was…am.


October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but for some of us, those like me and our families, every month is breast cancer awareness month.   When you hear those words, “you have cancer,” you are never more aware.   That feeling, the awareness, it never leaves you.

Tonight I sat with my daughter and watched a speech by Kelly Corrigan (breast cancer survivor, author) posted by my mother.  Emily and I held hands and cried together, grateful for what we have gained and all that we are lucky to still have…each other.

Sure, I have been through what some call “Hell,” but I never saw it that way. For me, it was just a journey to get to the other side.  Just one more thing to get past and then move on.  People sometimes say to me, “so-and-so died of cancer.”  My only response can ever be, “I’m not doing that.”



For me, having treatment and getting on with my life was the only choice.  IS the only choice. Surviving is the ONLY choice.

Now, I use my experiences to make others aware of just how a diagnosis of cancer can change your life, even if it’s not you who is diagnosed.   My cancer affected everyone around me: my parents, my husband, my little boys, and my daughter.  Now I spread the word through my writing, my big mouth, and by walking the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer every year and raising money for research and other programs.

Mine is to do.




10 comments:

  1. thank you for being such a survivor and using that voice...that says much about you (and your mom as well, smiles.)

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  2. Powerful, beautiful words from a survivor who's taken no prisoners. Lisa, I'm so glad that you've chosen to use your voice. Thanks for letting us be a small part of your journey.

    Patti... thanks for sharing your amazing daughter with us.

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  3. Wise words. And when it comes to wisdom, it sounds like the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.

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  4. Brian & Ti: Thank you! Yep, lisa has always had a voice and knew how to use it. ;-)

    Janice: Aw, thanks. Hey, Lisa, hear that?

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  5. A tough battle ground to be sure. I ache for those friends who died in my arms with cancer and I rejoice for those who have survived.

    Thanks my dear friend for your strength and voice;one that is seen and heard in Lisa as well.

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  6. Thank you for posting this. Never apologise for it - in fact, make it an annual reposting as it deserves to be read and heard again and again.

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  7. Leslie: I rejoice with you for the survivors in your life. And my heart aches for those who lost the battle. This disease attacks far too many of us. it has to be stopped.

    Janice: Thank you for being so supportive. I really appreciate it, and I know Lisa will too. I feel strongly about this, but she is over-the-top in her commitment.

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  8. Patti, sister, I read your posts. You inspired me to post something for my sister with breast cancer.... I am glad you read my post. You and your daughter give and give and give,
    in all realms, including blogging.
    I hope to aspire to as much
    Dianne

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  9. "No. Try not. Do... or do not. There is no try. ... You have only begun to discover your power." Yoda, Jedi Master.

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  10. Brian, I hope it says good things. ;) And thank you!

    Titanium, like I said... there is no choice. Thanks!

    Janice (and Mom), with regard to the apple; that's true for crazy bits of us too. ;) Seriously though, I am who I am, because of the tree I fell from. Thanks for noticing!

    Moondustwriter, send Mom (Patti) the names of your friends. I will add them to my "I walk for.." for the Avon Walk 2011.

    Jabblog, I totally agree. Post away, Mom.

    Dianne, what can I say? HUGS to you!

    Mxwll, you're a nutball! I love you, big brother!

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Thoughts? I would love to hear from you.