I am a wife, a mother and a grandmother. I am an optimistic person, but realistic at the same time. I am most happy when I am helping others.

I am beginning a new journey today. It is one most of us hope never to travel, but some things just happen. I hope this will be a short journey with a very positive outcome. Today I found out I am on a journey with cancer. The past few days have been a blur of mammograms, more mammograms, and biopsies. Then the phone call saying "malignancy". Suddenly, everything stood still.

I don't know why I am on this journey, but I know I am not alone. I have a wonderful husband, great children, fantastic friends, and faith on my side. I can do this!

Tomorrow is the first appointment with my nurse coordinator. I have the feeling she is going to become my new best friend for awhile.

So to the cancer, I say "look out. You are in for a fight, and I intend to win'!

Cancer update 4/16: I am entering the last two checkups. One more mammogram and one more office visit with the surgeon. If all goes well, I will be considered cancer free! I feel fortunate because I had no chemo, and I decided against the five years of Tamoxifen. I just did not want to put more drugs in my body. I felt it was unnecessary given my cancer was caught early, and I don't regret my decision. So, by the middle of August, this journey should be complete.

If I can stand with you in your journey, encourage or support you in any way, be a sounding board or someone to talk to, please do not hesitate to reach out. I was fortunate to meet others on my journey, so let me be there for you! 💗