Today I am writing on a topic from Mama Kat’s Writer’s Workshop. I chose prompt #4.) In an effort to spread awareness, share your (or someone you know/love) breast cancer story.
I was going to write about this subject on the 25th or 26th of this month. But I’ll post it today instead.
Why the 25th or 26th?
Because those two days will forever make me think of my friend Lori. You see, she would be turning 37 on the 25th, however one year ago on the 26th she passed away from Inflammatory Breast Cancer.
It is still so hard for me to type those words. To see them starring back at me, well… sucks!
Things are so different without her here. It’s hard to put it into words. A friend said it best at her visitation: “It’s like a bright light went out in our neighborhood.” That really is the best way to describe it. She was such an amazing, magnetic person. She kept me grounded, even when she was so sick. She would listen to me cry about stupid, menial stuff and somehow always make me feel better (usually laughing along the way).
Last year, I didn’t even realize that she passed away during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. But now?
I see stupid pink crap everywhere… even on pro football players.
I hate it!
It is a constant reminder that she’s not here. Like the world is saying, “Remember me? I’m breast cancer, and I took your best friend. You can’t avoid me because I am everywhere.” It makes me want to scream!!
But then I thank God that He put her in my life, even if it was too short for me.
I thank God that she is no longer suffering.
I thank God that she strengthened my faith in Him. THAT would make her proud!
I know Lori would not want anyone else to have to go through what she went through. So PLEASE listen to your body. IBC is different than other cancers. There is no tradition lump or tumor. It doesn’t show up on mamograms either. Only a biopsy can diagnose it, but by then it is usually in Stage IV – the last stage – of cancer.
Her symptoms were: swollen breast, inverted nipple, redness, and breast pain. She began experiencing these symptoms in early May but wasn’t diagnosed until July. Visit web sites like this one for more information.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Thank you for posting this Jill! You said it perfectly!
Love reading the "Hagler Happenings"!!
Tina Britton
So sorry for you loss, but I'm glad you can see the gift she was to you and all the others.
That breaks my heart. I’m sorry for your loss, it’s never fair to lose our friends in such a way (or well in any way actually). May you be comforted and find peace at this difficult time.