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I’m a breast cancer survivor.
Many people know this about me. Each October since I began preaching at The Downtown Church, I have found a way to work my story into a sermon. I may still do that. We’ll see. Currently the statistics in the US is that 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer. The American Cancer Society data for 2021 show that about 281,220 new cases of invasive cancer will be diagnosed. About 43,600 women will die from it. About 49,290 new cases of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) will be diagnosed. DCIS was my type of breast cancer.
I was diagnosed in August of 2005 by a routine mammogram. I remember clearly the moment when I was told, “this looks suspicious.” Then, following an ultrasound, “you’ll need to wait for the doctor to talk to you.” Next, the phone call, “you have breast cancer.” Millions of women have had that same experience. It forever changed my life and the life of my family. From then on anyone related to me has to check the box that yes, I have a relative who has had cancer.
Since I had DCIS, my cancer was able to be treated by a lumpectomy, 32 radiation treatments and 5 years of medication. Many, many women have had a much different course of treatment and for some, a much different outcome.
During COVID, many people have delayed routine screenings. It may be past time for you to get that fun colonoscopy or the squeezing mammogram. Don’t wait. Make the appointment today. This month I will wear my pink ribbon necklace. I’ll remember friends and family I have lost to cancer and those currently fighting to become fortunate enough to say, “I am a survivor.” And I’ll pray for the day cancer is no more.
See you Saturday evening at Millsap Farm and Sunday, online or in person,
Lori
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