She's had her share of struggles
As most women do
With days and nights of heartache
 And the trials they all ensue

She's experienced a mother's anguish
As most mothers do
When their children spread their wings
In their search for life anew

And now she's facing her biggest battle
Which attacks one in eight
As she fights the invading foe
That is standing at her gate

But I know she will make it
I know she will make it through the rain
Because her prayers and fighting spirit
Will stay with her until she's strong and healthy again

~ StinaLisa ~
©copyright 2001

This web page is all about cancer - breast cancer to be exact, and one out of eight women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime.  A very special friend of mine is fighting a strong battle against breast cancer, and I believe she is going to win this fight.  My friend Shirlene, is one of the most positive and bravest woman I have ever met, and with her permission, I am going to share a little bit of her battle with you.  She has been keeping me abreast of her struggles by e-mail, and below are a few excerpts:

"At this writing I am doing great!  I have been dizzy and nauseous most of the time since I started taking the chemo treatments, but this last one was on April 12 and boy did I get sick.  I was down in bed for 4 days, but now I feel great.  I have pretty much stopped driving and people from the church have been helping me get to my doctor and treatment appointments.  But this last weekend, I drove myself to church, then on Monday I went to an appointment by myself and then to the grocery store all by myself.  It was great.  I really appreciate everyone who has been helping me, but it is so good to be able to drive myself.

I get my fourth treatment this Thursday and hopefully it won't be as hard as the last one.  I saw the oncologist last week and she is thrilled that the masses have shrunk so much.  She said she could no longer feel the lymph nodes under my arm, and the main mass has definitely shrunk.  In two weeks I will be having the bone scan, brain scan, etc again so we will see just how much it has shrunk and if the spots on the leg bone and in the lung are gone.  Then I guess I will be starting another series of four treatments."

"Wanted to let you know how I'm doing this time.  I finished my last chemo of the first series on May 3, then the next week I had bone scan, chest scan, etc.  I saw the doctor on Wednesday May 23.  She tells me that the spots on my lungs did not show up on the scan, the spot on my left thigh bone is getting smaller and healing, the nodules that were abundant around the breast and in the lymph nodes under my arm did not show up on the scan, and the main mass that was 8 centimeters is now showing to be about 4
centimeters.

She did start me on another series of chemo on Thursday, so I've been yucking the past few days, but feel good about the report.  Have to go to bed and sleep some more.  I seem to be doing a lot of that right after a treatment."

"The Lord has been good to me and I am deeply grateful for His care.  I appreciate all your prayers and thoughts for me.  Take care and remember to give your cares and problems to the Lord.  He really will take care of you.  God bless you and thank you for your prayers.

"Love to all, Shirlene"

I know several women who are fighting or have fought this dreadful enemy, but breast cancer is an enemy that can be defeated if detected early.  I urge each and every one of you to have regularly scheduled checkups, which include mammograms.  Breast cancer can strike at any age.

Thanks!
~ StinaLisa ~

"Life & Inspiration Index"