Breast Issue

The next 2 Gmail Updates were sent by my mom soon after hearing my diagnosis. Ironically she was just finishing chemotherapy and getting ready for radiation for her own breast cancer at the time. She was the hardest person for me to call. As a mom myself, I had empathy for her pain for me! No one wants to hear their child has cancer wether they are 3 or 39.

I also knew that my mom would be the person that gave me the most hope. She had her first breast cancer at 42. Then had 8 cancer free years and found out she had Ovarian Cancer at age 50. (It is typical if you carry the breast cancer gene to develop ovarian cancer later.) She once again braved through chemo and was cancer free for another 8 years before getting breast cancer in the opposite breast at the age of 58. She braved chemo again and was just finishing up as I called to say I would carry on our family cancer tradition!

She, as well as I, are cancer free again today! She has made it 20 plus years. So it made me not think cancer was a death sentence that I could do this. Her response though was as human as any mother out there. Fear and sadness followed by inspiration. We are all more alike than different.

Gmail Update 3

Tammie,
Your news hit me hard. Dad and I like you were crying most of the night. We prayed that some peace would come over you and have you rested for today. We are here for you Tammie.
Love Mom and Dad

And a bit later...

Tammie,
You will be amazed at how you handle this new challenge. You are much stronger than you will ever have thought and you will be strong not only for yourself for your family. (Bill, Max and Truman and most of yourself YOU!) You have so many dreams keep them alive. Find friends and family to laugh with and cry with. All emotions are Good during this time.
Love Mom

Thank God for moms!