Kelly, sister survivors Sandy and Kerry
Race For the Cure
Knoxville, TN
Oct 24, 2009
Hello!
I can't believe it has been two weeks since my last post! The picture above is the first of many I hope to have in the coming week from Race for the Cure. It was such a special day and I feel as if I am still glowing from it.
Many of you remember my nurse friend Julie from St Marys. She has set up a breast cancer survivors support group at the hospital. I had the pleasure of sharing my story along with many of the Godinicideces I have experienced at the first meeting.
The list of women facing breast cancer that I have met continues to grow. I met four new ones today at a Look Good Feel Better seminar I attended with my sister survivor friend Sandy. I cannot tell you now how often as I am out and about I see women with bandanas or hats on their heads and I wonder to myself if they are also sister survivors. I am sure they were always there before. The sad truth is my eyes and my heart have truly been opened to them. I pray for about 15 people a day with cancer. Some are breast cancer patients. Others are children who I have come to know with cancer. Each story is different but the heart-tugging emotions are so similar.
I am currently beginning to look into reconstructive surgery. It looks now like the plastic surgeon will take a skin graft from my back (behind my left shoulder) and add a tissue expander. This means I will have to go through stretching on the left just as I did on the right and an additional surgery. I remember several months ago my surgeon telling me not to focus on the number of surgeries but the light at the end of the tunnel. I could see it then and it is even brighter now. I feel like I have my own little light now. I am trying to let it shine brightly in the midst of the darkness that is cancer. Lots of love,
Kerry
You are quite a bright light for us all to see! Hope the upcoming surgery(s) go well! Thanks for the update and know that you're being prayed for! :)
ReplyDeleteKerry,
ReplyDeleteThe walk was a great day! The stories and courage of the survivors are so inspiring.
I wish the reconstructive surgery was easier, but know you will come through it well. I will be glad when you have all the surgeries and doctor's appointments behind you. You are right, Kerry, the light at the end of the tunnel keeps getting closer.
Keep shining, sis!
Take care of yourself, Kerry.
Remember how much we all love you.
Mitzi
Kerry, our Sunday School lesson this past week was taken from the book of James and entitled "Celebrate Your Trials." The lesson contained points such as knowing that God is working in our lives even during difficult trials and being challenged to respond to adversity by exercising faith in God and seeking wisdom from Him. As I studied the lesson, I thougt of you. In fact, I wrote that in the margin of my book last Sunday. What I have seen in your life this past year preaches a most wonderful serman. I, too, see things differently because of you. Thank you, sweet Kerry, for being you. Some are called to share Jesus abroad. Most of us are called to stay home. He gave you the gift of sharing just being you.
ReplyDeleteDear Kerry,
ReplyDeleteYour light is shining brightly in the darkness of cancer :-) So enjoyed walking with you and our extended family in the Race for the Cure.
We will continue to pray for you through the reconstruction surgeries and recovery! I'm amazed at how God is using you to be a light to others. As Mitzi said, "Keep shining, sis" Love you!
Shannon