Graces Stage 4 Cancer Journey

I have always loved teaching. I found my home in the Rochester City School District and I’ve been working there for 24 years. It hurts not to be able to work now. Now, more than ever the kids need me. I taught preschool for most of these years. Two years ago, I had to go down to substitute teaching due to two unfortunate car accidents that caused severe concussions. I have been a single mom for 7 years (divorced) and have gotten by with our two boys, Tim and Andrew, with the Grace of God and our friends. The boys are my sunshine.

This summer I passed out while pruning a tree in the back yard and went to the ER for a CT Scan. My skull around the sinus area was eroding. They sent me to my doctor for a follow up. The night before my appointment I felt a lump in my breast. The doctor said it was most likely that I had breast cancer that had spread to my brain. I have been diagnosed since with stage 4 hormone receptor positive advanced inflammatory metastatic invasive carcinoma breast cancer that has migrated to the left shoulder, spine, skull, hip and liver. I take oral chemo; estrogen blocker and I have completed 10 days of radiation to the brain (skull). I am blessed to have cancer in 2021, when prognosis and side effects are not as bad as they were many years ago.

This cancer can be treated and slow down but not cured. There will be no surgery so that the oral chemo could be started immediately. The medicine is intended to slow down the growth of current cancer affected areas and hopefully prevent it from moving to other areas, especially organs. These medications will be needed the rest of my life.

I knew from the time of diagnosis that God would show up in a great way and all the glory would go to Him. He has carried me through this, and I know He will continue to carry me. He has shown up in great ways, appointments that should take a month or more to get in, He got me in quickly. Praise His Holy Name- He always has been, is and will always be there for me. My relationship with God has grown exponentially since my diagnosis. I had heard that Jesus is like a Bridegroom and that is how he has changed my life. I love Him as if He were my Bridegroom, my love for Him is deeper than ever. At times I can feel Him by my side. As I write this, I’m listening to some Christian music, and I must stop and raise my arms to Him in praise and worship. God is my Way Maker- here’s a verse from the song that speaks to my heart…

Way Maker Paul McClure

Way Maker, miracle worker

Promise keeper

That is who you are, that is who you are

Lift up your hands, he's a Way Maker

Promise keeper, light in the darkness

My God, my God (that is who you are)

Listen to the whole song for a real blessing!

https://youtu.be/nn5G6q7Irnc

I have a lot of friends that have blessed me along the way. This summer, a friend organized help through the community, including the Rotary club. There was a cooler on my front porch that anyone could leave garden fresh produce, including freshly laid eggs! Some families invited me to pick from their garden. The rotary Club sent gift cards for groceries. I re-connected with a high school friend last fall. She moved here to take care of her ailing mother, as it turns out, she is around most days making sure I eat right and getting plenty of rest.

I have started the process to get Social Security Disability Insurance. I’ve been told it’s a long process; I trust God will get me through this too. I’m working with Social Services to get help with food and heat. I’m also working with EYS (Embrace Your Sisters) to get help with other bills. I have a couple other resources I’m looking into.

I am not defeated, all praise to God for carrying me through this. His arms comfort me so I can be there for those that need me. I wear His armor to protect myself from the fiery darts of the enemy.

I just need a little help to keep a roof over my head until I get other resources in place.

Thank you for your attention to this,

Grace