REFLECTIONS OF A BREAST CANCER SURVIVOR


My picture for Breast cancer newsletter
WHEN DID YOU BECOME A SURVIVOR?

When I learn about a woman in my church who has been diagnosed with breast cancer, I like to take her two items - a spray of pink roses and a bouquet of pink balloons to welcome her into our ministry. But although the gifts are appreciated, some women have shared they don't feel like a breast cancer survivor just yet. Instead, they feel frightened about their diagnosis, and confused over the dearth of information they're receiving from doctors, friends and loved ones about their diagnoses. Maybe they'll eventually feel like a breast cancer survivor, but for now, they feel overwhelmed.

Their responses caused me to raise a question in this month's reflection: When does a woman actually become a breast cancer survivor? Is it the day she's  diagnosed? Is it after she's gone through her first round of radiation or chemo, or finished her treatment plan? Is it after she's had one or both of her breasts removed? Or is it after she's survived a year of being cancer-free?

Dr. Melanie Bone, MD, PA, offers an insightful article to help answer the question of when survivor status begins, which I am including in this month's reflection.  However you choose to define or redefine yourself as a survivor after reading this article, I'm just glad to know you are here.


Sharing the journey,

Jeaninne

Survivor to Survivor: When did you first define yourself as a breast cancer survivor? Let me hear from you!
NEWS YOU CAN USE


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Please join me in celebrating our January survivors!

DeAndrea Fleming    4 years
Cynthia Nunn             7 years
Niki Rogers                 9 years
Sonja Wilson              4 years




A photo of a woman praying
Prayer Requests


Erica Dunham:  Continued prayer for relief from pain 

Currently in treatment:

Donesia Huff-Young 
Two new survivors at the end of the year


SURVEY FOR SURVIVORS

Please complete the following survey to help ensure we are meeting your needs this year through the breast cancer support group ministry. I appreciate your feedback!



Sisterly,

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Jeaninne

If you know of a survivor who could benefit from my monthly newsletter, have them join my mailing list!



About Jeaninne

Jeaninne is a Christian author, bible-teacher and ten year breast cancer survivor. She writes to empower and inspire others as they seek to live by faith in every aspect of their lives. To learn more about her, visit her at: www.jstokeswritingministries.com

Copyright 2016 Jeaninne Stokes |
jeaninne@jstokeswritingministries.com |www.jstokeswritingministries.com

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