Susie’s Story

This is important to me and the Everett family. As many of you have been touched by cancer, we have too. I am a breast cancer survivor.

Getting to share with you and hopefully encourage a few gives more meaning and reason for going through this disease.

Every time I share with someone either one on one or in a group, it gives me more strength for my journey.

 

A little about me: I have been married to Dwight for over 40 years. We have two daughters married to our two wonderful sons-in-law, who work in our business. We now have six grandchildren and two Miniature Schnauzers. Our entire family lives in Benton, Arkansas. We are blessed!

 

In 1997, I was rocking along working part time as a nurse and raising two teenage daughters. On a routine self-breast exam, I discovered a small lump that felt like the tip of my fingernail. I just happened to be scheduled for my annual physical.

 

My doctor checked the lump and said I needed an ultrasound. I wasn’t worried – I was reasonably healthy, exercised and ate right, only 40 years old. I had no history of breast cancer in my family – no risk factors – so I thought. I know now being a woman and getting older is a major risk! My doctor sent me to a breast surgeon after the ultrasound. I had a lumpectomy. Waiting on the biopsy results, as many of you know, is a battle against all your anxieties. Recalling a Bible verse, I used to say as a kid when I was afraid of the dark – “What a time I am afraid I will trust in Thee” – helped some. We waited all day for the call. It finally came and the news was cancer.

 

I was surprised! The only people I could think of that had breast cancer were now dead. I stayed up most of that night. Writing, reading and praying. I came to the conclusion that my worst-case scenario wouldn’t be so bad because that would be Heaven. I had a deep peace and thankfulness for Jesus dying the cross from me. Without His death for me, I could not have the peace I felt.

 

Well, I didn’t die. In fact, my doctor called me the poster child for early detection. Doing self-exams and getting mammograms are key. Thanks to the American Cancer Society and Komen Foundation for all of the research and education for now most of us live through this diagnosis!

 

With this first diagnosis I had a lumpectomy and six weeks of radiation.

 

Four years later, with a daughter in college at the University of Arkansas and one in high school, I found another lump in the same breast. Yes, it was cancer. This time, I knew I wasn’t going to die. I did know I wanted to do everything possible to keep it from ever returning. I opted for a double mastectomy with reconstruction and then chemotherapy. There are so many options for treatment.

 

I truly feel each of us is so different and we must come to our own peace, educate ourselves as much as possible, then make the best decision we can for our own treatment.

 

The second time around, the main thing I felt was God’s reassurance that He would never leave me nor forsake me.

 

I have a husband who supported me every step of the way, – including holding the trash can when I was sick from the chemo, to helping drain the drainage tubes – friends who helped, a church family who fed us and a mom and dad who stayed with me. I had a complete circle of support that I will forever be grateful for.

 

Here we all are, and we have all been touched in some way by cancer. You may be a survivor, a friend or an occasional encourager. We are all in this journey to fight against breast cancer!

 

Max Lucado says, ‘Storms are not an option… but fear is!’ To fight or fear, we must have the right focus. When Peter focused on Jesus, he walked on water. When he focused on the store, he started to sink. We are all fighting the fear of cancer but looking at our source of strength. Fighting back through education and research, we have tons of hope!

 

To quote Corrie Ten Boom, Christian author, speaker and holocaust survivor: “When we allow God to use all the experiences of our lives, they become unique and perfect preparation for the work He will give us to do.”

 

Every year, we have made strides against breast cancer! Every year, we have more survivors.

 

We will win this fight!