I don't even know where to start with the news I've just heard -- news that just popped up in front of me in the form of an e-mail while I was sitting at my computer, in the midst of a pretty happy day. The title of the e-mail that entered my in-box read I miss you. It was from my friend Amy in Ohio. Amy and I have never met, have only e-mailed and spoken on the phone, and are fortunate to have found each other as a result of a mutual friend -- Ericha -- who connected us because of our similar breast cancer journeys. Amy and I are both in our 30s, both have a husband and two young children, and both were diagnosed with cancer that had not spread to our lymph nodes. We felt lucky. But the news that Amy shared with me today is not so lucky.Jacki,
I'm sorry it's been so long. I don't know if Ericha filled you in on me -- my cancer is back. I have brain and lung mets. I found out about 2 weeks ago. I am receiving brain radiation and a new chemo. The doc says depending how I do I have 2-12 months. I 'll write more later.
Love, AmyAnd so that is all I know. And it's really all I need to know. It's enough to know that cancer is unpredictable -- despite the statistics that indicated we both had pretty high odds of surviving. It's enough to shatter my hopeful spirit. It's enough to make me wonder if this will happen to me. It's enough to make me truly sad.
Yet in the midst of this news, I will hang on to one thought -- Miracles happen every day.
1. Jacki,
I am not giving up. I will beat this again. Don't you give up yet. I have Luke and Ella and they alone are worth fighting for. Just everyone send me your prayers and positive vibes. Quoting the cancer crusade couple-"Setbacks are a chance to pause and review the lesson of life"
Posted at 4:04PM on Aug 31st 2006 by amy wilson