From Christine

To all of my Relief Society sisters:
When I was diagnosed with breast cancer a little over a month ago one of my first thoughts was, "I can't do this." I had just recently been dealing with some other very difficult challenges and I just didn't know how I was going to face one more. I was completely spent both emotionally and physically. And then the Lord started pouring out his love and blessings on me in the form of all of you. I have felt so incredibly strengthened by your outpouring of love and support and know that you have been sent to me by a loving Heavenly Father. You have helped to strengthen my faith so that I could find the strength to face this challenge. Every smile, hug, kind word, uplifting thought, card, meal, house cleaning, and prayer has added to my faith and strength and I now know that I can do this and am not doing it alone. A brief synopsis of what is going on in case not all of you have heard. I found a lump in my left breast that did not show up on a diagnostic mammogram or an MRI. A biopsy, however, was positive. I have already had surgery to remove and test some lymph nodes and they were all clear. Also, some extensive testing was done on the tumor that showed it is really slow growing and has a really low rate of recurrence so I will not need any chemo or radiation. Due to the fact that diagnostic tests failed me, I am having a double mastectomy with reconstruction on Tuesday. Reconstruction will take a few months to totally complete and I will have a couple more minor procedures. The tumor was hormone positive so I may also go on some medication to shut down hormone production until I can have a hysterectomy probably next year. Thank you all in advance for your support and help during my long recovery from surgery. A support party was thrown together for me last week and I know that not all of you found out about it in time to come or were just unable to make it but know that I feel your support. Also, I am planning on a big celebration on the back side of all of this so if you were not able to make this party there is a bigger and better one coming when I am cancer free! I love you all and feel so very blessed to live in this ward and have you all as my Relief Society sisters. Love, Christine M.