Support the Fighters/Admire the Survivors/Honor the Taken

It's been a HOT minute since my last entry. In fact two years. With it being the month of October, I felt the need to remind all my lady friends to do their monthly screenings. You see, a few years ago, I too had my own scare. I have talked about before, but thought I would bring to light my own personal experience. I remember doing a self exam and feeling something "off" in my right breast. I had an OB apppintment coming up so I knew that I would make mention of this. Turns out, I didn't have too, because as the doctor who was examinging me, she too felt a lump. The next thing I know, I am being set up for a referral to the Breast Center of Charlotte, NC. I can recall the events of that day very well. My husband went with me to my appointment. We sat in the waiting room for what seemed like forever. I was trying my best to put on a smile and be brave, but I am sure everyone could see through me. Finally the door to the waiting room opens and we hear "Mrs. Welch". Jeremy and I stand up and start to make our way to the door, only to be told that he cannot come with me. You talk about a feeling of complete lonliness and emptiness. From that waiting room I went to another. This waiting room was different. The room felt cold and dark and I could tell the ones who had been there before. There were lockers and other small rooms where I was asked to de-robe and put on a pink hospital gown. I can recall gatching a glimpse of myself in the mirror. Truth is, I was scared and even more, I was worried. After I de-robed, I went back and sat in the waiting room. I started looking around. I wondered how many times those other females had been there? I thought about asking the lady in front of me some questions, but then I thought it best not too. I remember praying as I sat there waiting for an ultrasound. I remember the Holy Spirit coming upon me and the cold chills that rushed through my body, as I began to repeat Jeremiah 29:11. For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you, and not to harm you. Plans to give you a hope and a future. I just kept repeating that verse over and over again. As that verse was on repeat, I hear "you can come with me now." I remember the Ultrasound Tech and how she tried to make conversation with me. I can remember how calm she was. Still that verse kept playing on repeat inside my head. I was trying my best not to look at the screen. Would I even know what to look for? The Ultrasound Tech moved from one breast to the other. Again she remained calm. She then looked at me and stated she would be back with the doctor. Once she left I could feel the tears welling up in my eyes. Dallas...I said...you are going to be okay. God is with you. There was a knock at the door and again enters the Ultrasound Tech and the Doctor. The Doctor begins his examination. He too makes small talk and has a calmness about him. He then looks at me and says that I have very fiberous breasts and while doing the exmination they also found a cluster of what appears to be cysts in my left breast. The Doctor states that I will need to continually monitor both breasts over the next two years and that I am to follow up with scheduled mammograms. Over the course of two years I would have rountine mammograms done at the Breast Center in Huntersville, NC. These appointments were never easy. Mainly because they were nerve racking at the possibility that something could change. I was in my 30's, and although very rare at that age, Breast Cancer could still be a possibility. I remember most appointments ny husband would try his best to be at. He would sit and patiently wait until the mammograms were done. He was my biggest support system. We would go for celebratory dinners and sometimes he would show up with flowers. Anything to make me feel better. I am blessed to call him mine. I turned the BIG 4-0 in May and I guess that means more mammograms to be scheduled. Through this process I learned just how vital self examinations are and even more how precious is this thing called life. You see that's the thing about cancer. All cancers...they don't discriminate. Cancer doesn't care if your young and living your best life. Cancer doesn't care about the color of your skin. It doesn't care that you are married and have kids. If doesn't care that you had your whole life ahead of you. It doesn't care that your child is just an infant, a toddler, an elementary student, a middle schooler or a senior in High School. You don't choose cancer, it unfortunately chooses you. So tonight I want to support those who are fighting. I choose to admire the survivors and I choose to honor all those who have been taken by this horrible disease. YOUR story matters. YOU matter and everyone needs a support system. Today a co-worker came into work saddened by the loss of a young man from her small town community. While I don't know personally know him, I do know this community has been rocked. My facebook timeline has been flooded with many stories and pictures. Tonight I find my heart breaking for his family and friends. I can't pretend to know the amount of pain and heartache they are facing and it's not my place to act like I do. I just ask that if you find it in your heart, that you would please cover this family in prayer. I urge you tonight to make those doctors appointments if something doesn't feel right. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Don't allow cancer to take one more life...to take your life. Find a support system. Be a support system. Support those who are fighting. Admire the Survivors and Honor those who are Taken.