Barbara: I was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer 21 years ago. I had the mammograms and yearly exams by my doctor, but it was my own self-examination and recognition of changes that led me to be checked by another doctor. He sent me to a surgeon and a biopsy was immediately ordered. It was a few days later that I got the phone call from the surgeon with the biopsy results. It was cancer. I was alone at the time and totally stunned. I had biopsies previously that had turned out benign and I really thought this would be just another benign condition. My husband came in shortly after the phone call and, after hearing the news, he calmly and quietly assured me in a steadfast, comforting way and was always the constant and supporting person that I needed throughout the long months ahead.

We lived in Austin at the time and I was a teacher in the Round Rock School district. I was out for a time with surgery but returned to teach in a few weeks and continued to teach even through a very rigorous 6 months of chemo. I think the teaching gave me stability and a purpose during this time. A wonderful oncologist, many supportive teaching and church friends, and a loving family were always near-by to help me along. Most of all, turning the situation over to the Lord gave me the strength and peace I needed during these difficult months. I feel so blessed to have survived this many years and have been able to enjoy 10 wonderful grandchildren!

We moved to Levelland 13 years ago after retirement. At my daughter's request, last year I underwent genetic testing at the Joe Arrington Cancer Center and it was determined that I do not carry a breast cancer gene that can be passed on to my children. Shortly after this, it was surprising and painful to learn that our oldest daughter, Jill, was diagnosed with breast cancer, 20 years after my diagnosis.

Jill: August 2007 my life was typical and busy, as an administrator with a new school year beginning and this year our oldest daughter would be a senior. It was an exciting time and we were looking forward to all it would hold. Then the phone call came that made time stand still: "You have breast cancer."

These words were familiar to our family and I must say that I really was not shocked. I think somewhere in my subconscious I almost expected it. I had been faithful for the past 20 years to go for annual checkups and mammograms because of my family history. I remember thinking, "Not now, not as a new school year is just beginning and not Marcy's senior year!" However, I realize there is NEVER a good time to hear the words, "you have cancer."

Throughout my life, God has proven Himself faithful to me and I never doubted He was in control of this situation. I had also watched my Mom walk this path with great faith and strength. She was now 20 years out and such an encouragement to me.

The night of my diagnosis, as I tried to sleep, thoughts and questions flooded my mind. Would my treatment be the same as my Mom's? Had things changed drastically in the last 20 years? As I prayed that night a procedure just popped into my head that gave me such peace and I fell right to sleep, thinking, if only this could be...

The next few weeks were a blur as I was bombarded with simple blood tests to things I donít even want to remember. My husband, Stan, our three teenage girls, my parents, other family members, our church family and countless friends came to my side and encouraged me and prayed for me. I had a team of skilled doctors who gave us all guidance and assurance.

Finally, Stan and I went to the appointment for all the test results. My doctor said she would like to do a new procedure on me that had not been done often and I fit the criteria. She began to describe the very procedure the Lord had shown me as I fell asleep the night of my diagnosis. As she talked we knew it was exactly what we should do. At once, there was an overwhelming sense of peace that only comes from our Heavenly Father.

Now, over a year later, no one would know that I had had cancer, except for my extremely short hair. I feel great and I know that my complete healing has come directly from the Hand of God. I pray that He will allow this cancer experience in my life to be a blessing and help to others going through similar circumstances. I want to encourage others with this from God's Word: "Because of the LORD'S great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Thy faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22-23.

I praise and thank our Mighty God for my healing. I thank Him too for my precious, loving, supportive husband and family, and for my faithful friends along with the wonderful doctors who have worked with me.

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