MAUREEN MORGAN

'I have been at peace with my life, my health'

July 2002, as the doctor, my daughter, my sister, and I sat in front of the mammogram film on a reader seeing a mass the size of an orange, I was diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer, Stage IIIB. Shocked? Surprised? I'd have to say, "Not really." My maternal grandmother, mother, sister, and one brother have been cancer patients. My sister is the only other survivor.

One's life surely changes at the point of diagnosis. When we left the clinic, our heads and hearts reeling, we went directly to the prayer room at church, followed by a stop at the video store to get some comedy movies. Life has not been the same as I once knew it since July '02.

I have endured years of treatment, but have not dwelled on it. I have a life to live, and yes, I have had cancer (twice in these 6 years). One is always mindful and aware of testing on a regular basis. Some results have been most encouraging, others precipitating further testing, surgery, treatment, and a continuous watchful vigil.

Early on in this journey I handed my situation over to God. I have been at peace with my life, my health, my soul. One certainly ends up with an education that wasnít anticipated!

I have been blessed with a precious family, wonderful friends, incredible praying church family at LakeRidge United Methodist Church, and caring doctors, and now a team of caregivers at UMC.

My daughter, Sherry Scherden, son-in-law, Don, and two grandsons, Tyler and Kade, have been my rock. We have prayed together, cried together, and laughed together! I believe that cancer is more difficult on those surrounding the patient than it is on the patient.

Along the way there have been many capable doctors, and I thank them all for their care; but I would be remiss if I didnít specifically mention and credit Dr. Stephen Dalton, my primary care physician, who has been with me every step of the way, for being a guiding light for natural treatments that have helped me through the toxicity of treatments over the course of 6 years.
Throughout life I have always been fully engaged in church, school, music, athletics, civic organizations, and hobbies. Some highly physical activities have been replaced by lower-activity endeavors. One learns to accept it and just adapt.

My work experience the past 4 years, with days and days missed for treatment, has been more than any one person would ever have the right to even ask of an employer, however, the owners at Sanders Funeral Home, where I work as a Family Service Counselor, have been patient, understanding, caring, and most gracious. I salute them and respect them, and thank them for believing in me, and for being completely companionate and sensitive to my situation!

Keeping one's priorities in proper order, remaining positive, and remaining involved in activities that you enjoy, all play an important role in wellness, along of course, with proper diet and rest. It is possible to put all of the pieces in play. My motto has always been, "Just do it!" I intend to keep "doing it!"

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