Breast Cancer Awareness

Breast Cancer Awareness Month
by Angie Ketcham
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  So, I thought it fitting that my story be told today to all those mommas out there (or even those who aren’t mommas).  Very few lives have not been touched with this cancer in one way or another.  My grandma had breast cancer in her early 50s resulting in a mastectomy of her left breast.  I remember as a young child seeing her scarred chest, not old enough to realize just what those lines actually cost her.  We would often play with her silicone replacement that would be sitting on her dresser at night, in total oblivion of the sacrifice she made at the hands of this terrible monster called breast cancer.  I remember precious times, like the way she used to hold me in her arms and rest my head on her breast and sing “Amazing Grace” or another song as if singing in the presence of Jesus himself.  All these thoughts swirled in my mind today as I heard these two words.

Two lumps.  That was the doctor’s report today.  I had come in because there was a sore area on my breast that was causing me concern.  It wasn’t anything unusual, as I consistently have cystic activity that causes discomfort on a monthly basis.  But this time, the discomfort wasn’t going away.  So, I went in today.  The outcome was not what I thought it was going to be.  There were two lumps that need to be checked.  Wow.  So, today my thoughts have been thinking about what this could mean for me.

I couldn’t help but think of the life that has been given through my breasts.  It’s what gave both my babies nourishment the first year of their lives.  It’s where my restless toddler would lay his weary head saying, “Crawl me up, Momma,” as we slid up to his pillow snuggled so close.  It’s where my crying teenage daughter would seek comfort from her first experience with mean girls.  And yet, here I am, faced with the possibility of the loss of something that is a part of who I am. 

So, my journey is just beginning.  I’m praying for a positive report, an unnecessary scare, but I can’t help but be reminded of all you mommas out there that may be struggling with nursing issues (you know who you are) and feeling discouraged today.  Don’t forget to be thankful for the moments you’ve been given to give life to your children.  Enjoy each moment with them, even if it’s not going the way you expected it to.  And don’t forget to perform self-checks each month.  Early detection is the key with breast cancer.  If you notice anything different or uncomfortable, don’t hesitate to get in to your doctor.  It could just save your life.

http://houseofgolds.files.wordpress.com/2013/09/bse2.jpg

Links to other resources:

http://christianinspirational.org/breast-cancer-awareness/

http://www.lumptolaughter.org.

http://www.restministries.org/illness/ill-cancer.htm

Genesis 49:25

by the God of your father who will help you, by the Almighty who will bless you with blessings of heaven above, blessings of the deep that crouches beneath, blessings of the breasts and of the womb.

Proverbs 5:19

a lovely deer, a graceful doe. Let her breasts fill you at all times with delight; be intoxicated always in her love.

Psalm 22:9

Yet you are he who took me from the womb; you made me trust you at my mother's breasts.

Luke 11:27

[ True Blessedness ] As he said these things, a woman in the crowd raised her voice and said to him, “Blessed is the womb that bore you, and the breasts at which you nursed!”