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Cheryl Grove
Everyone has a story to share. We all go into crisis mode after diagnosis. Each of us struggles with questions of, “Why me? What is going to happen? Am I going to survive this?” We face denial, and we are anxious to return to the lives we had prior to the unwanted invitation to join the pink ribbon club. Yet, during my year-long breast cancer survivorship, I have been enlightened as to what an amazing gift a day is, how blessed I am to be loved and how beautiful the color pink really is.
I have been a neonatal intensive care nurse for twelve years, and I have been married for twenty-four years to a man I love more now than ever. We have three children, a son and two daughters, who we love and care for unconditionally. Together we ran on a crazy treadmill of working, spending time apart, always with the promise that life would slow down once the children were finished with college. Then I was diagnosed with stage II/III lobular breast cancer on Labor Day weekend, 2008.
Following the biopsies, MRI’s, MUGA scan, port placement, and counseling all in preparation for treatment, chemotherapy was the first road I traveled to recovery. I was so determined to keep my breast. After three lumpectomies the pathology report still showed several scattered tumor cells. I had a mastectomy, and an expander was placed in April 2009. In June, I was finally ready for radiation. Completing 33 radiation treatments was the final step in my medical treatment, an eleven-month journey.
Along this road I have met surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, a psychiatrist, and an anesthesiologist, all of whom I greatly admire. I have been cared for by some of the most remarkable nurses, all of whom have great knowledge and compassion. All of these medical providers have helped to save my life, both physically and mentally.
Each of us had to travel a difficult road towards survival. We have been supported and educated through our crisis. In turn, we now support and educate those starting their journey. I have been given the most amazing love and support from my husband and children. I know I have been present in the thoughts and prayers of my family, friends, and colleagues. I have surrounded myself with great love and humor. I appreciate the beauty of each day, all laughter, and I am in awe of the graciousness of life.
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