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The following account was graciously shared by Trisha. It was originally posted in the guestbook at "Breast Cancer Support Online". I thought it was so encouraging and uplifting, I wrote and asked Trisha if we could put it on Legacy as well, so that others might be encouraged by these words. She was happy to share it! Thank you Trisha! 
As I kissed my little granddaughters good-bye, I said, “You’re just what the doctor ordered!” With questioning looks on their faces and chuckles in their voices, they asked, “What do you mean, Grandma? The doctor didn’t send us!” I explained that when we’re sick and being treated by a doctor, they often prescribe medications to either help us feel better or make us well. It made me feel so much better to have a visit from my “grand” treasures from Heaven that surely that was just what the doctor  would prescribe for me. They got my drift and nearly swallowed me up with huge bear hugs and the sloppiest of kisses good-bye.
When we have cancer, or some other serious life-threatening illness, we seek treatment hoping for a cure or at least an extension of life as long as possible. Cure or treatment comes in many forms. For me, I need physical, emotional and spiritual attention to work toward wholeness. While a surgeon removed my cancerous breast and lymph nodes and dealt with a poorly healing incision, my oncologist and her staff provided medical treatment including chemotherapy and, now, hormone therapy. Emotional support has been such an important part of my healing process from the time of diagnosis through the chemotherapy months and now as I return to full-time work and “normal” life. (What’s that?) This emotional support has come in various forms. I must say I have felt especially blessed with the overwhelming outpouring of love and concern I have experienced. Living alone, having cancer, and going through chemotherapy is no picnic. I must honestly say, though, I never once felt like I was going through all this “solo.” My family, friends, colleagues and even people I didn’t know have reached out to me in ways that lifted me up and made me feel connected to a bigger family called “community.” Family and friends were “here” for me…some from up to 15 hours away, others from right in my neighborhood. I find words inadequate to describe the value of the love of family and friends during my stint with chemotherapy. Perhaps it would be surprising to some to learn  that with each chemotherapy treatment the oncologist’s staff applied a good dose of compassion and emotional support.
Laughter is, indeed, very good medicine! A sorority sister and great friend for 35 years came to stay with me for a few days after my daughters returned to their homes following my mastectomy. Whenever the two of us are together, in person or on the phone, we ALWAYS enjoy at least one good belly laugh each conversation! My having cancer and giving up a breast did nothing to break our “streak!” Maintaining the ability to appreciate good humor is valuable to both the patient and those around them. We are told that a good laugh releases mood-lifting endorphins in our bodies.  incision. “Grandma, are they going to remove the other one?” I responded, “Well, they might, but it will be later if they do.” With a big smile and twinkling eyes, the 6 year old exclaimed, “Just think, Grandma, if they do, you’ll be just like us!” My gosh, what a thought… I needed that!
 I smile so big inside and out when I recall a dear friend and I standing in my living room as she pulled up her dress, slip and bra to compare her mastectomy scar with mine…as another SHOCKED friend observed. I’m filled with such joy as I reflect on opening my front door to my brother and sister-in-law who had arrived to clean my house for me. Their having not yet seen my BALD head, I had managed to clip my granddaughter’s light blue plastic hair clip on a few remaining strands of hair to break the shock. The three of us stood in the doorway nearly collapsing in laughter. The rest of the morning went well!
When a friend and fellow breast cancer survivor told me that breast cancer and chemotherapy would prove to be a spiritual journey, I found it a bit thought provoking. I FULLY agree with her statement now. As is the case with many major life events, especially life-threatening events, we have choices… of how we will handle them…of what our attitude or mindset will be. We  have the choice of being mad at God or drawing closer to achieve greater understanding of God and experiencing His amazing Grace. For me, the more I study, contemplate and am involved in prayer, the more God fills me with His love. God’s love for me is more powerful than ANYTHING ELSE. God’s love for me is so much more powerful than cancer or chemotherapy.
My pastor and fellow church members surrounded me with hopeful love. Every phone call, personal note or card, each visit, each prayer offered helped to draw me closer to God’s love through their love! Along this journey, I have seen people in a different way, as they have me. Somehow, when something like cancer presents itself, some folks really do seize the moment and open their hearts. People who would ordinarily remain silent, intentionally have said, “Trisha, I love you. I want you to know that.” Without making my way along this journey, I might  not have received those gifts! And now, whether I live two years or thirty years, I carry those in my heart…forever!
The two things that have moved me most in this whole experience both involve prayer. One is that people I don’t even know have been praying for me on a regular basis. Several people from different churches have told me that their church or Sunday school class has been praying for me. That means so very much. A young man from my own church who called regularly during chemotherapy, prayed the most beautiful prayer with me over the phone one night. I will NEVER forget one specific request in his prayer…never. Indeed, there are all types of medicine. Some are tolerated a bit more easily than others. But, for my treatment, I need it all…medical treatment, emotional support and spiritual growth. Praise God from whom ALL blessings flow.
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