A Little Piece of Sunshine: Promoting the Positive

My mom – the fighter

Darlene Owen – my beautiful mom

There will be times in your life when you must face unwelcome challenges…moments when you realize what lies ahead and it just takes your breath away. My mom recently faced such a moment when she was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer this past December.

It’s amazing how resilient the human spirit can be. Upon hearing this news, we were all in quite a state of shock and disbelief. How could this happen to our beautiful mother? How is she possibly going to get through the next year of intense treatment? My mom, and all of us really, have been understandably very emotional during the past few weeks. We were devastated. Then, something amazing happened. My mom’s beautiful, positive, strong spirit emerged. She will not let cancer define her. She is going to fight.

Yes, she has a rough year or so ahead of her. Mom started her first round of chemotherapy today. Three separate chemo drugs were introduced into her body. The drugs are now coursing through her veins ready to kill all of the bad (and unfortunately, many of the good) cells in her body. This treatment will cause her hair to fall out quickly. It will cause extreme tiredness and possible nausea. It will make her body very weak. But, it is a necessary evil, because it will also (hopefully) shrink the 9 x 7.5 cm tumor that has invaded her breast. Yes, those are some of the things that breast cancer will do to my mom.

More importantly, here are the things that breast cancer will not do. Breast cancer will not diminish Mom’s positive outlook on life and her cheerful, easy-going demeanor. It will not shake her faith and belief in God, as these are the very things that will help her get through this. Breast cancer will never stop her laughter or wipe away her smile. It will not destroy her courage or fighting spirit. Breast cancer will not prevail.

But, it will change her. It will change us too. But, I believe most of the changes will be positive. We will be careful to not take anything for granted, allowing us to fully appreciate our lives and loved ones. We will have a renewed faith in God, as we are lifted in prayer by our family and friends. Our outlook on life and positive attitudes will undoubtedly be strengthened, as we look for ways to make this journey easier for my mom. Our relationships will be stronger and we will become even closer. Watching my mom go through treatment will be a constant reminder of the fragility of life, so we will spend more time with our loved ones. We will become more patient and kind, forgetting about petty, insignificant things. We will take notice of life and not let opportunities pass us by. We will free ourselves from worry, as we realize that it will do nothing to influence the outcome of our circumstances.

A life-altering diagnosis really makes you realize what’s important in life. My family is a very positive, close-knit group. Mom’s breast cancer will only serve to strengthen this bond and bring us even closer. We will use humor, as we always have, to help us get through the difficult times.

Mom’s diagnosis is also a reminder of the importance of early detection. Ladies, please get your mammograms and encourage loved ones to do the same. Be vigilant about self-breast exams and report anything suspicious to your doctor.

My mom is a strong woman. She always has been. She will face this challenge head-on. She will draw strength from her family and friends as she begins this battle. She will emerge from this stronger than every before, physically and emotionally. My mom is a fighter.

I love you Mom!

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/darleneowen