{ Fabulous Feature Friday: the butterfly }

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This weeks feature Friday is from Joanie over at This, and That, and Then Some...... whose blog I have been following for a little while now. She is a pinky-postitive-happy 2 year Breast Cancer Survivor! Her Friday fav's are the best to read. Just recently I saw this post about her cancer story on her blog and thought it was the perfect thing to share with you all. So, here is her story:

Just when the caterpillar thought life was over..
it became a butterfly....

PreCancer Girl.... I was a healthy, happy wife and mom. I had a busy, hectic and very wonderful life. I was planning my daughter's graduation party, dorm shopping, attending banquets, regattas, and travelling with my younger daughter for her horse shows...
Wow...This is harder than I thought. My cancer journey began when I found a rock hard lump in my breast. Ok, I have had lumps before...they come and go, but this one felt very different. I was due for my annual check-up in 4weeks so I WAITED until then to ask about it. It didn't hurt and there is no cancer in my family history so it would probably just go away in a few days. My Dr. immediately.... that day, sent me for a mammogram..which I have had faithfully for the past 13 years. My mammogram came back all clear but there was still something there...so I had an ultrasound. I could tell by the silence in the room that it was not good. The radiologist told me it had to be removed. I was in shock. I have never had surgery before. I had 2 babies but never stayed in a hospital for anything before..

Cancer Girl.....It was June 29, 2006.... Funny how every cancer patient remembers the day they were diagnosed. It was my husband's birthday, 3 days after I dropped my daughter off for her Freshman year at college, and my younger daughter was getting ready to start high school in the Fall. After many difficult decisions and a whirlwind of appointments, my whole life changed. I had a very aggressive form of Cancer..a fast growing HER2 positive Stage 2. Only 25% of women get this form of cancer. I have had 8 surgeries, 6 rounds of Chemotherapy, and 18 Herceptin Infusions. and I lost count of the # of Dr. visits and shots...... A total of 2 years of my life from the initial diagnosis to the final......... see you in 6 months conversation.

Post Cancer Girl....I am a 2 year Breast Cancer Survivor! I am feeling like my old self only with a new appreciation of what is really important in life. Cancer gave me a gift....Wisdom. Cancer in many ways has been a blessing. It taught me to LIVE my life with a new perspective. I welcome birthdays...I am just so happy to still be here. Sure, every once in awhile I get a pain or an ache and panic will rush back in my mind.. but I am enjoying every minute of every day and I am surrounded by the people that mean the most to me.

Warrior Woman... I now have a voice to help other women who are unfortunately in their own cancer journey. Breast Cancer Awareness and Early Detection can save your life. Cancer is no longer a death sentence as so many wonderful drugs are now available. I am about to walk my second 3 day 60 mile Breast Cancer Walk. 20 miles a day for 3 days thru the beautiful city of St. Pete Florida. This is truly a life changing and inspiring journey of hope. This is my way of celebrating my survival...I walk for those who cannot. I am walking in hopes that my daughters will never have to...I want a cure!

Joanie recently finished her 3 day 60 mile Breast Cancer Walk for the Susan G. Komen foundation. To see pictures of her trek and to read more about her and her beautiful family visit her blog site here.

Thank you Joanie for letting me share your story! Keep up your fight!