7.18.2019, I took an early morning flight from Atlanta to New Orleans to visit a former employee (and friend) in the hospital. I sat in an oversized green chair next to his hospital bed, listening as he struggled to breathe. My friend had been diagnosed with lung cancer, and had a host of other health challenges. The doctors gave him little hope, and only 6 months to live. I sat quietly - for hours - while he drifted in and out of sleep, and prayed over him. I prayed that my friend would come to know Christ. I prayed that my friend would choose "hope" rather than fill his last days with regrets. I prayed that my friend would live his remaining days knowing our God loved him. "Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from Him. Truly He is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will not be shaken". Little did I know that during that prayer time, my God was preparing my own heart for the journey He would "carry" me through. He was reminding me of hope, faith, and love!
Hours later, I returned to the New Orleans airport for a flight to Los Angeles where I would meet up with my family, and our friends for a weekend adventure. I anticipated a call from the physician that performed my breast biopsy a few days prior, and that call came in before I made it to the security checkpoint. "Mrs. Pace, your biopsy results are back and reflect invasive ductal carcinoma." I'm sorry - what? "Mrs. Pace, you have breast cancer." And, so my journey began....."Where does my hope come from?"
If it were not for notes, I doubt I would recall the next few weeks. A slew of doctor's appointments were scheduled, genetic testing, more testing, treatment and surgical options discussed, and finally decisions made regarding how to best attack the very aggressive triple negative breast cancer...
"Jesus, Take the Wheel". 8.30.2019, I underwent my first surgery, and on 9.26.2019 I had my port placed to prepare for 16 rounds of chemotherapy to include Adriamycin/Cytoxan (aka: the red devil) and Paclitaxel (Taxol). I started chemo on October 11, 2019 and ended February 28, 2020. After a short break, I started 25 rounds of radiation on 4.6.2020 and completed the final session on 5.8.2020. Over the years, I lost count of bone scans, EKGs, and various other tests but to date have completed 6 surgeries. On 7.18.2022, (2 days after the Sisters by Choice 5k), I will celebrate 3 years of "strengthened faith and a closer relationship with my God".
Where does my hope come from? "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit". "Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from Him. Truly He is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will not be shaken."
I'm thankful my God carried me through this season of life. I am thankful, He gave me hope and strengthened my faith. He didn't promise a life without challenges. He promised He would be there during the ups and downs of life, if I trusted Him. Proverbs 3:5-6: Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths".
All proceeds from the Sisters by Choice (SBC) race will go towards helping with the funding of SBCs Mobile Breast Clinic. This mobile breast clinic travels throughout the state of Georgia and provides quality breast care to under-served men and women. Early detection can save lives! Please join me in raising awareness for early detection, including doing monthly breast self-exams, and scheduling regular clinical breast exams and mammograms. Together, we can make a difference! #UnifiStrong
