Veronica Voison
As we all are aware, life takes us through many journeys. A little over a year ago life took me to a journey that I hoped I would never have had to experience. It all started with a routine yearly checkup and a trip to Terrebonne General Medical Center (TGMC) for a mammogram. Not to worry, I was healthy and feeling great. Well as you can guess by now, the mammogram revealed a suspicious spot that required a visit and further exam with my physician. A second mammogram was ordered and a biopsy was suggested.
That biopsy revealed a positive diagnosis on the right breast. My surgeon then ordered a second biopsy of the right arm lymph nodes. Thank God those results were negative. Tests determined I was at low risk and radiation was suggested.
I have always been a very healthy and strong willed person. Never would I have thought that I would have been dealt this blow. When I first got the call from my physician that my biopsy came back positive, as you can imagine, I felt that sick feeling in the pit of my stomach. The uncertainty of not knowing what I was facing and not knowing the outcome, was probably the most frightening thing I had ever experienced. Afraid also because my sister is a breast cancer survivor. She eventually had a mastectomy of her right breast and lymphandecntomy. She is in her 17th year of recovery. Her journey helped me to find the strength to get through mine.
It has been a little over a year now, and my tests reveal that I am cancer free. This journey has taken me through the worst and best times of my life. I thank my God, my husband, who has stood by my side, and my family and friends for their support and encouragement. I have come to realize just how precious life is. The little things that used to bother me, no longer do. Take one day at a time, love your family and friends with all of your heart and soul, and count your many blessings that God has given to you. I pray that everyone who has gone through this journey be healed and a cure is found to combat this disease. My new motto:
