Silver Linings - a Cancer Survivor's Story

In 2003, I was one of more than 200,000 women diagnosed with breast cancer. This article, however, is not really about that traumatic experience (I'll save that for another time), but, rather, about the blessings I received in the form some wonderful people who provided care and comfort to me at that difficult time:

My chemo nurse, also one of my neighbors, who helped me feel comfortable during my infusions. She brought cookies to my house to celebrate my last treatment.

My next door neighbor's mother, a breast cancer survivor of twenty years, who came to my door to introduce herself and became a living symbol of hope for the future for me.

My 22-year-old son who instructed me to use positive imagery and picture myself doing what I wanted to be doing three years from now at a time when I was afraid I might not be around in three years.

My 19-year-old daughter who stood over my bed after my initial surgery and announced that I looked beautiful. She also went wig shopping with me (and made it fun) and somehow managed to cut off all my hair without crying.

My sister who visited me at my home post-surgery with a manicure kit, in case I was in need of a manicure and unable to do it for myself. She and another sister also joined me for my second chemo treatment which was scheduled on my 45th birthday. We called it a chemo party. We had a lot of laughs, but I'm still convinced it would have been more fun with a little vodka added to that crushed ice drink they make you consume while having your treatments to prevent mouth sores.

A fellow teacher who told me that she had glanced at me when I entered the building on the first day I wore my new wig and wondered who the hot new sub (substitute teacher) was.

Another colleague who put a note in my mailbox on that same day to tell me that my new hairdo was beautiful.

A woman I barely knew, the mother of a child who went to daycare with my young children and herself a breast cancer survivor, who called me out of the blue to talk to me and spent an hour answering my questions.

The secretary at school who arranged for my substitute when I had to miss school. She made sure I had the same substitute each time I was gone to provide consistency for me and my class. My substitute was also a breast cancer survivor who became a great source of support to me.

Well over half of the staff at my school who took turns bringing my family dinner (with enough leftovers for a second meal) every Monday and Wednesday for over two months. When the secretaries first proposed this plan to me, I tried to turn down the offer but was told it wasn't my choice. They were bringing food to my family, and it wasn't up for debate. They just wanted to let me know what days and what time the dinners would arrive.

Friends and family who provided additional meals for us, allowing me to save my energy to concentrate on my family's other needs.

A high school classmate and fellow cancer survivor who helped keep my spirits up through periodic emails.

My co-workers who checked on me many times throughout the workday. When I was having a tough day, I knew it showed without even looking in a mirror. The worse I looked, the more times someone would poke their head into my classroom to ask how I was doing.

My principal who was very understanding and even offered to pray with me.

My superintendent whose his wife had been diagnosed with breast cancer the previous year. She became one of my "bosom" buddies.

The community at large from whom I received over 90 cards and letters wishing me well. I reread them whenever I was feeling discouraged.

A former co-worker now living several hours away from me who informed me that she'd brought my name to her prayer group. People I'd never even met were praying for me!

Another former co-worker, my mentor at my last school district and herself a breast cancer survivor, who provided me with much needed encouragement and even lent me her mastectomy bathing suit and a prosthesis. I hadn't been able to get these items for myself and wanted to enjoy the hotel pool on a much needed weekend get-away with my family.

Last, but certainly not least, my husband who somehow kept me laughing and managed to make me feel attractive through it all. He always had such a wonderful way of assuring me that, no matter what happened, everything would be okay.

These people were the proverbial silver lining during that stormy time in my life. And while I received excellent medical care (at the Mayo Clinic, no less), it is the many kindnesses extended to me for which I will always be most grateful.