Another One Joins the Survivor's Club!

Today was a very special and long-awaited day. I had the opportunity tonight to finally meet my friend K in person! K has become a very special girlfriend over the past year. I work with her, and she was diagnosed 1 year ago with non-smoker’s Stage 4 lung cancer. Fortunately, it was non-small cell lung cancer, which means there were actual tumors that the doctors could remove from both her spine and her lungs. She has endured not only surgery to remove part of a lung, but many chemo and radiation treatments. Because she lives in Texas, our friendship really developed over email and phone calls as I reached out to her to provide some comfort and support as she was navigating many scary days. We talked about side effects of treatment, which side to have the mediport installed on, the importance of pain management during treatment and recovery, why it’s normal to have good and bad days with regard to physical strength, how to talk with your kids about cancer, how to maintain your marriage as you deal with cancer, and the therapeutic effect of working even on the bad days. We discussed how emotional holidays and anniversaries are after you’ve been diagnosed, products that help dry skin that comes with chemo and radiation, how to reconcile insurance charges, how to get through days when you can’t stop crying, and cravings from chemo.

One of my greatest passions and pleasures is ministering to other women who are facing cancer treatment. It has been such a privilege to come alongside K over the past year and walk through this valley with her. And I’m pleased to tell you that after having finished treatment and completed her first set of scans, she is “NED” – or “No Evidence of Disease.” God is good and we are celebrating her good report!

K happened to be in town for a business event on Capitol Hill, so Gary, the girls and I met her for dinner at the Cheesecake Factory. We had a wonderful time together and it was so fun to finally see her in person, get to know her better, and introduce her to my little family.

K, your friendship is a blessing and I can’t wait until we get to Texas so we can go to Sea World with you and your kids!