- We were bee-bopping along until July when my twin sister, Jill, found out she tested positive for the rare BRCA gene mutation. I was tested in late-July and in the middle of August found out that I, too, had the mutation.
- In September, my family and I made the decision that it was time to take care of business: I had a complete hysterectomy. It was the easiest difficult decision I've had to make. Sometimes I still get sad that Mason won't have a sibling, but I also remind myself that the reason why I did the surgery was so I can be around a long time to serve my family.
- A month after my hysterectomy (mid-October), I completed my preventative surgeries by having what was supposed to be a prophylactic bilateral mastectomy. The surgery was extremely painful... Even more painful was the phone call I received on Friday, Oct. 17th telling me that they had found cancer. I endured countless sleepless nights and tears wondering if I was doing the right thing... I endured painful surgeries and decisions in order to prevent cancer ~ yet it got me anyway. I was devastated. My family was devastated.
So, yeah, not an easy 2014 to say the least... But I feel more blessed than ever.
- In early July, we took a vacation with the entire Moss/Snyder family. It was a week filled with sunshine, sand and family. Memories made that we will never forget!
- My sister taking the BRCA test saved my life. My positive BRCA status saved my life. We would have never been able to afford the surgeries on our own, and I wouldn't have pursued them without being BRCA+. My BRCA status meant that insurance would cover a good portion of my procedures. It meant that despite having a clean mammogram, I was able to push through and have the mastectomy my gut told me I needed to do. I've learned to trust in my instincts, at any cost.
- I've learned that I have an amazing husband. I always knew Richard was amazing, but this year he has been my rock. My marriage has grown and strengthened. My love for him cannot be explained. We vowed through sickness and in health, but we never imagined we would be tested like this.
- I've learned to enjoy normal. During my months of treatment, normal days are often few and far between. Normal days are a huge gift. I pray I don't fall back into old habits of taking normal days for granted. Each day truly is a gift.
- My 'village' of friends are the cream of the crop. They anticipate needs before I am able to speak them. They pray for me and with me. They listen when I am crying and cursing this journey. They don't judge. They just sit beside me and accept me exactly where I am without one ounce of judgement.
- My family, both immediate and extended family, have my back no matter what. All of them have dropped what they are doing to assist in anyway possible. Especially my mom. She's comes up during my chemo weeks to help with Mason and the house. Truth be told, I don't really need her to help with those things too much, but I do need her presence. I am so grateful for the quality time we have gotten to spend together.
- Our faith has grown exponentially. Honestly, my faith has been growing all year though out 2014, thanks to an amazing group of ladies group I am part of. At the time, I had no idea that God was preparing me for this trial. I've learned He always provides us with what we need. He knew I would be facing a trial and He put me in a place to grow spiritually so I was prepared.
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| New Year's Eve 2014 |
Feeling blessed and looking forward to 2015. Life is still good, God is still great!
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