My Nonprofit Reviews

One and a half years ago, on February 16, 2022, I arrived at the hospital at 5:00 am for my surgery, a double mastectomy, and to continue my journey of being a cancer warrior. It was a journey that had started three months earlier when I heard the doctor say those dreaded words that no one wants to hear: “You have breast cancer.”

The surgery went well, and my recovery was relatively smooth. I had such strong support from my husband, children, and grandchildren. I was grateful that I didn’t need radiation or chemotherapy, but I also knew I would need additional surgery to complete my reconstruction. And, I would have to take those pills that block estrogen production, the ones that so many breast cancer survivors complain about.

Yet, even though I knew my journey was not over, in the weeks following my mastectomy I felt so relieved. I was ready to continue the fight. I felt physically strong enough to do that.

And, I was okay. Until I wasn’t.

I soon discovered that this journey that I was on - the one I never wanted to go on, and had hoped and prayed I would never be on - was way more complicated and difficult than just going to doctors' appointments, having surgery, and taking pills.
Even though I had a great medical team and very strong support from my family and friends, I realized that I also needed something else.

I needed to talk to someone who knew what it was like to live with the ever constant fear of recurrence. I needed to hear from women who were not only survivors, but thrivers. I needed to be able to compare notes about the side effects of medications. I needed the encouragement from women who were on the same journey that I was on. And, I needed to talk to women who would knowingly nod in agreement when someone expressed a worry about a new medical issue.

I basically needed to talk to women who “get it” when it comes to cancer survivorship.

I feel blessed to have found “Each Moment We’re Alive”. Cindy Sheridan Murphy, her board members, and all of the women I have met during our sessions have provided me with the tools and the encouragement to continue this journey. Even though I am hundreds of miles away from where “Each Moment We’re Alive” is based, I enjoy all of the support and friendship the online sessions provide. We laugh, and sometimes cry, and we always know that Cindy and the group will be there for us. I always look forward to the support group meetings, almost as if they were a “vitamin pill” that helps me get through the coming days and weeks.

Most importantly, I leave the sessions inspired by my new found friends; I am in awe of their strength, courage, determination, compassion, and their willingness to help others. I am so grateful to have found “Each Moment We’re Alive” because it has truly helped me to fully live each moment I’m alive.