I retired in August 2015 to care for my ill husband; my priorities were always centered on family and work. Unfortunately, when he passed in January 2016, I received a phone call four days later informing me that I had breast cancer. My world shattered. I thought, “How could this be happening to me? How can I plan a homegoing celebration for my husband and endure cancer? There must be a mistake! This simply could not be happening to me!”
After the initial shock of it all and much prayer, I knew God had a plan. His plan included a special friend named Penny. She introduced me to a surgeon and oncologist at Siteman Cancer Center. My first visits with the doctor were scary. I did not know what to expect. I was frightened and a nervous wreck. During my treatments I discovered that Siteman is one “BIG” happy family. When I cried, there was always someone there to help me dry my tears. When I felt like quitting, there was someone there to give me a hug and encouraging words. When I did not think I could endure another day, there was someone there to reassure me that I could continue the fight and win.
Now I sing because I am cancer free and I sing because I am happy. I sing praises to God, Dr. Hall, Dr. Frith, and the wonderful staff at Siteman Cancer Center. I am a four-year breast cancer survivor with music in my heart and soul.
Thank you for the opportunity to allow me to share my song, my journey, and to show the power of God, the knowledge and skills that God gave to our medical professionals at Siteman.